2 minute read
Inspiration in the Blood
Lynn Levi / Roundup
Artist Yolanda Gonzalez gave a guest lecture at the Pierce College Art Gallery that accompanied the opening of her “Del Sangre” exhibit Thursday Sept. 22.
Gonzalez’s pieces will be in the gallery until Thursday Oct. 27.
“I’ve always liked the bright primary colors, the reds and blues,” said Gonzalez.
She studied at the ‘Pasadena Art Center of Design’, but it wasn’t until she took ‘Self Help Graphics’ that she realized why she painted in those colors.
From there she grew artistically.
“My work is influenced by Pablo Piccasso,” said Gonzalez.
Art critics have also stated Gonzalez’ work has the Mexican surrealism associated with Frida Kahlo.
In addition to the exhibit at Pierce College, her works have been in “international (Russia and France), private and public galleries,” said Gonzalez.
During the lecture she explained the inspiration behind the exhibit.
“My talent is in the blood,” said Gonzalez.
Her father was an interior designer and his work inspired her to incorporate some of his style into some of her recent pieces.
“I remembered all the different designs that he would bring home in fabrics,” said Gonzalez.
She came to the event with her sister, mother and husband.
“We are all artistically inclined in our family, we have a painter, interior designer, fashion photographer, and writer,” said Lupe Gonzalez, Yolanda’s sister.
Gonzalez also makes ceramics. During the reception, Gonzalez walked over to visit the Pierce College ceramics studio.
As the crowed thinned, one guest, Alexandra Robin Hand returned from the reception area to view the artistry of Gonzalez one more time.
“I’ve been in and out of the gallery several times to look (at the exhibit), I’m returning this time because no one is here right now and I can be by myself and look,“ said Robin.
The gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
