In Conversation with Elisa Gomez

For Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month, we're highlighting the practice of Austin-based artist Elisa Gomez. Interested in the movement of bright, bold colors on canvas, Elisa credits her painting style to the festive traditions of her Hispanic upbringing. Watch the full interview on Instagram, or continue reading below.

Where you are from and where are you currently based?

I’m originally from Salt Lake City Utah, but am currently residing in Austin, Texas.

Describe the kind of work you create - how is it made, what inspires you?

I make bright abstract paintings that are often based on florals or the outdoors, but also like to work in abstracting geometric and figure paintings. I love to use my bare hands for a more unique texture and work in a lot of layers no matter the content. I am inspired by color relationships that occur naturally in the world and the emotions they can evoke when put together.

How long have you been working in this style or with these materials?

I have been painting abstract works for over a decade and was drawn to this style ever since my first year of art school. I was introduced to amazing abstract works, including my professors and have never felt so invigorated and deeply touched by two-dimensional works. It reminds me of the feeling when a piece of music moves you. I have been interested in the expression of self through paint as a material ever since, and how to connect with people through that medium by using colors, texture, and movement.

What is a typical day in your studio?

My studio days have recently changed a bit ever since I had my two month old baby, so I typically get to work in windows of a few hours at at time throughout the day, which is perfect for getting ideas and gestures out onto the canvas, letting it dry, and then revisiting in a little bit. I love to create paintings with no specific end goal, knowing they will evolve as each layer and gesture happens, so having time between the layers helps me to see each painting clearly and not get too attached to any one thing. I also usually have a few paintings happening at any given time so I can move between them while the others sit.

I think my love for a bright, bold, and loud life that I get from my Dad has influenced me not only in my painting style, but my lifestyle which of course, each one feeds the other. I love the movement that gestures and lines create in my practice that comes from my deep love of music, dancing, and celebration that I inherited from my family.

Elisa Gomez

What moments in your process do you enjoy the most?

I most enjoy the moments when a color relationship and texture come together in a moment that then influences the rest of the painting. It's kind of like that “ah-ha” moment, but it's a feeling that I get on each painting that tells me I’m on the right path. Those moments when I start to see what I want the piece to be in the end always end up picking up the momentum as well and often inspire the next painting as well.

What does ‘heritage’ mean to you?

Heritage to me is a complicated mixture of where you come from and what you have taken from those places. Like so many people, I come from two very different backgrounds. My Hispanic side from my Father is full of life, celebration, and love, and I am so grateful for the parts of me that I get from my Dad and his roots. My Grandpa was a musician, and I think it's safe to say most people in my family value music and play or sing in some capacity. Those traditions are the ones that light me up inside and bring me the most joy. I have really fond memories of dancing Folklóriko at our local international festival as a kid, wearing bright colored dresses with my siblings and cousins, and celebrating all the time. I have always been immersed in that part of my heritage and have embraced it as an adult as well.

How do you think about culture and identity in relation to your work?

I think my love for a bright, bold, and loud life that I get from my Dad has influenced me not only in my painting style, but my lifestyle which of course, each one feeds the other. I love the movement that gestures and lines create in my practice that comes from my deep love of music, dancing, and celebration that I inherited from my family.

Feel free to tell us about a specific work.

I most recently dove into a series that explores the fresh and lively tones of chartreuse and the spontaneous energy of Spring. This was strongly influenced by the lush season of Spring here in Texas and the changing stages of life I was experiencing while pregnant.