In the Studio with Artist Allyssa Yamaguchi-Juárez

Today, we’re going In the Studio with artist Allyssa Ray Yamaguchi-Juárez. Allyssa’s artwork is currently on display in the Chesapeake Arts Center’s Her Ideas, Her Stories: Women Artists Gallery exhibit.

Creative to the core, Allyssa Ray Yamaguchi-Juárez, lives and breathes art. Even in the way she describes her craft, her words are eloquent and beautifully well versed. Allyssa’s pieces air on the side of fantasy, creating a sort of surreal world in which ordinary objects reside. Her works range from intimate 5”x5” oil paintings to quite sizable 48” x 56” canvases. Though most of her work is oil, she also creates sculptures and monoprints. 

Here’s Allyssa talking about her art, process and experience... 

How would you describe your style of work?

I would describe my work as observation through a fantastic lens.

Tell me about your favorite medium.

My favorite medium is oil paint. It is very visceral. How it feels to mix the paint, see the interactions of different colors, even the scent of oil paint. It is earthy, like the smell of a passing thunderstorm. 

What characteristic(s) about your personality shows through your art?

I think how I see the world shows through my art. I can open up and express the whimsical weird side of my personality. There are moments of hyperfocus in areas where there is intricate detail next to lightly touched areas where my mind just sweeps over. And then there is a fantastic element of a created world or escapism moment. My head is in the clouds, daydreaming, while my feet are planted on the ground. 

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?

I am from Mission, Texas about 10 minutes from the US/Mexico border. Does where I am from affect my work? In an indirect way, yes. The area of The Rio Grande Valley is flat land, palm trees, cactus, scratchy plants, mesquite trees and one season, summer. Some people love this. I always wanted to live in a place with four seasons to literally feel the passing of time. I dreamt of large forests where I could walk through the trees and feel refreshed, and have adventures. So I came to the north east. So far it has been an adventure!

How have your life experiences influenced your aesthetic style?

There is no one life experience but the culmination of many that greatly influenced my aesthetic style. A rich life is to keep playing, moving and never stagnating. The choices to focus on my artwork and delve into the hard “why” is where I had the most aesthetic growth. I was accepted to an Artist Residency and then a Master’s of Fine Arts Program. Over the course of these experiences my work was questioned, challenged and wondered at. I met and talked to so many amazing people and listened to their thoughts and experiences. My art kept developing and continues to develop as I experienced the world and continue to create.

What's your biggest barrier to being a female artist? How do you address it?

I have recently realized that my artwork has only been accepted and exhibited by galleries that are run by other women. I am still trying to figure out how to address it. I may seek galleries run by people who identify as women and/or who exhibit artwork by women identifying artists regularly.

Do you think there’s a double standard in the industry?

Yes there is. Recently there has been an effort towards having women as well as underrepresented peoples in galleries, museums and the Arts as a whole. Yet these groups of people are undervalued as artists in the industry in how they are paid and represented. It is up to galleries, collectors, museums, those who work in the industry to agree with the need for diversity and do their part to bring light and support these voices.

Do your works comment on contemporary social or political issues; if so, how?

No, I do not think my work comments on contemporary, social or political issues. At least, not yet.

What are your biggest motivations?

Recently, I have been motivated to create for the goal of exhibiting in spaces around me. I want to have my artwork outside my studio for others to view. Hopefully, it piques their curiosity.

How do you market yourself and your work?

I have a website, and social media platforms that I need to upkeep. I search for Calls for Art in my region. I want to get my work exhibited in the Maryland, DC, Virginia area and slowly expand from there. When it comes to the capitalist outlook of how much work have you sold, I am not the one to ask for advice. I paint for myself and as others see my work there may be someone who sees monetary value in it, but it is not what keeps me creating. 

When you are working through problems in your work, who do you talk to?

Firstly, my partner. He is my greatest supporter and soundboard to all of my ideas and any problems I encounter. I also talk to my group of artist friends. We show each other our work, encourage one another, ask the hard questions and give critiques to each other and share resources and opportunities. 

 What are you working on at the moment? 

I am currently working on a few things. A two paneled painting that combines traditional Japanese patterns and, in this painting, a crane (bird not machine). I am also working on digital collages where I take photos and piece them together. I am going to be revisiting some of my previous ways of working and combining them with my current aesthetic. 

Is there a specific environment or material that's integral to your work?

There has to be a source. For example, if I am painting the subject has to be right in front of me. I cannot work confidently unless I can see what I am making. I am an observational painter painting worlds that do not exist. It’s all in the juxtaposition of things.

What did you have to develop, try or learn to create your artwork?

I had to develop two things. One is how to cultivate my eye, to understand how and why I observe something and continuously practice to translate that onto a surface. The second and most important is developing confidence throughout my whole creation process. Be it in the studio and how I talk to myself, or in front of others and how I discuss my work. All of it was not done overnight, it has taken me years of practice. Exhibiting, talking about, thinking about, asking about my work. Inspiration is fickle and does not get me in the studio, confidence in what I am doing will.

How do you prepare to start a new piece? (do you have a ritual, do research, sketch it out, talk it out…)

To prepare for a new piece I have to research and draft. My research revolves around my library of photos. I draft and sketch different compositions moving the photos and subject around. Once I am satisfied, I begin working on the piece which are usually larger works. Smaller works I can move quicker as they are usually still lives that I try and honestly observe, not much preparation is needed other than setting up the lighting and object.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

I do not think I have one artist who is on a pedestal. I would love to collaborate with every artist that I have personally met. I cherish the time of another artist talking with me about their and my work, and would like more time with them. Collaborating can be how our art can talk to each other. 

What’s the best thing about being an artist?

The best thing about being an artist is simply creating. The ability to express yourself through artistic choices and see the outcome of them. I am able to create my own world in any way I want. As I create more art I can see how they connect to each other, morph, talk, influence and stand on their own. Even through all the struggle because honestly there is, I find it to be a fantastic experience.

For more information on Allyssa and her artwork, check her out on instagram or on her website.

Hal Gomer Gallery Hours: 

Monday-Thursday 10:00am-6:00pm

Saturday 10am-1pm ( starting on January 15, 2022)

*Visitors are required to call ahead to reserve a time to view the exhibit. Please call CAC’s main office at 410-636-6597 during our business hours Monday - Thursday, 10:00 am-6:00pm to reserve a date and time. Visitors will be checked in upon arrival and masks are required to enter the gallery and CAC building.