Life and Work with Elisa Gomez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisa Gomez.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I received my BFA in painting from the University of Utah in 2010 after trying out a few other majors at a few different schools. I realized art was what was making me happy throughout my life, so I changed my major and never looked back. I moved to Austin, TX to start my professional painting career after graduation. After a few years in Austin, I had shown my work a number of times and built relationships to support my practice. In 2016, I bought and retro-fitted a van to live and paint in while traveling the country to prepare for a group show in San Fransisco. My love for the outdoors exploded after that experience and still has an influence on my work today. After living in the van, my partner and I moved to Denver for two years and just recently relocated to Breckenridge to be closer to the things that make us happy. My practice is based on abstracting daily life and nature by using gestures, texture, and color.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road could have been bumpier but was certainly not always smooth. Basing your income and sustainability on a creative life is fulfilling, but challenging, and full of surprises. I’m sure I have many more surprises coming my way. The best advice I can give is to work hard- harder than you think and put your work out there as much as you can, and do not take anything personally. You will hear “no” more than most people do in their daily life, but you will eventually get a “yes” and that means everything. Make your best work no matter what and never stop.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
My work has transformed over the years from completely abstract, to abstracting florals, and even some geometric paintings. Overall my work is an expression of my life, sort of like a visual diary of the places I’ve been, the things I’ve seen, and the life I am living. My paintings are often a direct reflection of my natural surroundings visible through colors and textures. I love to work on large-scaled pieces and have done a handful of murals. My large work sets me apart and is my favorite to work on as it allows me to move with the paint and canvas and explores big ideas. Working with my bare hands to apply paint, create drips, and combining different mediums are all ways I express myself through my work.

Who have you been inspired by?
Joan Mitchell- her paintings move me and are full of life. She was at the forefront of abstract expressionism as a woman and created an inspiring body of work over her lifetime.

Gertrude Stein- beyond her amazing eye for artistic talent, she was herself breaking social boundaries and staying true to herself.

Joan Didion- her writing to me is an incredible art form, she was a strong and honest woman with an incredible life story to share.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.elisagomezart.com
• Email: info@elisagomezart.com
• Instagram: @elisagomezstudio
• Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/ElisaGomezArt/

Image Credit:
Jake Gasaway Photography

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