Today we’d like to introduce you to Lizbeth L. Acosta.
Lizbeth, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
The arts have always been my passion. Visual art is where I seek comfort and revisit who I am and where I came from, as well as learn from the person who commission’s a work from me. I grew up in a low-income community in Fresno, California. The programs that were offered to me after school or within the city via presentations and fairs was really where my love for the arts cemented and molded my path. Art teachers and mentors instilled in me that I could be a valuable resource, not only as an artist but also as an advocate for art lovers that are not fortunate enough to be exposed to such great things. I earned my B.F.A. at Texas Woman’s University and quickly ventured onto my next degree at the University of North Texas as I see myself becoming a public administrator for the arts.
Thankfully, my culture has been key to finding friendships and networking with like-minded individuals who, like me, feel that representation is integral towards funding and finding appropriate leadership to ensure that all backgrounds are showcased. This country is made up of so many stories that should be told and communicated more with the arts. From a painting to crafting unique items for those who want people to know where they come from is what I am about. It’s not enough to be yourself sometimes because we live in a society that will still bombard you with questions about what certain images or symbols mean. Trust me, I am from Sinaloa, Mexico. I have heard it all and my birthplace is more than just cartels but you don’t know that until I tell you about it. You don’t have to defend your art but I feel like you do have the honor to educate someone to what is important to you and those before you. It’s important to Increase cultural competency. It’s amazing what one’s mind is open to when it allows itself to be educated with a paintbrush. I’m hoping that the future is open to enjoy my art as well as my role in advocating for them as well.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I haven’t met someone who has had a smooth road and I am grateful for them because there must be “beauty in the struggle, ugliness in the success” as one of my favorite lyrics details. There has always been a detour here and there and if financial hardships haven’t been endured while attempting to buy your art supplies, you are a rare breed. A special shout out to my studio mates who have been there for me when my full-time job and other aid was not. I know that oil paint and medium will come back to you tenfold. I will say these struggles have made me who I am now and I’ve been told that my patience is unlike any other. The struggles will lead you to better opportunities where those same experiences will be utilized and that is a blessing and sometimes what a younger version of you, that you will certainly meet, by the way, will be eager to learn from. It all comes together with a little elbow grease and therapy.
We’d love to hear more about your art.
My business, as an artist, is to share my style with someone who has to absolutely have color. I grew up listening to so much music and we can all share in so many quirky likes, nostalgia, and organizations that we are involved in. I think what I am most proud of is my pieces where my Mexican heritage is showcased but also where brotherhood and sisterhood come into play. I also create “Greek-themed” items are what I am most eager to expand on. So many people mass produce items like paddles and small canvas works but hand-painted and the details that I tie into them like I do with my large pieces is where I see people enjoy the quality of my work. As a sister of Sigma Lambda Alpha Sorority, Inc., I work mostly with referrals and become closely acquainted with clients as I learn what they want individually for gifts or their own items as they prepare to graduate.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans for the future are to work for a government agency and continue to carry my “artist” card with me. I’m working towards advocating for the arts on Capitol Hill. Nationally, there is so much I would like to do so that the arts can continue to impact lives no matter what state you live in. I will forever be creating, collaborating, and meeting artists to spread the word about their work as well.
Contact Info:
- Email: LacostaCreativa@gmail.com
- Instagram: @AcostArtista
Image Credit:
Profile Photo by @CharisseFagan, “Ana Gabriel” by Lizbeth Acosta, “Los Tigres” by Lizbeth Acosta @acostartista
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