We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kandy G Lopez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kandy G, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

In middle and high school, my teachers were really interested in propelling inner city kids into the art world. They pushed us to compete and apply for scholarships. As a school, we applied to scholastics every year. In high school, I applied to NAACP ACT-SO award (regional) in 2004 and won 1st place in painting, nationally, in 2005 for my 18th birthday. That year my piece was purchased for $500 by my neighbor, I won a laptop and was awarded $2500. It was the most money I have made on my artwork. Following those awards, I received various scholarships for universities throughout the US and won Latino Art Beat in 2006. It was an eye opening experience for me as a young adult.

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.

My name is Kandy G Lopez and I’m a multimedia portrait artist focusing on stories of bipoc individuals. My work ranges from 3″ to 12′, from painting to stained glass to fiber arts. As an Afro-Caribbean 1st generation American, my identity is explored through people of color in this nation and in the Caribbean. I tackle uncomfortable issues to help educate those that avoid these topics. I believe my art is technically mesmerizing. The curiosity in the viewer creates a connection to the person being portrayed. I hope that the stories being showcased creates empathy and vulnerability of not only the artwork but of the viewer.

I’ve been creating art, technically, since I was 12 years old. I realized that I was interested in depicting people by 7th grade, because of the difficulty. My teachers pushed me, technically, with a variety of mediums which you can still see within my variety of mediums, today. I am asked about commissions, but I create work for myself. The individuals I depict are real people. Some are family or friends and others grab my attention on the streets or in parties or art openings. They have swagger, and that’s what I’m interested in – the presence and performance of self. It’s an authentic selection and commissions will end up feeling like a job instead of a creative process.

I’m most proud of being the first to graduate with my bachelors (Business, B.A. and Painting, B.F.A.) and then my masters (M.F.A.). I’m also proud of being a mentor for those that come after me. Educating is one of my gifts and a way I can give back and change the world. It sounds cliche but it’s so true.

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

I think being an artist is an act of resilience and resistance. As a young adult, people constantly ask what you will major in, how will you survive, will you be happy? Art is one of those answers that you hold your breath for the backlash. Becoming your own cheerleader and believing in yourself and your ideas/skills no matter what people say and think, is resilience. Their concerns are just that, theirs. It has nothing to do with your abilities. You know what you can do, and you will do your best. Everything isn’t for everyone. You have to believe that you will succeed. You have to visually see the finish line, even if it’s a dream for someone else. Dreams will become reality for you and then you will have to dream bigger. You will then be the example of what is possible if you prepare yourself. Of course, there will be failures – those are lesson, they are necessary for edits and growth.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Representation

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kandyglopez.com
• Instagram: kandyglopez
• Facebook: kandyglopez
• Linkedin: kandyglopez
• Youtube: kandyglopezart