Interview WIth Nora Mendoza

“From an Artistic Perspective”

Taken from the image gallery

In November, 1999 Nora Mendoza was honored with the “Governor's Arts Award.” Even though Nora has studied at the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit , her experiences and her knowledge of current and past events are displayed in her artwork beautifully. For the past 30 years, she has been working full time painting. Nora has a fierce spirit of individualism and has become well known for the figures hidden within her abstract paintings. Her work has developed immensely from “realist” to “abstract expressionism.” Noras' work includes restoration, workshops, and murals. She was one of the eight artists in 1996 to restore the Detroit Music Hall back to normal. Nora is very concerned with Indians, Hispanics, migrant workers and women's affairs. Today Nora lives and works in her Bloomfield Hills house.

•  When and why did you start painting?

"I have been painting since I was very little. It was the only thing I knew how to do and I was actually good at it. Not until later did I use painting as a tool to make money out of necessity. I wasn't sure if my paintings would sell, but I took a chance and put some in an art fair. Only 1% of artist could make a living solely by painting and selling their art, so I was very apprehensive about making it a full time job. I paint because there is something in me that has to. For me its like breathing. If I didn't paint for a while I would probably become depressed. Painting is part of what I need to do, a passion, the creator gives each of us a talent and it is up to us to evolve that talent by doing the work. I feel that it is my responsibility to create."

•  What are the sources of inspiration for your art?

"I have to feel connected spiritually and have a connection to mother earth and the four elements. My inspirations come from within, human rights, what's going on in the world, and they bring awareness to the public. I also do paintings on woman's issues, and my every day experiences."

•  Where did you learn to develop your artistic skills?

"I studied at the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit and I experiment with different mediums."

•  What forms of are you well known for?

"I'm well known for art relating to women, landscapes, abstract art with hidden forms in the abstract, oils, and acrylics."

•  What contributions do you make towards the Detroit community?

"I think many Hispanics from the southwest Detroit area look up to me. In 1999 I was awarded the Governors' Artist Award, and selected to be part of the film “Celebrate Detroit.” I have also done many workshops in Detroit for aspiring artists. In 1996, I was one of the eight artist who participated in the renovation project to renovate and bring Detroit 's Music Hall back to its original beauty."

•  What words of advice do you have for aspiring artist?

"If you have a desire to become an artist or to become anything find something you are passionate about. Something that is not a chore or job to you, and that you love so much that the time goes by so fast when you are working. Find what you really care about and follow your dream."

•  Do you have any plans for the future regarding your artwork?

I live life a day at a time. Once it's done it's done. I like to live the moment one step at a time. For now I'm teaching in Lansing and working at exhibits. I work everyday so when a show comes up I have artwork ready. Martin Luther King week on February 10 th I have a workshop in Ann Arbor . I have been doing art work in Ann Arbor for previous art fairs as well. The Latino Resource Center at the University of Michigan recently used my artwork for the cover of their Resource Guide “Exito.”

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