Kandy G. Lopez: Artist, Educator, Mother

While viewing the work of artist Kandy G. Lopez, it is quite hard to detach yourself from the intricacy of the narrative before you. Lopez’s portfolio focuses on topics such as race, individuality, power, and economic/social class; while encapsulating feelings of nostalgia, worldly consciousness, necessity, and vulnerability. The playful, yet inquisitive nature of the materials found throughout her portfolio grants itself to the critical uniqueness of each piece. The diversity of mediums works for purpose of communicating varying messages and stories. Some to mention are glass, cardboard, thread, and encaustics.

Born in New Jersey and raised in Miami, Florida by two Afro-Dominican parents­­, Lopez became aware of the differences in race early on.

“Growing up in a largely populated white or light-skinned Hispanic area really impacted my life experiences and the way I see and feel things. After entering a predominately black middle school, I felt like I could choose to fit in or not. I could be black, and I could be other at the same time, which is a privilege. Middle school is where I developed my love for representing people that looked like me. I started to become highly aware of the economic, systematic, and political differences between white vs. “other”.

Her family supported her desire to create and invent, but the discussion of pursuing the arts professionally never took hold. “We didn’t really go to museums or talk about art. My parents wanted me to become an architect. They didn’t see how I could make money as an artist, but they never said, “no, don’t do that”. It was in high school that Lopez would begin her artistic career and move on to achieve both her Bachelors and Masters of Fine Arts. Aside from her craft, Lopez is currently an Associate Professor of Art and Design at Nova Southeastern University.

You can view more of Lopez's work on her website and Instagram.

www.kandyglopez.com

Instagram @kandyglopez