Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Guzman.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Since the time I could walk: I’ve been drawing and painting. We lived in the District of Columbia until I was seven and moved to Arlington Virginia where I had an urban sprawl upbringing. I studied painting and printmaking at Virginia Commonwealth University which was a wonderful school where I learned by being surrounded by immensely talented artists. For me, being an artist helps me interface with my surroundings and synthesize my emotions. In a lot of ways, my practice is a way of self healing. I have always had a really strong connection to nature and identify with artists who feel that it is the truest cathedral.
Please tell us about your art.
I am among many artists throughout history who have found landscapes inspiring and use this as a means for expressing an internal narrative. My process involves the layering of fabric, printmaking techniques and airbrush; by which I create flamboyant and satirical paintings about our cosmic origins. The syntax for this environment is created by primary figures such as rocks and leaves, supported by the lingering subtext of swirling gradients and vortices. These repeating interstellar bodies are symbolic of growth and collapse: an ongoing theme throughout the work. With a personal search for meaning and understanding at the forefront: I hope to convey comedy despite an underlying spirit of grief.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
I think social media has been a great tool and also our worst enemy. I think it is damaging to visual people to be inadvertently exposed to something you don’t need to see or prematurely view pictures of a show that would impact you more in person. That said, I’ve sold work and been included in group shows through the platform. More people see my work and process and in some ways, that’s been good. It’s a two sided coin. It also creates a false sense of reality which I think most people struggle with, whether you are an artist or not.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I don’t have any upcoming shows. I don’t feel very secure about showing the work in progress right now. What I do suggest is going to Public Pool Gallery, the program and events are incredible if you feel like some seeing some heartfelt work that goes deep (literally).
I have a website, cargocollective.com/lizguzman
Instagram: lizguzmama
I hope to be showing sometime in the future but at the moment I’m in a gestation period. Support national parks, they are the greatest and most important artwork.
Contact Info:
- Website: cargocollective.com/lizguzman
- Phone: 7038614009
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @lizguzmama
Image Credit:
Brennen Perry, Lyric Shen
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