Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Gonzalez
Hi LIZ, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my journey into art with my grandma in Mexico. She would make handmade tortillas and let me use the dough to create little figures, which sparked a deep love for art in me. My mom, a single mother, sent me to live with my grandparents in Mexico while she worked, and it was there that I discovered my passion for creating. I loved seeing the joy on their faces when I showed them my creations.
When I returned to the US to live with my mom, who was a stranger to me, I felt out of place and struggled to connect with her. The transition was difficult; we couldn’t develop a strong mother-daughter bond, and the neglect and abuse I experienced left me feeling disconnected and undeserving. In this challenging environment, art became my refuge. It was my escape, my form of expression, and a vital part of my survival. Art provided me with opportunities, love, support, and connections that have shaped who I am today.
Alright, 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 journey has been anything but smooth. My home life was a constant upheaval. My mom would occasionally invite me back home, only to kick me out again. During these times, I lived with my older sister and had to take the metro from Kansas City to Independence for school. I moved schools frequently, which made stability hard to come by.
At one point, I moved in with my dad during high school, but this took a toll on my youngest sibling, so I moved back in with my mom to care for her. Despite everything, I couldn’t bear to let my mom face her struggles alone. My personal challenges deepened as I fell into drug abuse. I turned to substances like weed, pills, lean, and alcohol as a way to cope and numb the pain, and I even attempted suicide a few times. I’m grateful now that those attempts were unsuccessful.
During this period, I tried to maintain a façade of normalcy at home, school, and with my dad. My mom would threaten to have my dad deported if I said anything about our situation, so I kept my pain to myself. Her strictness and frequent expulsions from home made me feel disconnected. I often had to sneak out to party with my sister or skip classes to use substances.
My mom’s attempts to be a parent later on felt hollow, as she had previously told me I would never amount to anything. I remember how a teacher, Mrs. Manco, who was like a second mother to me, got in trouble when I lied about being out with her. I wish I had been honest with her about my situation, but I feared involving CPS and further complicating our lives.
I also recall a particularly dark day when suicidal thoughts overwhelmed me. I used lean before school, and Mrs. McGruder, my entrepreneurship teacher, noticed my disorientation. Despite my struggles, I found crucial support and inspiration from teachers like Mrs. McGruder and Keva Gorman, who helped me realize my potential in art. Their support was instrumental in my growth, and though I regret how my past actions affected my relationship with Mrs. Manco, I am grateful for the positive influences that guided me through those difficult times.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m still exploring the full range of my capabilities, but my primary focus is on painting, especially with acrylics. Recently, I ventured into murals, completing my first one in Pilsen, IL over the summer, and I absolutely fell in love with the process.
I’m most recognized for my cultural art, often blending traditional Mexican themes with my own unique style. I also collaborate with a coffee shop in Kansas City, Ollama, to host sip-and-paint events, where I share my passion for art with the community. In addition to painting, I work in photography and digital art, which allows me to express my creativity in various forms. What sets me apart is my dedication to merging cultural heritage with contemporary techniques, creating artwork that resonates on multiple levels.
I’m continually discovering new aspects of my creative abilities. I specialize in acrylic painting, but I’m excited to expand into murals. I had the opportunity to complete my first mural in Pilsen, IL this summer, and it ignited a new passion in me.
One of my notable projects was designing custom shoes for 21 Savage’s manager, Meezy, and creating the cover art for 21 Savage’s single “Immortal.” Although it was a quick sketch, it was a thrilling project. More recently, I had the pleasure of working with the Mexican Cultural Center of DuPage on painting Olmec heads, which you can see in this 3D rendering: link.
I also curated my own show with my friend and co-curator, Charlie Ortiz, at Mattie Rhodes in Kansas City this July, which was an incredible experience. These projects highlight my dedication to blending cultural heritage with innovative artistic expressions, setting me apart in my field.
How do you think about happiness?
You know, as unconventional as it might sound, everything I’ve been through has contributed to my happiness. Those experiences have shaped me into a more empathetic and understanding person, teaching me invaluable lessons. I find joy in simply being alive. Life isn’t perfect all the time, but I feel immense gratitude for the chance to live, create, and connect with others.
I’ve been inspired by a quote lately: “La vida es de color rosa, porque uno le pone color a la vida que uno quiere tener.” This translates to “Life is colorful and vibrant because we choose the colors of the life we want to live.” While the literal translation is “life is pink,” the essence of the quote is about shaping your own life and living it fully, despite not being able to control everything. It’s about embracing what comes and making the most of it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gailborden.info/olmec
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ZELAZNOGZIL
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleveCarneyMuseumofArt/videos/liz-gonzalez-at-olmec-trails/1656691871819681/ and https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=455337210616979
- Other: https://linktr.ee/zelaznogzil
