Meet Eduardo Gómez: Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eduardo Gómez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eduardo, what are you inspired by?
Inspiration comes from so many different places for me. Culture, history, sports, current events, fashion and music are some personal favorites. I also find inspiration from family, friends, and fellow artists as well. Recently, I was inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in a quarantine series of 119 consecutive watercolor paintings based on the postponement of the Los Angeles Dodgers 2020 season home opener.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I consider myself a multidisciplinary artist. An ambidextrous drawer, painter, printmaker, sculptor, illustrator, Dj and most recently self-published author. Publishing my own art book was always a goal of mine and is probably one of the things I’m most proud of to this point. I’ve also had solo art exhibitions in both Los Angeles, San Francisco and working with companies like ESPN and Stüssy have also been personal highlights.

Getting to where I am today professionally has never been easy. I think most artists would agree that pursuing a career in the arts definitely has its challenges. Attending graduate school, in particular, was challenging for me on many levels. As a first-generation Mexican American, moving away to college was a big deal where I came from and there were many pressures and sacrifices that came along the way. However, my time at CCA was well spent on a creative level. It allowed me to experiment and push my own ideas alongside a community of other artists on a daily basis.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a multidisciplinary artist is to play by my own rules unapologetically and with confidence. For example, the decision to draw strictly with my non-dominant hand has had its challenges but in turn, has allowed me to embrace mistakes and develop my own style.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
That’s such a tough question because Los Angeles is so big and there is so much to do and see. A week long trip in the area with me would more than likely consist of visiting some of the finest art institutions our city has to offer. LACMA, The Broad, The Getty, The Hammer Museum, The Norton Simon Museum, MOCA, MOLAA and the hundreds of galleries throughout L.A. county would definitely be on the itinerary. A show at the Hollywood Bowl would be a must; as well as catching a sunset at the Griffith Observatory or Dodger Stadium. The Walt Disney Concert Hall and Botanical Gardens at The Huntington Library are personal favorites and are always amazing to see. Hanging out at a park and having a picnic is always fun and relaxing and both Vista Hermosa Park and Los Angeles State Historic Park have amazing views of DTLA. Also, digging for books and records at Amoeba Music and The Last Bookstore never gets old and is an easy way to kill some time.

Food wise, El Huarachito, Cofax Coffee, Egg Slut and Dupars all offer delicious breakfast options any day of the week. Also, The Grand Central Market, The Original Farmers Market and Smorgasburg LA are each an experience and respectively host a variety of international flavors worth visiting. However, the Mexican food in L.A. is one that would definitely not be ignored.

First of all, it’s everywhere and it’s delicious! From street food, to food trucks, to fine dining, there is no doubt Los Angeles has the best Mexican food outside of Mexico and the following restaurants have a lot to do with that: Tere’s Mexican Grill, Mariscos Jalisco, Guelaguetza, Damian/Ditroit, La Cha Cha Cha, Sonoratown, Ceviche Project, Burritos Las Palmas, Guerilla Tacos, Chichen Itza Restaurant, La Autentica Birrieria, Guisados, Tacos 1986, Villa Morelianas Tacos, Leo’s Taco Truck, Pecas, El Chato, Avenue 26 Tacos, etc. etc. Let’s just say I would plan a taco tour one day out of the week.

Aside from Mexican food, you can also never go wrong with: Woon, Sticky Rice, Little Sister, Pasta Sisters, Ugly Drum, Roberta’s, Delicious Pizza, Burgers Never Say Die, The Apple Pan, Johnny’s, Langers, Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, Tommy’s, Howlin’ Rays, Blossom, Silverlake Ramen, Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits & Cheese.

The nightlife in L.A. can be overwhelming because there’s alway something going on every night of the week and catching a live show at one of the hundreds of music venues is always fun depending on who’s in town. If not, there’s plenty of bars to vibe out at over some amazing tunes and drinks. Bar Flores is a personal favorite because of the warm atmosphere, beautiful outdoor patio and delicious cocktails. Brunch at Xelas would be nice and a michelada at La Chuperia always hits the spot; as well as checking out some eclectic sounds at the Gold Line bar. Also, cumbia dancing at The Office Bar in Lincoln Heights or at The Melody Lounge in Chinatown is always fun.

Lastly, I would wrap up the week by cruising some classic cars down the coast in Long Beach along with some friends and fam. The music. The sun. The breeze. There’s always something magical about cruising on a Sunday afternoon and I couldn’t think of a better way to end the week on a high of note. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There have been so many people that have played a prominent role in my success as an artist. I’ve had the privilege of working with some amazing artists, educators and mentors over the years; while pursuing both my bachelors and masters degrees at CSULB and at the California College of the Arts in San Francisco and they all deserve recognition. However, I think the sacrifices my parents made, as first generation Mexican immigrants, have always been an instrumental source of inspiration for me and they deserve all the credit. Their story and work ethic continues to inspire me. And I can only hope to work as hard as they have for as long as they have. Gracias.

Website: www.eduardogomezart.com

Instagram: @eduardo.gomez.studio

Twitter: @eduardogomez_12

Facebook: www.facebook.com/eduardo.gomez.7370

Youtube: https://youtu.be/M9rGKSl1158 https://youtu.be/PNhG0rf13Ic

Image Credits
Portraits by Fabiola Franco