Villarreal Elizabeth
Artist Statement
I have created art for as long as I can remember. The earliest most impactful project I did was when 9/11 happened I helped my sister create a fabric scrap flag for my stepmom. That was what really launched my desire to be an artist. My art impacted her and reminded her that America would stay strong despite the tragedy going on. That experience partially led me to go into the military. I served in the Air Force and was stationed in San Antonio and Wichita Falls. I also served overseas in Germany at Spangdahlem Air Base. My job was knowledge operations and that was where I learned to love computers and develop a knack for learning programs quickly.
After getting out of the service I moved to Brownsville and got my Associate of Applied Sciences in Business Management and Technology. My intent was for the programs I learned to carry me through any career path that I would choose. After working at both Texas Southmost College and UTRGV, I decided to pursue my Bachelors of Arts Degree in Graphic Design. This has been a long journey where no matter what I create, I hope that my art continues to help people, inspires them, and spreads joy. My creative process includes jamming out to music, watching reruns of my favorite shows, and staying up late making new things. The world is my canvas. I create everything from jewelry, drawing, painting, scrapbooking, to digital designs like emotes, flyers, mobile apps, and website design.
While most of my creations have been for school, the best art I make is when I just grab a pen or brush and let the creativity flow through me. My fuel is usually Pepsi or Red Bull and the best alternative rock or pop music I can find. My muses include Van Gogh and Dean Russo. My style remains dark and alternative. In the past couple of years I attended many shows and events. One of my favorite experiences was judging the Texas Southmost College Living History Day high school art projects where they made dioramas, ships, and flags depicting life in the Rio Grande Valley. I am often called upon to be the photographer for the veterans' events at both Texas Southmost College and UTRGV. I have been attending the history events both on campus and at the Resaca De La Palma Battlefield where they have annual history re-enactments. Another project I am proud of was a collaboration with fellow classmates where we went to numerous museums in Brownsville and photographed the exhibits. However my art ends up being used, I want it to be out there shedding light on the experiences of veterans and the communities they live in.
