EAOC's Wednesday Spotlight

Meet EAOC Artist:  Lark Calderon-Gomez

Etsy Shop:  www.etsy.com/shop/larkcalderongomez

Tell us about yourself?
I was born and raised at the beach in California, where I fell in love with oil painting at the age of seven. My Mom is an artist and felt it was important to have a houseful of art supplies for all of us to explore, and I would happily get lost in them for hours... I was born to a Guatemalan Father and American Mother. I was raised by my Mother and knew nothing of my Father's heritage, so a few years ago I went to him to find out more.

The first thing I noticed was that it wasn’t easy for him. He started telling me his melancholy stories of being a boy walking through the streets of the city in Guatemala. I began imagining him there as he spoke. The year was 1941 and WWII was stretching across the world. He told me he was four years old when his Mother left. Argentine Tango poured from the radio’s...he painted vivid images for me. He told me how he was filled with sadness wondering where she had gone, and that he painfully waited 10 years for her to get them.. Then I understood why he never talked about it.

Something caused my grandmother to leave her family. I can't imagine what she could have gone through emigration to the US back in the 1940s, when she was a young woman. I began mixing the little history I knew of her with some Latin American history creating somewhat fictional stories to satisfy my curiosity. Then, I wanted to paint her.

What is the address for your Etsy shop?
www.etsy.com/shop/larkcalderongomez

What do you offer in your Etsy shop?
Signed & numbered limited edition giclee prints on archival quality paper, approx 11x17”

Where do you create?
In my home studio. I love my little sanctuary of a home! Painting is very therapeutic and I love having access anytime I need to go there.

Where do you find your inspiration?
I love to go to the museum exhibitions and galleries. Once in a while, I will come across an artist that just effects me so deeply. I feel ashamed of myself for not trying harder. They motivate me to want to be a better painter.

What is one of your most important lessons you've learned since starting your business?
The hard lesson of letting a beloved piece go. I am an emotional painter, and get attached to my work. Sometimes as soon as a painting is done, it’s off to a show and sometimes it is sold…and sometimes it breaks my heart. So, now I try to be more prepared for this.

What advice would you give someone just starting out?
To always try and create the best work possible. To always be developing Your Eye, and guard it. And have fun!

What are some of your favorite online shops on and off Etsy?
I am so happy you asked!! I have a few:
ON ETSY:
-The incredibly gifted Aku, (and proud member of EAOC) with Aku's Ear Ornaments http://www.etsy.com/shop/Kezzmit and http://www.akusearornaments.blogspot.com/
-The inspiring painter/teacher/musician, Marcus Kwame, (and proud member of EAOC): www.etsy.com/people/Marcuskwame  
-The talented Lynda Zamora with Armando Javier Design… Open to trade for brass, silver or copper jewelry http://www.etsy.com/people/ArmandoJavierDesign
- The gifted Adina, from the jewelry to the painted feathers and intricate Dream Catchers: http://www.etsy.com/people/Leelinau
-Talented Jennie at: http://www.etsy.com/people/SewHappybyJennie
- Inspiring Diana Martin, see her paintings at: www.etsy.com/shop/DianaMartinStudio
- The Incredible Lori Nicholes at: www.etsy.com/shop/lorinichols
- The talented Anna Lela at: www.etsy.com/people/AnnaLela
- Visit gifted Kylie, at her incredible shop: www.etsy.com/shop/earlybirdcreations
- The super talented Renaissance woman, Miss K Art: www.etsy.com/shop/MissKArt
- Lovely bath & body items by Lisa at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlossomingTree
- The talented clothing designer, Alix of Tree House 28: www.etsy.com/shop/treehouse28
AND OFF ETSY:
- Visit super talented artist friend, Terri Woodward, at her Website: http://www.terriwoodward.info/
- Visit my super talented teacher & friend, Phyllis Shafer, at her website at: http://www.phyllisshafer.com/
- Visit my Sister, Maria Calderon’s Music Website at www.miacalderon.com

What are your other sites?
I have my fine art website at: http://www.calderon-gomez.com/
And please check out my blog at: http://www.calderon-gomez.blogspot.com/