Known for her bold brush strokes, unique textures and dynamic colors, Yolanda González has become one of Los Angeles' most prestigious Chicana artists.
Through her paintings, ceramics and sculptures, González evokes a sense of wonder and imagination. She’s traveled around the world showcasing her art, finding beauty everywhere. For González, painting is a form of meditation, and she believes the more you are exposed to art, the better person you will become.
"I believe art heals one's soul," she said. "I believe art heals the universe."
González comes from a long lineage of artists, dating back to 1877.
In this episode of "LA Stories," she opens up to host Giselle Fernandez about her family’s artistic heritage. It has carried on now for five generations, starting with her great-grandfather’s pencil drawings all the way down to her niece’s paintings. González even introduced her own mother to ceramics when she was in her 80s.
"It's in their footsteps that I am representing my culture, and through my travels throughout the world, I was representing a Chicana,” she said. “It has been an honor to represent my culture and my people.”
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Today, in addition to sharing her art with the world, González also shares her secrets to her artwork with the LA community. She has taught art classes to young students at Para Los Niños, a nonprofit that supports childhood education. She’s also worked with seniors at AltaMed Senior Centers, teaching them ceramics.
To González, being able to share her talent is the best way to give back to fellow Angelenos.
“I think if I could share that freedom that I have gotten through the creative process and my art with other people, perhaps they'll find that really beautiful path that I did through art.”
Watch “LA Stories with Giselle Fernandez” at 9 p.m. every Monday on Spectrum News 1.