Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabel Perez Salazar.
Hi Isabel, 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?
At 7 years old, I began my artistic journey with private painting and drawing classes. Growing up in a family of lawyers and doctors, I diverged from the norm as an artistic child, fueled by creativity and an unconventional outlook on life.
Years later I graduated and pursued my dream career in Fine arts at the Escuela de Artes Visuales Cristobal Rojas, and received a two years scholarship at the Federico Brandt Art Institute.
The curiosity is one of my powerful motors to investigate and create. Learning new techniques help me shaping my works. That’s why I took several extra courses from stained glass to wood carving, molding, drawing , Interior Decorating and Home staging. Being a fine art and mixed media artist allow me to use a Kaleidoscope of techniques that help me transform everyday and usual elements into art pieces and extensions of my imagination and soul.
At the age of 19, I started participating in art shows and competitions. I held membership and board position at AVAP ( Asociacion Venezolana de Artistas Plasticos) and Unesco a.i.a.p. My achievements include receiving mentions, winning Best in Show, 1st place and gaining national and International exposure and recognition.
Upon relocating to Florida more than 20 years ago, I continued my pursuits as an artist and Instructor. After submitting my application for an EB1 visa, I achieved American citizenship years later. Creating a solid career trajectory greatly facilitated my adaptation and allowed me to exhibit my art works in various Museums, National Galleries, airport, Cultural Events and Art in public Spaces
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not, is a path that you build with perseverance and self- confidence. In retrospect, I recognize that my greatest challenge was when I moved to Florida with my kids, having only a basic understanding of English. At that moment I was learning a new language and culture while balancing my responsibilities as a mother an artist. However, I discovered a way to succeed, beginning with volunteering at the Program Meet the Master at Broward County Public Schools and volunteering too with some Artist Guilds, which ultimately led to more art shows and Teaching opportunity at the Coral Springs Museum of Art.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My works showcase vibrant colors and are primarily created using mixed media techniques. My art pieces employ a diverse range of methods, including stitching on canvas, fiber art, wood carving, acrylic painting, golf leaves and more…
I seek to represent my love for landscapes, landmarks and life. The Human-nature relationship and the way I observed the world, combining with the tropical vitality , are central themes in my work.
My passion is sculpture, my love is painting and drawing. What do I do? I also created art pieces for Public Art Spaces and paint murals.
I began specializing in painting on leather for luxury brands ten years ago, focusing on hand- painted and customized orders for mother’s Day, after which I painted live at LV Aventura and Boca Raton. Then, I start painting for Alepel, which continue to this day doing collaborations with Alepel=Antropologie,Alepel-Carbon 38 and Alepel-Nordstrom.
I admire other artist, and I really don’t like to compare. Each artist has their own world and a different way to express it. Now, what I am truly proud of is that, following considerable obstacles, I successfully obtained a visa for my family, paving the way for citizenship and increased of opportunities. I feel “That I paint our future”.
What matters most to you?
What is important is to show the viewer the beauty of our surrounding, to stop and observe. Art is a vital tool for self-expression, emotional well being and connection.
I believe that art has the power of visual stories; through images, you can enrich understanding. I intend to create positive social changes and contribute with beautification of public Spaces.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.isabelperezart.com
- Instagram: @isabelperezart
- Facebook: Isabel Perez Salazar Mixed media Artist
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkdin.com/in/isabel-perez-03444771
