The Bold Spirit of Mexican Traditions in Artist Cecilia Lopez’s Art

Cecilia Lopez, A.K.A Ceciloel, is a Mexican visual artist and designer. In this interview, She shares how her Mexican roots and personal experiences, including the challenges of motherhood, have influenced her art. Cecilia also talks about her creative process, the inspiration behind her vibrant paintings, and how she overcame periods of low inspiration. Through her story, we learn about the importance of staying true to our heritage, accepting new phases of life, and finding beauty and meaning in every stage of the creative journey.

Cecilia Lopez, A.K.A Ceciloel is a visual artist and a designer. She was born in Mexico and has a B.A. in Industrial Design and a PhD in Sustainable Architecture. Since childhood, art has always been an important part of her life, having solo and collective exhibitions from 2004-2010, with her work ranging from acrylic paintings to interventions on everyday objects and clothing. However, it wasn’t until 2017 that creating art became a priority in her career; with a few appearances in the creative and craft design field in London from 2018 to 2019, her career had a clear vision. However, in 2020, a major life event caused art to take a backseat. That same year, she welcomed her greatest creation, a baby boy who became the biggest project of her life. Cecilia never lost sight of her passion for creating and painting, and in September 2023, she felt a newfound sense of inspiration. This new stage of her career visually represents her love for colors and art by exploring a world of bold strokes and vibrant tones. Each painting comes to a celebration of creative expression and the beauty of self-discovery.

Cecilia Lopez thinks her work has evolved into a love song to her roots, inspired by lavish, mesmerizing patterns and breathtaking hues. She shares that her art draws inspiration from the unapologetic boldness of Mexican traditions, like Dia de los Muertos, and the lovely aesthetic of Talavera Poblana, which grounds her compositions and adds a touch of cultural significance. She describes her art as a fusion of nature’s splendor, playful designs, and a sprinkle of cultural magic that evokes sweet memories and sparks wonder.

Cecilia explains that in her creative process, she truly enjoys capturing the unique essence of still life and infusing it with a blend of realism and stylization. To bring her vision to life, she says she summons soulful rhythms and patterns that dance with colors and emotions, utilizing a variety of mediums such as acrylics, watercolors, ink, and even digital tools.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

When I first started painting, it was a way to express myself and escape everyday pressures. Moving far away from home in Mexico, I found solace in the strokes of my brush and the vibrant colors on the canvas. However, in 2020, a major life event caused art to take a backseat. That same year, I welcomed my greatest creation, a baby boy who became the biggest project of my life. Despite the challenges of balancing motherhood with my passion for art, I never lost sight of my creative drive. In September 2023, I felt a newfound sense of inspiration, leading to a series of artworks that captured the essence of my feelings of missing home, motherhood, and the joy of having a family.

To bring my vision to life, I summon soulful rhythms and patterns that dance with colors and emotions, utilizing a variety of mediums such as acrylics, watercolors, ink, and even digital tools.

Cecilia Lopez

2. What inspired you to become an artist?

Growing up, my dad inspired me with his creative mind and passion for his work. Now, my inspiration is also my family, my husband, my son, and my need to be my true self. Art is intrinsic to me; it is not just what I love to do; it is who I am.

3. What is your creative process like from start to finish?

I would love to say that I have a process, a step-by-step that works every time. But in my case, every painting is its own since the beginning. Sometimes, I have a clear image of how I want it to be, full of colors, shapes, and patterns. Other times, I just see an element in real life, like a pot or a flower, that I want to be part of a piece, and I work the composition around that. It is never the same.

4. Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?

My artistic influences are deeply rooted in my heritage, drawing inspiration from the intricate Talavera patterns, vibrant colors, and cherished memories of my culture. These elements shape my artistic style and serve as a source of tranquility and authenticity in my work. Embracing this aesthetic in my art allows me to create pieces that are not only visually striking but also meaningful and reflective of my unique background. I keep infusing all my creations with the rich tapestry of my Mexican heritage, as it adds depth and richness to my artistic expression.

5. How do you handle creative blocks or periods of low inspiration?

I had my biggest challenge a few years ago; after my son’s birth, I struggled to find time for art. The sleepless nights and constant demands of motherhood left little room for creative pursuits. As my son grew older, I began to rediscover the joy of painting, finding inspiration in the little moments of everyday life. I found inspiration in the ordinary. Despite my renewed passion for painting, I faced a creative block and no time for exploration. The stress and exhaustion of juggling motherhood and art affected my artistic process. However, I refused to give up, seeking inspiration from unexpected sources. I came back through digital art by making doodles about motherhood and the new experiences that I was having.

I like to think that my work evolved into a love song to my roots, inspired by the lavish of mesmerizing patterns and breathtaking hues.

Cecilia Lopez

Cecilia Lopez’s journey as an artist shows her strength, creativity, and deep love for her cultural roots. Her art is a beautiful blend of her Mexican heritage, filled with bright colors and bold patterns. Even while facing the challenges of being a new mother, Cecilia found ways to stay inspired by the world around her and her personal experiences. To learn more about Cecilia Lopez, click on the links below.