Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Gonzalez.
Hi Alex, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Great start to the interview and one of the most important questions. I wouldn’t be where I am in my career if it hadn’t start with my older brother Luis, he introduced and encouraged me to draw when we were both very young, I don’t exactly think it was because he saw potential but it was a pass time or at least it was for me having no clue I would be making art as an adult nor did I know what art was. On top of that, I have all my family, friends, and Art Division (nonprofit serving the youth in Mac Arthur 10+ years) to thank and paving a way for me and others to an unknown end, which has brought many opportunities and surprises.
Every year this path becomes more and more broad and complex, a field you think you understood but the more you delve into it the less you know and want to understand.
I can’t leave out my close friend on this one, they kept me going during high school and middle school, I’ll take this moment to thank them and forgive me if you’re reading this and I left you out, but you know I’m thinking of you. I wanna thank my older brother Luis Mateo first foremost, Jason Mendoza, Robert Ortiz, Emmanuel Galvez, Javier Carillo, Dan McCleary, Maria Galicia, Luis Serrano, Fabian Cerejido thank you Art Division, and Shakespeare Center LA, I love and respect you and anyone that I left out.
Thank you Voyage for this opportunity.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not, the best way of a put that is “you’ll have good days and you have not-so-good days” I struggled and still struggle with the technical aspect of my practice, I have days painting is a breeze, and other days it’s annoying and frustrating.
But struggling will come in different shape or form, I try and embrace even the toughest times, it’s not easy, and if it was then everyone would be good at it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m known more for painting whimsical illustrations, it’s also what I specialize in. I create narrative through character building based on real-life people. I went to Los Ángeles Trade Technical College to study 2 years of Sign Painting under Doc Guthrie and Carlos; I specialize in hand-painted signs all different sorts. What I’m most proud of are the shots of take towards opportunities that I didn’t think were for me, the effort was well worth it and rewarding.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Be ambitious with your goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.otiswoods.art
- Instagram: Otiswoods
