Artist Feature: Eden Sanchez

This week's Artist Feature is on the lovely, Eden Sanchez. She is originally from Long Beach, California and is known for her contemporary and abstract paintings. She participated in the Nasty Women Art Exhibition and displayed some of her art pieces at Picture Perfect Gallery in Lancaster, two months ago. I had the opportunity to interview Eden and learn more about her paintings. Read all about it below!  

Fatima Alliyani: When did you start painting?

Eden Sanchez: All my life. I didn't want dolls, I wanted art and school supplies. Not many people knew that I painted. It took me up until a few months back to muster up the courage to show my art to the world. There's very much emotion and feeling in a lot of my work that I put in that basically use to make me feel vulnerable if I showed it.  

FA: How would you describe yourself as an artist?

ES: As an artist, I am able to see life and experiences through different eyes which if very difficult for me to describe. My artwork tends to carry a message and is a way for me to speak out on issues that affect us all. 


FA: Where is your favorite place to paint and what inspires you? 

ES: I paint 95.7% of the time in my studio. Everything inspires me; life, death, the unknown, events, experiences, emotions, etc.

FA: Why do you paint or create art? 

ES: I can't help myself. Most of the time it's because I have something to say. As cliche as it may sound, art is how I express myself. That's why I love abstract art! It's all about pure energy and raw emotion. Letting go. It gives me a chance to escape into another realm.

FA: I saw that you participated in the Nasty Women Art Exhibition, tell me about that?

ES: It was a great pleasure to participate in this movement alongside with hundreds of artists across the nation with a very big and important message. Don't mess with women and don't mess with anybody else's lives for that matter! 

FA: When you're not painting or doing artsy thangs, what are you up to?

ES: I enjoy hiking and reading but I love looking for new things to try, especially food!

FA: Are there any projects that you're currently working on or any upcoming art shows?
ES: I'm currently working on a new series. Coming soon!

FA: Where can people find your work?

ES: I currently have a few pieces showing in Lancaster, CA at the Picture Perfect Gallery until February 28th. 


Some of her artwork!

"Creator"

"Woman Almighty"

"Cosmic Dreams & Golden Wings"

"Untitled"

"Astral Traveler"

A quick thanks to Eden for letting me feature you on my blog and for letting me use your photos! 

If you want to see more of Eden's artwork follow her on Instagram @artworldofeden!

Until next time,
Fati <3

Artist of the Week:

"Gay Zebra"

William Holland

For local artist William Holland, imagination has no boundaries. Like his animal creations his techniques are pretty unique. With only using the mediums of ink, graphite, and watercolor he makes his doodles come to life filled with a whole lot of personality that makes you wonder how he comes up with his characters.

"Every piece has its own inspiration and it comes from all places"- William R. Holland

 "Drunken Panda"

 

"Radio"

 

Featured on many album covers, magazines, and t-shirt designs, I wanted to learn more about William and his artistic world. Check out his interview!

 

Me: How do you describe your style of art?

William: I leave that up to people who like to describe art.

 

Me: Your animal creations are really interesting, is there a certain theme/story behind them?

William: It didn't start that way. On a road trip I drew a bunny with a gun in a sketchbook that I threw in my closet when we got home. Quite a while later, I pulled out the sketchbook and then gun bunny was born. I started creating other animal characters soon after that with the idea of a comic book one day coming to light. The entire script is in my head but to date I still haven't laid ink to paper. One day.

 

 Me: How old were you when you first realized that this is what you wanted to pursue?

William: As a child I wanted to be many things. I was good at art but I never thought of it as a career. I was never one for structure so I failed almost every art class. I was often told that my artwork was weird. Plus we are taught from a young age that artists are starving and not appreciated until after death. It wasn't the most encouraging thing. It wasn't until about six years ago that I decided I should do something with it since I was starving anyway. I struggled with what many artists filled with angst struggle with... How do I not sell out but still make money?

 

I realized that by doing nothing with my talent and passion I was selling out in the grandest way. Now I am an artist but I also found another career I love working with people suffering from spinal cord and tramatic brain injuries. I started around the same time I started the art career and they both give me balance. Art is very personal and all about me. My work at QLI(qliomaha.com) is not about me at all. I have grown from all of this in ways I never imagined.

 

 Me: Any projects you're working on now?

William: I always have something going on. Whether it is commission work or personal. I am a part of Curbside Clothing (Curbsideclothing.com) which has been growing big and fast. They are a great group of artists to call friends and collaborate with. I also enjoy creating logos posters album covers and tattoos. I have my artwork in a few shops around Omaha and Lincoln as well as online @ Williamrobertholland.com Squcky.etsy.com. I sell my originals and have prints of my entire portfolio.

 

If you are interested in collaborating or want to see more of his artwork check out his websites:

http://www.williamrobertholland.com/

 

Etsy!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/squcky

 

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/williamhollandartist

 Curbside Clothing

http://www.curbsideclothing.com/

 

Thanks again William for letting me interview you!!

 

From LA, With Luv

Fati <3