Wendy Gracia

Interview with Wendy Gracia 09/07/2020

Wendy Gracia, when she’s not working with Rising Arts Leaders San Diego’s Artist Advocacy Committee, is painting. She is a fine artist based in San Diego, having received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2018. She has shown in galleries around California (in San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles). This year is her first serving on the Steering Committee.

What projects are you currently working on?
Hi! I’ve been working on a small handful of things, from doing some illustrations for Art Box (a public arts project that coincides with the Border Public Art Committee, or BPAC), to helping format some of the interviews here with the Artist’s Toolbox, to working on some pet portrait commissions.

How has this pandemic affected or shifted your practice?
I was originally furloughed from my job at a museum in Balboa Park, and I also had plans to show my artworks at some more spaces around San Diego in March and April, but those shows weren’t able to happen. Most recently, I was terminated from my job so I’ve really been finding comfort in turning to my artwork. I’ve been painting more, experimenting more, I’ve been writing more, too! It’s been difficult but not unmanageable.

What has your journey been like as an artist?
I feel like I’m still at the beginning of my journey. I attended Southwestern College for three years and met some amazing individuals there who were working in the arts and that’s what inspired me to pursue a career in art. I attended a private art college from 2014-2018. I’ve worked in some gallery spaces, both on campus at my alma mater, and locally. I was an Art Guide at Wonderspaces for their second and third summer showings in San Diego. I paint in my free time. I look up art opportunities in my free time. It’s constant. You never really stop learning or growing, so I’m just trying to do both as much as possible.

Do you have any tips for up-and-coming, or rising artists?
It’s easy to compare yourself to others and start to feel down because you might not think you’re as accomplished as someone you maybe look up to, but that’s a normal feeling. There are so many incredible artists who I look up to who are very open about their insecurities and that’s something I value: it’s important to be transparent and to seek people out who are also transparent. We are all finding our own place in whatever ways are best for us as individuals, and wherever you are in your own journey is valid!

Learn more about the artist on Instagram:
@wendyispainting for artwork

Or by visiting her website:
wendygracia.com