Susan Gomez recently got a boost of confidence.
The Albuquerque-based artist participated in her first art market since the pandemic started.
It was refreshing to do something new and she felt a buzz from people stopping by her booth.
“I did one art walk in winter 2019 and then the pandemic hit,” she says. “I was gung ho about getting started, and then everything got shut down. Doing this past art market, it lifted me up as an artist. I sold three originals and it looks like things are turning around.”
Gomez is gearing up to do the next First Friday, ABQ Artwalk in Downtown Albuquerque on July 9.
Gomez was born in Los Lunas, where she became intrigued by art, although her love for the medium started in elementary school, where she won art contests.
“I would make cards,” she says. “I was always drawing or painting. I would lay on my bookshelf and draw. I was always doing something creative.”
In 2016, she began to take art seriously after having retired from her day job in 2015.
“It was soul sucking,” she says. “Once I retired, I was able to focus more on art and creation. A lot of my artwork came out of the need of wanting to create more. I started my face-painting business and, of course, that got shut down with the pandemic, as well.”
With no art markets or face painting for nearly a year, Gomez turned to commission pieces – pet portraits specifically.
Over the course of months, she was able to keep busy with the pet portraits and decided to challenge herself in digital art.
This is why Gomez’s inspiration comes from anywhere – bright and vibrant to fun and fantasy.
“I work in several mediums. Acrylic, gouache, watercolor, India Ink, charcoal and, most recently, pastel work,” she says. “I don’t think an artist should limit themselves to one medium or style. It helps you as an artist to explore different things.”
Gomez also sells her art through Etsy.com and Facebook by searching Susan Gomez Art.
As Gomez gets back into the swing of things, such as art markets, here are a few things you didn’t know about her:
1 “I have had a face-painting business for 10-plus years. I paint at parties and corporate events. I specialize in D í a de Los Muertos face paintings, as these are my absolute favorites because they are a symbol of a lost life, and there is so much beauty in creating that for someone.”
2 “I am an avid cyclist. Something I started doing during the pandemic. I love to explore the city on my bike. It’s fun and makes me feel like a kid again!”
3 “I’m a big ‘Star Trek’ fan. I love the morality tales and relatable characters in the shows, movies and books. It gives me hope that humanity CAN take care of one another and put aside differences for the greater good. I even have a tattoo that says ‘Live Long and Prosper’ in Vulcan script!”
4 “I volunteer for Meals on Wheels. I did this as a child with my aunt and wanted to carry on the ‘legacy.’ It’s important that we take care of those who are struggling and just need a hand. To me, a good meal is love.”
5 “I am learning to play the cello. I am just in the beginning stages, but I CAN play ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star!’ It’s a start at least.”
