We had the good fortune of connecting with Calista Garcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Calista, what makes you happy? Why?
Aside from spending time with my family and friends, art is what truly makes me happy. For as long as I can remember it has always been part of my life. When I was younger it started as a hobby but over time it evolved into something much bigger. After attending an art high school and taking multiple art classes in college, I realized that I need art in my life. It’s cathartic for me; it’s a way for me to release my emotions and feelings without having to verbalize them. Overall, it brings me the most joy to create my art.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Irony is a consistent theme throughout my art. The subjects of my pieces are often juxtaposed with a bright, playful color palette. For instance, in my photography I often pose my models with seemingly unhappy faces in a colorful environment. I also enjoy adding unconventional makeup, text or letters onto their faces, or photoshopping multiple photos into one. My paintings include text that isn’t as cheery as its background; it often contrasts the background entirely. Most artists tend to stick with one medium, whereas I experiment with photography, painting, and mixed media. Additionally, the underlying theme of irony within my work sets it apart from others. By using color to distract from the heavier subject matter, it allows my viewers to think more about the message of the piece. I am most excited about eventually linking my photography and paintings together to make a more visually cohesive body of work.

Today, I am still pursuing art personally and through my education. The biggest challenge I’ve had with my art was dedicating enough time for it, especially after high school. I attended HSPVA where art students had three hours a day to work on art. Once I began college, it was much more challenging devoting that much time to it. Fortunately, during my second semester of freshman year I started taking art classes through my university at the Glassell School of Art. I finally felt whole again. Through this experience I learned that I’m not myself without art. I struggled the most in college when I wasn’t devoting as much time for it. It is my form of therapy, it centers me while the rest of my life is completely chaotic. Therefore I learned how to balance my work, school, and social life to include time for just creating art. I want the world to understand the gravity of my passion for art. I believe my sole purpose in life is to create art and I hope I get to share my work with as many people as possible. (Thank you Shoutout HTX for giving me this opportunity to do just that).

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There’s tons of places to visit in Houston! For restaurants I would suggest Alice Blue, the Rustic, Bisou, and Superica. Some good dessert places are Amy’s Ice Cream, Dessert Gallery, or the Chocolate Bar. Finally, for some photo worthy bars I would highly recommend Present Company, Wonder Bar, and Electric FeelGood!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my amazing family. They have always been my biggest supporters and have always encouraged me to pursue my passions. I would not be where I am today without them and I am truly the luckiest person in the world to have them in my life. I love you guys!

Instagram: @calistag.art

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/calista-garcia-52a77b204

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