Meet Vanessa Colunga | Lowbrow Mixed Media Artist

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

Hi Vanessa, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Simply put, happiness. Being an artist is the only thing I ever wanted when I was younger. I have always had a natural artistic talent but lacked the confidence I needed to develop that into a full-time career. I worked a handful of meaningless jobs in my youth, mostly retail. I would do quite a few commission drawings a year, but my mental health was at an all-time low working for Walmart. I knew things needed to change. One day, about 8 years ago, the planets aligned, or whatever you’d like to call it, and I was fired from my job due to a “technical error.” I was devastated for about five minutes until I realized it was my chance to become what I always knew I was… an artist. Since that day I haven’t looked back and now I couldn’t be happier! I think that is everyone’s dream in life, to be happy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At art festivals and markets, I am frequently asked, “how many different artists do you have in your collective?” I always chuckle with the same, “it’s all me; this is my work.” If you’re familiar with my style, you can spot it from afar. However, if you haven’t stumbled across my creations, it truly does look like the portfolio of a synergetic group of like-minded artists. My style evolves rapidly, morphing into the next “this sounds like a good idea.” I used to be able to call myself a lowbrow portrait artist, but now I just use the umbrella term, mixed media artist. Although my style of art may change, the one thing that remains true is my focus on the contrast of grayscale and bright pops of color. My artwork has many dark undertones. I am a lover of the creepy, mysterious, and odd things in life and that shines through in my work. Whether it be portraits of Edgar Allan Poe, pop culture icons, or dinosaur heads drawn on pulp sci-fi pinup women, you know I like weird things, and being able to be my true self through art is magic.
Having shrouded myself with a beautifully supportive group of humans, mainly my husband and his siblings, has been key to my success. It really helps to know that others believe in your work and are constantly helping nudge you along your artist path. I suffer from sometimes crippling anxiety, depression, and agoraphobia, and not once have I had to worry about working at an art festival or market by myself. I am so grateful for my little entourage.

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?
I live in Ogden, Utah. It is a historic wild west railroad town with a dark history of shootouts, prostitution, bootlegging, and everyone here has a ghost story to tell. Walking ghost tours are scheduled often where you can stop into local shops and hear stories of Ogdenites past. Then you can stay and eat at any one of the local restaurants; they’re all delicious. Ogden is nestled on the western edge of the Rocky Mountains in Northern Utah. Mountain bike and hiking trails are just steps away from my house, and ski lodges are littered across the Wasatch Front with claims of the “best snow on Earth.” If you’re not the outdoorsy type, perhaps catching a showing of a classic movie at Peery’s Egyptian Theatre might interest you, skydiving indoors at IFLY, or maybe you’ll get to be an extra in one of the many movies or television shows that are filmed downtown. Ogden is a beautiful place full of adventure. I’m lucky to call it home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband and best friend, Brandon. He not only encourages me to create but is by my side at every event and art show. I wouldn’t be where I am today without his support. He helps manage my inventory and most business aspects of my career. To be honest. I’d be lost without him.

Website: https://www.colungaart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colunga_art/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colunga.art

Other: https://colungaart.carrd.co/