SOBO Featured Artist: Julissa Vega

The painter is inspired by the range of emotions humans feel.

The mission of the Winter Garden Art Association is to showcase, encourage and celebrate individual creativity and artistic expression among local artists.

West Orange County is teeming with artists whose talents range from visual to performing to literary arts. Whether they are expressing themselves with a microphone, paint brush and canvas, or the written word, artists and their creations give us avenues in which to imagine, dream and wonder.

In this feature, the Observer and the WGAA highlight local artists.

A RENEWED ARTISTRY

Julissa Vega, originally from Puerto Rico, is an artist who has navigated a multifaceted journey in her artistic career and is embarking on a renewed artistry. Her artistic path began during her early college years, which became a pivotal moment, igniting her passion for art. This passion was sparked when she was studying pre-law and took an elective course in art. This crucial decision marked the beginning of her exploration into the art world.

Julissa's experiences in other areas of art have contributed significantly to her growth and development. Notably, her professional experience in museums provided her with profound insights and a deep understanding of art from various cultural and historical perspectives. This exposure enriched her appreciation and knowledge, allowing her to grow as an artist.

In recent years, Julissa has reconnected with her art, viewing it from a wise and unified perspective. Her professional experiences and personal life events have matured her ideologies, beliefs, and personal growth. These experiences have enabled her to approach her art with a renewed sense of purpose and deeper connection to both herself and the universe.

As Julissa formally resumes her artistic journey, she believes that her renewed artistry will not only be a continuation of her past works but also an exploration of new, deeply personal themes that speak to her soul and the universal human experience.

FAVORITE MEDIUMS

Vega’s use of mixed media is pivotal in expressing the thematic depth of her work. Mixed media allows her to experiment freely, incorporating painting, photography, and sometimes everyday objects. This approach not only enriches her creative process but also transforms it into a trance-like exploration, enabling her intuition to flourish and give rise to organic momentum in her work.

FAVORITE THEMES IN ARTWORK

Vega embraces the unknown, exploring through intuition new avenues of creative expression and pursuing the boundaries of the possible. She is an artist deeply inspired by her personal journey, seeking to manifest the profound and intricate themes of life through her artwork. Her creative exploration revolves around several recurring subjects and concepts, including the essence of the self, the dynamic nature of transitions, the beauty of nature, the vastness of the universe, and the abstract expression of emotions and feelings.

Her art is steeped in personal experience, with her intuition and poetic soul acting as guiding

forces. This connection to her inner self and the mysteries of life fuels her desire to delve deep into the thematic elements within her work.

IMPORTANCE OF EXPRESSING HERSELF THROUGH ART

“The act of creating art allows me to externalize my thoughts and emotions,” Vega said. “For example, through painting, I can engage in a playful exploration much like a child, finding joy in the act of creation itself. Photography allows me to connect with the magic of capturing a moment and preserving it for eternity, offering a way to see the world through a different lens. Mixed media, on the other hand, provides me an expansive platform for exploratory possibilities, enabling me to blend various elements and follow me intuition until the final piece resonates with my inner self.

“I believe art can act as a dialogue between me and the viewer, offering a glimpse into my world and inviting them to engage with and interpret my message,” she said.

FORMAL EDUCATION

Vega studied fine arts and art education at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus (1997). She also studied design and fashion at the Centromoda School of Design, Puerto Rico (2002). She maintained a lifelong passion for art with more than 20 years of professional experience in education and development area with non-profit organizations, working with institutions such as the Museum of Contemporary Art of Puerto Rico, the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico and the Luis Muñoz Marín Foundation. She currently works as an art educator where she aligns her professional and creative experience to inspire and guide children and young people, not only with their creative process, but also by fostering their appreciation for art.

FAVORITE FAMOUS ARTIST

“I admire the work of many artists,” Vega said. “I could mention, for example, the Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo, whose masterpieces I had the opportunity to appreciate up close, and it is simply amazing how he captured humanity and vulnerability in every detail. Also, I admire the artistic work of Salvador Dali, as the surrealist movement attracts me for its artistic exploration of the subconscious.

“Lastly, I like the street art of British contemporary artist and activist Banksy for addressing social and political issues that I personally feel an affinity with, such as social injustice and those that afflict children,” she said.

NOTABLE PLACES ON DISPLAY

“The best place, my mom's home!” Vega said. “Also, at the "Museo del Calzado" in Elda, Spain (2004). However, after dedicating most of my time to my professional life and as a mother, I am currently taking back the time and space to create from another perspective, and hopefully my art will be dispersed in notable places where can be appreciated and aligned with my artistic vision.”

ART ON DISPLAY

‘It would be a great honor to see my artwork hanging in any renowned museum worldwide,” she said. “This is a great recognition for any artist's career.”

ACCOLADES AND AWARDS

“Art is subjective, and recognition validates effort and talent regardless,” Vega said. “Every time my work is accepted or invited to be part of an exhibition, it makes me feel honored and is synonymous with being awarded and recognized. Furthermore, if my artwork is able to generate dialogue and pleasure, it is the best recognition I could receive.”