ANDREA VARGAS-MENDOZA
"Working with the elements has become one of my signature strengths, and the way I enjoy giving passion to the art."
As an artist, I live in a world where logic plans the composition, purpose determines the objective, and confidence breaks the rules. As a visual story teller, I am motivated to make art that inspires, brings community together, and celebrates the beauty of living elements. My use of materials for installations are specific to the concepts and themes that I explore. I focus on textured mediums such as pastels, silks, oil, and watercolors.
BACKROUND
I was born on the western coast of the United States. As a - "Californi0" I knew the geography of cities, and ocean. My parents fed the flames of a natural gift with formal training from artist Fran Erwin and international artist Yan Maria. My expression in the arts had ease, opportunities, and rewards. As a result, it was a surprise when I set out to pursue law instead and pressed forward to received my BA from the University of California at Berkeley.
I was in Los Angeles, sitting at the dinning table of renowned artist Salomon Juerta when I was provided the council that would embolden me to honor the gift I had taken for granted. Simply, fate has always charmed my life. When I experienced dissolution with law, I had access to another
powerful voice.
Today, I exhibit in galleries, as well as some of my favorite museums such as the C.M. Russell in Montana, and the Santa Paula Art Museum in California. I also have stories that have made museums some of my most beloved spaces. For example, The Oakland Museum of California gave me my first installation opportunity and The Ventura County Museum purchased one of my seven-foot paintings for their permanent collection. Museum are bound to communities that respect art as culture and give access to fine art.
In partnership with King Galleries, I am always curated with both historic and contemporary Pueblo Pottery. This means, that I am always exhibiting in alignment with my values, and in partnership with vessels of reverent beauty.
New oil paintings at King Galleries in
Santa Fe, New Mexico & Scottsdale, Arizona.
