ABOUT ME -
Name is Lupita Maria González (she, her, ella)
Born & raised in the SF East Bay Area. aquarius, painter, designer, interior design-enthusiast, ceramicist, dog mom, plant lady, charcuterie-making pro, fabulous host, project manager, no time for bs.
My art is very dear to me. It was what got me through the pandemic, it is what helped me discover myself, and then some. It is an outlet to let my creative energy free, it relieves my stress, it passes my time, and I think it's fun. I don't go for perfection, take that elsewhere please. Imperfection is beautiful and speaks to what it's like being human. I am who I am and I am a bit messy and bright and warm and round. And so is my art.
I think my "voice" is still evolving, but I know what I like and what feels right and I know what it feels like to stretch my boundaries and try something new. I don't think there's any rules to art. I don't take my art too seriously, until recently. I was moved by the POR EL PUEBLO: THE LEGACY & INFLUENCE OF MALAQUÍAS MONTOYA exhibition at OMCA. I felt seen in every art piece - through the colors, the sentiments, the people who looked like my people, and the rawness of the gallery's feel. Most importantly, I was moved by the statement "ART HAS TO HAVE MEANING". I can't remember the exact words but I felt so seen as the gallery description outlined how meaningless art pieces of landscapes can be. Art is a gateway for our voice to be shared and heard, and it's a privilege to use it. While I consider myself as someone who does landscape paintings, I began to ask myself "what else do I have in me? do I want to make still-life art and paintings of the West Coast forever?". No, that doesn't sound right. I started to look inward, learn about artists whose art I admired, read, and think about what means to me.
Community means to me. Light and joy and laughter mean a lot to me. Being Mexican means a lot to me. Growing up in a big family, sharing traditions, learning traditions from my mother, and hearing stories about my father's childhood mean a lot to me. Social justice and human rights mean a lot to me. I feel strongly about being your authentic self and standing up for what you believe in. And that's what I want to show with my art. Along with painting the California coast and places I call home, of course. We deserve to do things we enjoy and honor nature, while also sharing art that has meaning.
Hope you enjoy,
LG
5/6/2024