Alejandra Vasquez an emerging artist known for her bold and vibrant works, brings life to the canvas with every stroke. Born in Valparaiso, Chile, Vasquez's story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and expression. At the age of five, she relocated to the United States, growing up in New Jersey, where she now resides in North Bergen. However, she spent years as an educator, and her path as an artist took root in her 40s, sparked by a turning point in her mental health journey.
After experiencing a severe panic attack, Vasquez sought counseling and found an outlet in art that allowed her to express emotions she couldn't capture with words. What began as a therapeutic practice soon blossomed into a full-fledged passion. Her art became a way to process the emotions stored in her mind and body, and with each piece, she embraced the rawness of her experiences.
The struggles and triumphs of her life are embedded in every creation. Growing up in a humble background and living in poverty in Chile until the age of five, Vasquez had always believed art was reserved for the wealthy. This notion was deeply ingrained in her understanding of the world, but the support of her family, especially her sister-in-law Alessy Ortiz, encouraged her to break free from those limitations. With Ortiz’s guidance, Vasquez began displaying her art and found an audience drawn to her bold style and emotional depth.
Vasquez’s work is rooted in maximalism—a celebration of chaos and beauty intertwined. Her pieces are rich in detail and color, reflecting the complexity of her emotions and the world around her. As an artist who explores mental health struggles, Vasquez conveys a range of bottled-up feelings on canvas. Whether through acrylic, watercolor, or mixed media, each piece is a story of release, of finding light in darkness, and of honoring life’s experiences.
Her recent works include "Break Free," a large mixed-media painting of birds soaring through flowers, symbolizing the artist’s own journey of liberation. Vasquez also draws inspiration from her granddaughter, whose pure, unjudged joy for painting inspired the whimsical piece "Pure Imagination," an ode to creating with freedom.
Though relatively new to the art scene, Vasquez has already made an impact, showcasing her work at Detox Gallery, Awita New York Gallery, and Cannavita Gallery. Her art is not just a personal expression but a universal language that speaks to anyone who has ever felt the weight of silence or the need to express the inexpressible. It is through this lens that she invites viewers to connect with the emotions and stories held within her vibrant creations.
With a desire to continue exploring new mediums, from oils to pastels, Vasquez’s artistic journey is only just beginning. She believes that everyone holds within them the power to create, and her work serves as a reminder of the beauty and strength that come from embracing one’s true self. For Vasquez, art is not just a career—it is a way of life, an ongoing conversation with the soul.
Artist Q&A with OA
When did you start as an artist? Where did you start out?
My journey as an artist started in my 40s after having a terrible panic attack. My panic attack led to seeking answers and working on my mental health.In counseling, I realized I had always had a yearning to create art. I always wanted to paint. So, I started painting to calm my mind and to express emotions or stories that I could not express in words.
What was your main source of inspiration to pursue a career in art?
I am currently a middle school English Language Arts teacher. I have never thought of making my art a career because my upbringing dictated that it was not a feasible practical way of making money.I come from a very humble background and in Chile lived in poverty till the age of 5. Art from my understanding was for the Rich. Despite this conception, my sister-in-law and brother convinced me that my art was interesting and why not start displaying it. They convinced me that it had potential and that it should not just sit in the garage where no one could see it. With the help of both of them but mainly my sister-in-law Alessy Ortiz I began showing my artwork. Alessy has been a guiding light in giving me the confidence to put my work out there.
Which artists do you collaborate with or draw inspiration from?
One of the many talented artists that I draw inspiration from and who is alive is Mickalene Thomas. I find her mixed-media art fascinating. She uses rhinestones, acrylic, and any materials she finds to create beautiful collages. She is also from Jersey and considered a Gen X as I also am.
Where can people view or purchase your artwork?
I have an Instagram account if anyone would like to see some of my sketches and paintings. My Instagram handle is alejandravasquez8222, vasquezarts.com is my webpage, and @ortiz.art.management on Instagram my manager Alesy Ortiz can also answer questions if I am not available concerning my art pieces.
What are some of the most recent exhibitions or shows you’ve participated in?
I have participated in Detox Gallery showings, Awita New York Gallery, and Cannavita Gallery.
What projects are you currently working on or have planned for the near future?
I finally finished a large mixed-media painting of 13 Birds flying through flowers and leaves, it's called "Break Free". In between I have been working on small watercolor landscape paintings. At this very moment, I am working on a painting that was inspired by my two-year-old granddaughter. She was so incredibly happy with her paintbrush and paint. It didn't matter to her where she was making her brushstrokes or what colors she was using, in her mind it was beautiful. That child-like joy in painting and creating without judgment is what I am trying to express in my most recent piece "Pure Imagination".
Those interested in following her artistic journey can view her work on Instagram at @alejandravasquez8222 or visit her website, vasquezarts.com. Her manager, Alessy Ortiz, is also available through @ortiz.art.management for inquiries about her pieces.
Alejandra Vasquez's story is a testament to the power of art as a tool for healing, expression, and transformation, proving that it is never too late to begin following the call of creativity.