We were lucky to catch up with Elizabeth Erazo Baez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Elizabeth Erazo, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Nature and my Hispanic heritage are the most meaningful projects for me. I am inspired with every painting to tell their stories. I try to capture those experiences in all of my work. We are overwhelmed by so much negativity. I believe nature gives us hope of renewal. Sharing that experience on canvas of beauty or being in the moment is meaningful to me.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I was born in Brooklyn, New York of Puerto Rican parents. My art is greatly influenced by my Hispanic heritage. As a young girl, my family moved from New York to live in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. During this time, I was awakened by Puerto Rico’s color, people, and most importantly, made my connection to the Puerto Rican culture. My artwork is still impacted from these experiences. My art depicts visual stories of cultural lifestyles and lush tropical views using bright Caribbean colors.

In addition to being a full time artist, I am an art teacher. For over 15 years, I have shared my experience and passion for art with children of all ages. My work experience includes working with photography, graphic design, and group art exhibits. I have curated for Broward College’s annual Hispanic Heritage Group Art Exhibits for 16 years.

In the summer of 2021, I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Art Education, with a minor in Art History at Florida International University. I have received an Associate in Arts, Pathway to a Major in Teaching from Miami Dade College and Associate in Applied Science, in Art and Advertising Design from City Tech, New York.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I love art. I especially love the process of making the painting. When I paint, I can just focus on the texture of paint and creating colors. At that time all my problems can be placed on hold. If I am struggling with a worry, I can temporarily take my mind away from the worry and come back later with a clearer mind. The canvas is a place to put my attention on the subject or the feeling I am trying to express. I enjoy the challenge of fitting the visual elements together. Part of the challenge is deciding where to direct the viewer’s attention from one space to another. I consider a painting is a success when, I know it is the best I can do with my skills set I have at the time. A painting feels complete when it expresses onto canvas what was in my mind to do. That most fulfilling part of creating a painting is the communication with the viewer a shared emotion or the connection to a beloved place. I also enjoy sharing my love of art with children. I enjoy seeing the look of joy on a child’s face when discovering a new medium, or the pride expressed when they finish a work they thought they couldn’t do.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The fact that I am still here, painting, exhibiting and selling my work demonstrates my resilience. I have been painting visual stories of my culture for over 20 years. Being that I had neither funds nor connections to promote my artwork, I had to really push myself to talk with people about it. I have built my art career from the ground and I am still working on it. I am reserved, so public speaking, mingling, networking and sales has always been my greatest challenge. I have done it! I have hosted events, presented as a guest keynote speaker and have been the curator/host of annual Hispanic Heritage group exhibition for 16 years. I have had many roles in my journey in art as artist, curator, art teacher, and most recently illustrator of the children’s book, “Alicia and the Hurricane / Alicia Y El Huracán: A Story of Puerto Rico / Un Cuento De Puerto Rico” by author Lesléa Newman. My body of work celebrates the island of Puerto Rico and of its people. As a woman of color, I seek to represent my culture in my work by painting colorful portraits and telling meaningful stories because I feel like I capture and share its pride. I use my experience to paint visual stories of other cultures and places with the same intention – to be meaningful to the viewer. My passion for art fuels my journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.baezfineart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baezfineart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.e.baez/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-erazo-baez-baezfineart/

Image Credits
Profile photos by Natalie Baez