Jackie Gonzalez Art - Mixed Media and Encaustic Artist

I was born in Puerto Rico…

and moved to New Orleans in 1978.  What was a traumatic experience as an adolescent, it soon became a love for a city that has become part of who I am as a person and as an artist.

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My father was an artist and I grew up in a world of color and expression.  Back then I knew I had a voice but I didn’t have a direction.  It wasn’t until I was in my 30’s that I decided to get some art instruction thinking that it would guide me in the direction I needed to go.  Although I learned some necessary basics, I soon realized that what I loved most about painting was the freedom to create in different ways without rules or pre-conceived ideas.  I thus decided to continue learning on my own by trying things out, making many mistakes, and loving the unexpected results.

Since then my voice has changed in infinite ways.  Life experiences have taught me to let go and express my feelings through my paintings.  There’s a voice in my heart that is screaming to be heard and most of the time I’m not aware of what I’m doing…I put the the canvas on the floor and I walk around it, where I can be a part of “it.”

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My hope is that when you look at my paintings, you first become attracted to the colors…but then I hope you pay attention and look beyond.  I thrive in symbology and even the smallest strokes or pieces of metal can have a significant meaning - and maybe not just my meaning - your meaning.  For when you look at a painting, what you see and feel is entirely your HEART.

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My Art has been shown in galleries and boutique stores in New Orleans, Metairie and Covington, Louisiana.  I have attended innumerable art festivals and even had my own little gallery once upon a time.

My work is now exhibited at Abode in Metairie and NOLA Artwork in New Orleans.