Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Andrade.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
It was in 6th grade when I took my first Art class and my drawing made it into an art show that I realized how much I loved creating and even put the thought of being an artist when I grew up in my head. It wasn’t until high school when I took a photography class with the most amazing teacher that I decided this is what I wanted to study more of. With the full support of my art teachers and family, I applied to the photography fine art program at UH and graduated from it in 2016. Since then, I have been using my camera as my main source of income and creating work revolving around my family.
Please tell us about your art.
The Mi Familia series was born when my mom was forcing my three little brothers to get baptized even though we weren’t raised Catholic. The interactions between my bothers and worried mother are what inspired the series. I use photography and video to invite the public into our simple yet hectic life, one piece being a 30-minute documentary.
Towards the end of 2017, I began a new series of work focusing on self-portraiture/contemplation when I started dealing with anxiety and all the other things that come with it. Not knowing exactly what or how to deal with it, I’d buy myself flowers. I play with the idea of seeing beauty in the ugly and sad of what once was in full bloom by including the now dead flowers in my images.
What you should know about my work is that it is and probably always will be extremely personal. If people relate to my work then perfect, let’s talk about it! If not I still hope I inspired them to express themselves by taking the time to create or make something. And that doesn’t mean you have to share it with the world. I make work that I want to keep to myself or for the eyes of my family and our future generations only.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
Sometimes, I see some very talented people limit or even hold themselves back because they don’t have the “right equipment” or don’t have the funds or the work they produce won’t make them rich. We either set limits or want great success with no hard work. I am one who has done both to myself but learned that in the end as long as you are creating with what you have you are doing it right and headed in the right direction. Practice and patience are really all it is.
After visiting the Degas exhibition at the MFAH early in the year 2017, it kinda helped me snap out of that mindset. Degas’ work in progress was on display as well as what and who he learned from to create some of his greatest pieces. So, if you feel like you might need guidance to try visiting art galleries. It always helps and inspires me!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
If you’d like to see my work, for the most part, I use Instagram and my website to reveal and share my most recent projects. If ever my work is on display around Houston you can support it by attending art shows and purchasing printed photographs. I will make sure to announce dates and locations to any of those on Instagram and my website ahead of time!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jandradevisualarts.com
- Email: j.andradevisualarts@gmail.com
- Instagram: jackitty.13
Image Credit:
J. Andrade Visual Arts
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