DAISY GOMEZ

Student challenges conventional beauty standards through art

By Dina Olvera

Gomez recollects a particular moment she was inspired to paint:

Gomez said, “I noticed that my sister, who is Latina, was playing with dolls that did not look like her or anyone in our family.”

This inspired Gomez to paint one of her favorite pieces called “Bridal Shower Party.”

“I thought about the dolls. ‘Bridal Shower Party’ is about the importance of representation. People of color should be seen everywhere,” Gomez said.

Her work can inspire those who feel as she does. “I was in a situation where I was one of the only Latinas in the room,” said Gomez.

Gomez brings awareness to the variety of beauty versus only the beauty that was introduced to her with the typical dolls.

Her younger sister, who inspired the “Bridal Shower” painting, Alejandra Gomez, said “I’m so proud of Daisy.”

Gomez hopes to capture a new understanding and vision of beauty standards.

Without an instruction from art class in school, Gomez was self-taught her first few years of practicing art. Gomez’s gift led her to a new desire in learning more about art and inspiring others.

As soon as Gomez graduated from high school, she took the opportunity to continue her journeyand with her sisters at heart -began her experience developing her skills and talent.

“CSUB’s art majors are so helpful and give good art making advice,” said Gomez.

Gomez’s creativity has flourished as beautifully as the flowers she paints under the guidance of professors like Sarah Vanderlip, professor of sculpture and drawing, and Jared Haug, professor of painting.

“She [Gomez] iterates her ideas in multiple ways and exemplifies the moxie and individuation we hope all art students find in themselves,” Vanderlip said.

With Gomez’s message seeping through her paintings, Haug said Gomez’s paintings “have become grander and more ambitious.”

Gomez plans to become a high school art teacher and give her students the guidance the professors at CSUB are giving her.

“Anyone can paint,” said Gomez, and this is the message she wants to give her future students who are skeptical about trying art as a form of expression.

Being able to express yourself is important to Gomez because art can show others, especially young people, how to communicate their feelings in a safe and effective manner.

Gomez’s artistic talent can be seen on her Instagram page, @daisiespaintings.