Self Portrait
ArtistJodie Herrerahas devoted her practice to telling the stories of women she regards as unsung heroes.
Rather than focusing on their hardships, Herrera depicts them from a standpoint that radiates admiration.
While putting a spotlight on these women, Herrera’s artistic choices remain deeply personal.
“Self Portrait”
In addition to being visually stunning, theres so much depth and meaning to her artwork.
In Herrera’s work, the plight of a woman is the struggle of all.
Her works shine like a beacon, sending a simple message: You are not alone.
“Diana”
We had the opportunity to chat with Herrera .
Read on for My Modern Met’s interview with Jodie Herrera.
Diana
Celestina
How did your painting journey begin?
“Celestina”
My mom, a full-time artist, and my dad, who valued creativity, always encouraged me.
As a young adult, I experimented with different mediums, including oil painting, but I eventually foundgraffiti.
It gave me a way to express myself politically and feel part of an art community.
“Angelica”
Getting arrested for graffiti changed everything.
Once I focused, I fell in love with oil paintingit became a way to tell deeply personal stories.
I graduated with honors in painting from the University of New Mexico in 2013.
“Jovanna”
And here we are.
Angelica
What inspires your compositions?
By telling their storieswhat weve endured and how we continue to thriveI celebrate our strength and perseverance.
“Amina”
Healing is central to my work.
By sharing these womens stories, I strive to heal and deconstruct the pain and shame of our traumas.
I hope to show that we are more beautiful because of our experiences, not in spite of them.
“Natalie”
Jovanna
Amina
Are all the women depicted in your murals people youve met personally?
How do they feel about having their stories told through art?
Yes, all the women in the series are individuals with whom Ive built trusting relationships.
“Stay Safe”
Many approached me with their stories, feeling drawn to the project as part of their healing process.
Its been incredibly moving to witness all our transformations.
Natalie
What does your creative process look like?
“Aya”
I then research symbols from their heritage and personal interests and create a mock-up that incorporates all these elements.
Finally, I get to paint, which is the most rewarding part of the process.
Stay Safe
Aya
As an artist, what do you like about using wood as a canvas?
“Hope”
I love using raw wood as a canvas because it reflects the natural beauty of my subjects.
It complements the realistic and symbolic elements in my work and helps bring the story and composition together.
Hope
Flamenco
Is there a challenge to blending photorealism with more abstract, symbolic imagery?
“Flamenco”
Not reallyboth are equally tedious, just in different ways!
Balancing the two can be challenging, but its incredibly rewarding when it all comes together seamlessly.
Tashina
Golden
Is there a particular painting youre more proud of or that is your favorite?
“Tashina”
Danielle
What do you hope people will take away from your art?
I aim to inspire positive changeaction, solidarity, and connection.
As an artist, I believe we are visual historians.
“Golden”
“Danielle”
“Era”
