At just two years old Vanessa López had turned the walls of her family’s home into a giant canvas, which is not uncommon at that age. Over time, however, it became evident to her family and friends that the young girl possessed a natural talent for painting, something which filled her artist grandfather’s heart with pride and joy.
“He realized I had talent. Since a young age he told me I was an artist,” said López, in describing the inspiration she drew from her now-deceased grandfather.
Isabel Pavón, López’s mother, fondly remembers how she allowed her young daughter, now 21, to put her artistic imagination into practice.
“I’ve always given her freedom, I don’t have that concept of the punished child, of the child who’s not allowed to do anything,” explained Pavón, who added that she is thankful today for that decision.
Originally from Ecuador, López now spends her time creating surrealistic artwork. She always imagined herself growing up to be an artist, but the road to get there has not been easy nor one that has sustained her financially.
When López moved with her family to Georgia at 11, she continued to hone her craft as an artist. Throughout her career, she has discovered that her roots can serve as a muse for her artwork.
“Living in Ecuador really inspired me. Since my art is surrealistic, I really like being able to mix nature with everyday things that happen, and my thoughts,” said López, who has completed more than 20 paintings.
She finds inspiration in everyday surroundings, and she enjoys the ability to translate her feelings into art.
Today, López divides her time between her artwork and her job as a dental assistant. She has showcased her pieces in galleries including the Healium Center and the Fulton County Public Library.
López said her ultimate goal is to become a full-time artist, and she hopes to one day open a center that would inspire youth to avoid dangers such as drugs and violence and instead learn how to express themselves through art.
“I paint the world in an effort to try finding myself in it,” said López.
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