Candida Alvarez, Resident Artist Lecture 2023

Candida Alvarez gives a lecture at Skowhegan talking in depth about her painting and drawing practice. Alvarez explains how painting has always been a process and mystery for her, and how she has tried to approach these mysteries by exploring autobiography and camouflage. Alvarez then speaks about drawing, and how drawing allows her to develop her skillset in composition, particularly with how artists can build; whether it is building structure, an armature, or the bones inside ones body. For Alvarez, the tool that has always taught her composition has been the pencil. Alvarez then goes on to speak about the importance of building texture and pushing scale and surface in her practice. Alvarez arrives at this by working with drawing and layering it over with her painting. Alvarez enjoys the conversations that happen between paintings and drawings, and actively works at not creating a hierarchy between them. Alvarez continues her lecture by stating the importance of letting go of pressure in order to create whatever she wants. Alvarez says that when she lets go of this pressure, she allows herself to follow what she loves, and how painting gives her the freedom to be herself. Alvarez tells the participants how creativity is the most wonderful gift that they can share with one another as human beings, and that in order to be creative, one has to always be courageous and say yes to the things they want for themselves. Alvarez continues her lecture by highlighting the necessity for artists to be sharing by urging them to always find a way to give; it’s not just what artists make, but it’s what they do and how they give back. It can be challenging to be honest with oneself as an artist, but it can be done by taking risks and say yes to the things one wants. Alvarz also reassures the participants by telling them that this is a slow journey; there will be mistakes that will be made but mistakes are always invaluable. They will learn through their mistakes, know that they are never alone, and embrace the community they create for themselves. Alvarez ends her lecture by encouraging the participants to always stay open, trust their intuition and work hard. If artists work hard enough, they will start to realize that there are certain things they are attracted too, and this will guide them in their life as artists.