Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Perez.
Hi Wendy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My name is Wendy Perez. I was born and raised in Houston, TX. My parents are from Mexico, and I grew up as the eldest daughter of six children. I’m a first-generation to attend and graduate from college. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting at the University of Houston in 2019. I’m currently pursuing Master of Fine Arts in Painting and Ceramics at Houston Christian University. My art journey began when, as a teenager, I made drawings as gifts to family and friends and participated in local art competitions. Ms. Luna, my high school art teacher, introduced me to different art techniques such as printmaking, photography, and painting. I fell in love with art, and it encouraged me to pursue higher education for visual arts.
During my undergraduate career as an artist, I earned the prestigious award of School of Art Grant. I achieved my first art studio space, and with this grant, it helped me focus in preparing for my final portfolio. In summer of 2018, I attended my first study abroad program where I traveled in a group of ten students with the incredible art historian Dr. Rex Koontz for the course Latin American Art in Mexico City, Mexico. I received the Summer Travel Grant for the study abroad program of the course, Florence Sketchbook in Florence, Italy as a solo artist in summer 2019. I participated in my first group art exhibitions during my final semesters: ArtStartArt Exhibition in November 2018 in Austin, TX, and Senior Show at the Blaffer Art Museum of University of Houston.
On my new chapter of my artistic journey, I received a call from the amazing painter Michael R. Collins, who inspired me about his life and career as a professional artist. I applied and was accepted to Houston Baptist University with MFA Grant. With a larger studio and having more access to other studios as well, I expanded on artmaking knowledge, and I’m able to experiment with 2D and 3D elements and techniques. As a graduate student, my artwork has been recognized in group shows: 220 Gallery MFA Exhibition in 2020 and Thesis Show in 2023 at HBU. For summer of 2022, I went to Germany to heighten my artist statement and thesis. Few of the works I created during my trip were selected for its first international exhibition, Surfaced, in Salzwedel, Germany. After a hardworking semester, more of my artwork was known for its first-ever solo exhibition, Studio 318 in 2023
As an emerging artist, I’m continuing to learn about the approach of art, especially towards painting and ceramics. My passion for art is flourishing, and want to share it to the public with new artwork creations.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a difficult journey. My father got deported when I was 15, and it was a crucial time for my family. My mother, whom was a housewife had to find work to help support our big family, and I being the eldest, had to help as well. I’m a domestic violence survivor. I endured three long, unforgettable years in the relationship. My partner at that time prohibited me from pursuing higher education and making art. I did go to college(secretly) because I loved art with a passion, but I had to balance with school, work, and family. When I finally got all the strength and courage to leave the relationship, I left a painting behind as a remembrance and closed the door. I still remember it.
I had to take a 2-year break from school after the traumatic event I faced. Thankfully, I had my family and best friend who supported me along the way. I felt as if I lost my voice, but making art was my medicine.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My artwork is known for bird paintings and ceramic works. When I was a little girl, I would run beneath flying birds and imitated their actions by extending my arms out. I admired the birds’ freedom to soar the skies, and this inspired my imagination towards my art. There were times where the weight of the world became too heavy on my shoulders, and I wanted to break free. I sometimes pondered what’s it like to have wings and just fly away. It is a vulnerability that can be difficult to express, but the creation of my birds is a new world I aim to share with the audience. Their unique wings and plumage deliver storytelling ability and elegance to the world with their splendid colors, shapes, texture, and form.
In my artwork, I highlight a strong use of bright colors. This allows the audience to escape reality for a moment and capture the essence of the connectivity of nature’s culture. When viewing the main subject, the viewer can feel the painted birds’ gaze staring back at them. I incorporated different materials to identify my artwork as both 2D and 3D. By combining materials and methods, the artwork communicates by using all of the elements and principles of art. Working with clay has been a challenge because I had little experience with handling this organic material. Strongly influenced by my painting background, I was inspired to make the relief series to look like a small, painted canvas. I began to use clay as if I were painting with my hands. I tend to work on large-scale paintings, and with clay, I work in small scale to make the art piece more intimate for the audience.
What do you think about happiness?
Thinking about this question makes me smile. More than one thing makes me happy: knowing that my family is doing good now because we have been through tough times. I’m also happy of where I am now because of what I accomplished after a rough life. Seeing the progress and completion of my art always leaves me with a treasured smile. Meeting artists and listening to their stories about their passion for art and their artmaking process. And also, sweet and warm, delicious chocolate chip cookies makes me happy and my day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wperezart.com
- Instagram: wperezart
Image Credits
Wendy Perez
