Meet Lucia Morales | Visual Artist & Educator

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

Hi Lucia, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Lived experiences shape who we are and I feel that the only constant is change. We are continuously changing, developing, and hopefully growing as individuals. I found from a very early age that my comfort amongst many life changes was art and the production of art. For most of my formative years I felt a bit powerless and as if I had no voice, that changed when I picked up a sketchbook and pencils or paints. In my years as a Visual Art teacher, I have come to see the same sense of empowerment and comfort in many of my students. The visual arts and the process of creating in general, can help us to communicate what is within, it can comfort us and challenge us at the same time. As a professional artist, it is my goal to translate my voice and vision to viewers who will find their own meaning and interpretations in my works, and that is the beauty of what happens when we put ourselves out there for others to see.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I paint mostly using traditional media and techniques while exploring contemporary themes and a new take on vanitas art. I am excited by the idea of exploration and continuing to develop my artistic practice, relating it to my background and culture, the beauty of our roots and representation of the latino community in portraiture.

A lot of studying, practice and connections with other artists. It’s a lot of taking chances and saying yes to opportunities I would usually second guess. The worst thing that can happen is not showing up or not trying and missing a possibly great thing.

Like anything amazing in my life, I have to work for it and at it. A career as an artist takes time, dedication, and an ope mind. I am just at the beginning of this journey and if I am going to invest in anything, it should definitely be my personal growth and development, not just as a professional but as a human being.

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?
Perez Art Museum Miami, lunch on their outdoor patio at Verde Museum cafe Wynwood for the murals and good sight seeing, Coyo Taco and any of the ice cream shops in the area
Lincoln Road, good walking, restaurants and shops, movie theatre
Any of the craft breweries in the Doral are MIA, Tripping Animals or city center.
The beaches at Haulover marina

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am always grateful for the support of my friends and family throughout my growth as an artist, besides them I have to thank my education at Florida International University. While completing my graduate degree in Art Education there, I gained invaluable knowledge, skills, and techniques that have made me the artist and educator I am today. University Professor David Y. Chang taught me everything I know about oil paint and the rich history of painting and the great master’s throughout history.

Website: https://luciamoralesart.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Luciamoralesart