Young and passionately productive, artist Monica Garza seems to turn out new, incredible work while making it look and seem so effortless. Garza has been an artist for most of her life and that undoubtedly shows through in her work. When looking at her paintings, one can tell this is an artist who has not only found their ablest voice, but also has perfected it and is also capable of evolving it even further. 
Repesado Nights, acrylic, 56 x 70"
Garza is an American artist but has a very diverse background and has lived many places. She’s spent time living in Asia, Africa and South America, to name a few. She goes into her background in the interview. Garza is the type of artist who puts all of herself into her paintings...literally. While these women may not always look exactly like her, they are her in some form or another. They are every woman, strong, self-assured, carefree yet complex.
Garza states at the end of this interview that she “wants to leave a legacy…to paint beyond my death” and this writer believes she is doing just that.
When was the first time you can recall thinking to yourself, “Hmm art/painting might be the way I want to express myself!”
Not necessarily a moment, but it was a feeling I had since I was a kid. I’ve always loved making art and drawing my whole life. It is just my being.
Buenos Dias, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 24"
What were the first things you remember drawing?
Firstly, I remember doing all the coloring books. But when I taught myself to draw I remember trying to copy photos of my family and doing a lot of self-portraits.
You have a very mixed and diverse background. Can you go into that a little bit, i.e., your heritage and places you’ve lived?
I was born in New Mexico and moved to Japan as a young kid but grew up in a super small town in central Georgia from elementary to high school. My mother is Korean and my father is Mexican but I am American.
COFFEE, glitter acrylic on canvas, 56 x 48"
How do you think your heritage has affected the work you make today?
Well everyone’s core of who they are affects who and how they do what they do. I think it’s obvious how my heritage has inspired my work. I’m mostly interested in the painting itself, over the content. That becomes the most interesting part for me.
Who are these women in your paintings? What’s their backstory?
I’d like the viewer to take what they want from it, but the paintings are inspired by me…by myself.
Are you as strong and confident as the women you paint?
I think I’m very independent but I’m human. I’m insecure most of the time.
Far East Market, acrylic, felt, foam paper and oil pastel on canvas, 70 x 58"In your personal opinion, is the world getting better or worse? I know this is a very broad question, so interpret it as you like.
We are progressing in great strides but at times it feels like mentally we are out creating biases and other challenges that are just unnecessary. Overall, it’s getting better I suppose.
What is your biggest vice?
I don’t feel like I really do anything bad and when I do I feel it’s not bad. I drink and smoke but I don’t do that every day. When I do it, it feels liberating. If I eat something “bad” I also feel OK about it. My day-to-day routine life is pretty healthy. It’s nice to live a little and let go.
What is something you’re incredibly proud of?
Well, myself, because I never gave up on my dreams.
What kind of music do you listen to and do you ever listen while you paint?
It depends on my mood. A lot of rock, deep house, R&B, rap, alternative, Nu-disco; it varies.
Resort, acrylic, 56 x 70"
Where do you draw inspiration from?
My life experiences and friends, culture and history, everyday mundane things I see as I’m passing by.
Apples or watermelon?
Watermelon! It’s the best when the weather is hot. I buy a whole one, chop it in half and just spoon it out into my mouth.
Favorite color combination currently?
I’ve been into purples and greens lately. Or greens or pinks. I have moments with every color but I’m into all of them at different times.
What are your upcoming plans/goals for your work?
I have some shows coming up, but my goals are to leave a legacy. To paint beyond my death.
To check out more of Garza’s work you can follow her on Instagram: @monicakimgarza
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