Graciela Oliva
Artist Statement
Art became a passion of mine as a child. It began as something simple, such as painting on a small canvas, creating clay sculptures and even dioramas made out of the toys I had in my room. I learned at a young age how to express myself with colors and shape. Throughout my life, I have always expressed myself with many art forms. I loved gifting my arts and crafts to my family and seeing their eyes light up at the thought of my time and effort going into what I created. I loved to dance folklorico as a teenager and seeing my community join together to watch our culture shine bright on stage, allowing me to communicate our cultural stories through movement and music. As I continued to explore these art forms, I realized the power of visual storytelling and how it could transform language, creating a universal connection. This curiosity led me to communication design, where I could blend my love for the visual arts with the intent of effectively conveying messages to a broader audience. My background has taught me to appreciate the importance of cultural context, detail, and the rhythm of design, all of which have influenced my approach to communication design as a form of meaningful, expressive art.
I have always enjoyed working independently because it allows me the space to focus and dive deep into my creative problems, especially when I’m exploring new ideas or refining concepts. I thrive when I can take ownership of a project and really push myself to find the best solution. At the same time, I recognize the value of collaboration and working in a team. When working with others, I enjoy brainstorming and sharing ideas, as it often leads to new perspectives and better solutions. I believe that combining independent thinking with the strengths of a team can lead to powerful outcomes. Solving problems on my own allows me to break it down, do my own research, and consider all options. On a team, I make sure to listen actively and incorporate input from others, which I believe develops the process and leads to more well-rounded outcomes.
To me, the most important part of my work is that it reflects my genuine passions and allows me to grow both personally and creatively. I believe in doing what makes me happy, because when I create from a place of joy and authenticity, that energy naturally translates into my work. I want my designs to inspire others to do the same—to follow what excites them and to embrace their own creative journey. For its impact on society, I hope my work encourages people to connect more deeply with their own cultural expressions, their communities, and the stories they want to tell. Creativity can sometimes feel overlooked or undervalued, especially in our day and age, but I believe art has the power to bring people together, spark conversations, and create lasting change. My goal is that my work not only brings people joy but also motivates them to think more deeply about the role of art in cherishing understanding, empathy, and personal growth.
