We were lucky to catch up with Michelle Cortez gonzales recently and have shared our conversation below.
Michelle , appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
Although I didn’t change from one extreme career path to another, I feel my creative journey is a unique one that leads an avant garde path, where I have experienced the fruitfulness of it later than most. And I regret nothing. Do I wish I had the nurturing and guidance to make wiser decisions? Of, course, but everything I have experienced has led me to this great time in my life and there is no looking back.
I was a young mother and the first generation college graduate, which comes with so much understanding and responsibility. I didn’t have any direction as to what I was doing. I didn’t know how to identify the best career for my strengths or my future. I just knew I needed to obtain a degree to better myself and my family. I made some mistakes along the way, had some breaks within my education, and even considered giving up. The seed that began my career was when my sister in law sat down with me, had a heart to heart and helped me navigate a goal for myself. I have always been resilient and creative, and decided the arts is where I could find my place. I completed my undergraduate degree in my late twenties and though I majored in painting, I didn’t consider being a full time artist as an option at the time. I instead placed my focus in supporting others in art through arts administration and education. I put my daughter through school and made sure she had what she needed before I decided it was time for me to go back to school and obtain my masters degree in painting. Now in my forties, I am wiser, stronger and well equipped to provide professionalism as an artist advocate as well as maintain my own artistic career. That is one great thing about starting my creative career later in my life, I really have nothing to lose. I have explored many different career paths and I am always led to making my own art.
I don’t believe there is any set route someone should take. Life is unexplainable, and things happen that are out of your control sometimes.Looking back, the only thing I would change is allowing myself to be okay with my path and not be so hard on myself. It is okay if you didn’t do this strategic or traditional plan early on in your life. It’s okay if it takes you a couple of tries to find your niche or find your creative outlet later than others. There is always a place for you at the table and if there isn’t, who says you cant create your own table? The first act isn’t your last act.
Michelle , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I live and work in Fort Worth, Texas where I am a practicing artist and arts advocate. I earned my BFA in painting from the University of Texas at Arlington, and an MA and MFA from the University of Dallas. I have taught art through many avenues and continue to look for ways to connect myself with the community. I believe my work is a testament to that. My art process can involve many steps that make it long and laborious, but I enjoy working with my hands and spending time with each piece. I am allowed to reflect on my relationship to the various materials I use, such as old photographs, furniture, fabric and paint. I become part of a history of human interactivity, invisible touches that attach me to something greater and I can recreate a narrative – a shared memory.
I am most proud of my educational opportunities that allowed me to be engaged in creative and meaningful ways with students of all ages. Being creative doesn’t always require a talent. It only requires that one can allow themselves to think freely, and truthfully with no self judgement. Im happy to have been able to represent to students what it means to be true to yourself, take bold leaps and always allow yourself open for learning.
What do you find most rewarding about being creative?
The greatest reward is when someone has a visceral response to the work I am making. I love to hear the varied ways in which my work can be interpreted, but what really drives me is when I can connect with someone on a much deeper and spiritual level. Art is so powerful that way, and I am lucky to be able to open myself and others to that.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
This is a tough and complicated question that is larger than I feel equipped to answer. But one thing is for sure, our major education institutions include degrees in the arts that are well esteemed and also very expensive. But our society doesn’t value these practices as important careers as they are usually viewed and expected to be developed as hobbies. Many artists take on multiple jobs or are left to compete with each other for a handful of contractual teaching positions available. Art is such an important aspect of our livelihoods, a huge part of preserving culture, promoting tourism and raising revenue within cities. Considering how our very existence is impacted and shaped by the arts, it is strange how very little we support and value the creators. I think society will have to change the way in which careers are viewed. Especially because as technology gets better, the job pool is becoming smaller and creativity is something we are all having to tap into in order to make a living. It is always important to support artists by simply participating — like joining a visual art class, donating to the arts, commissioning an artist, or attending an art event. We should always be conscientious on how and who we support. But I think we should also think bigger — What about providing more resources/classes in schools where business is part of the fine arts curriculum or major? Perhaps our cities could develop more sustainable opportunities and positions that allow artist to contribute to a community in more consistent and permanent ways, including contributing funds to public art projects, professional training opportunities, or research.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.michellecgonzales.com
- Instagram: @mcgonzalesart