With the internet being so easy to access, it has become easier for independent artists to find an audience and let their work be known. As a result, a variety of movements, collectives, and scenes have found a way to pave their path. The independent art scene in Puerto Rico is no different. Recently, many artists from a variety of disciplines have found platforms that have made it easier for them to share their work. In addition, small businesses such as Electroshock in Santurce and Rio Piedras, bars like Off The Wall in Mayaguez, book stores like La Casita Books and Gifts in Aguadilla, Libros AC in Santurce and Libros 787 online, and independent festivals like Feria de Libros Independientes y Alternativos and Tintero: Festival de Cómics y Arte Independiente de Puerto Rico have provided up-and-coming artists a space to display their talents. “Puerto Rican Women Killing It in the Independent Art Scene” is a series of interviews that provides a glimpse at some of the women who have recently gained recognition in the art scene. Though the artists are asked similar questions, some are asked queries surrounding their work, specifically.
What’s your name and what do you do in the arts?
My name is Gia Lozz and I do photography, which serves as a form of relaxation. When I am not taking pictures, I draw.
What got you into the visual arts?
In my home there was always art; my dad is a musician, my mom drew, and my grandmother would always take pictures, there was always a camera in my house. I guess that’s why I’ve always loved everything related to the arts, especially photography, drawing and music. I would enclose myself for hours painting and by 10 I already knew that art was what I loved. I think in that aspect my family was one of the reasons why I continue studying visual arts to this day because they continue to support me.
What got you into photography?
When I would travel with my family, I would always carry a camera and when I was twelve years old I was gifted my first digital camera, which were starting to come out to the market by that time. A few years later, when I was going to college, despite my Bachelors not being in visual arts, I started enrolling in art courses and decided to take another in photography in the Escuela de Artes Plásticas de Puerto Rico. That’s where I learned more about composition and other techniques. From that moment on, I was just in love with visual art and photography.
How did you develop your style?
To be honest, I am still developing my style. We are constantly changing and I’m currently focused on drawing cartoonish faces and tomorrow I might be working on something completely different.
How has it evolved through the years?
When I was creating acrylic paintings, the themes mostly covered nature and I would always add a fantasy element to make them different from reality. So, to me art is all about experimenting. Sure, we must know the “rules” and know everything about traditional art, but at the end of the day we create our own style and that’s why I draw what I draw right now.
What are some of your influences and inspirations?
Lately, I look a lot at the work of Marlene Dumas and I recently went to Festival del Tintero where I saw many independent female artists and I feel like we can all learn something from them and create something different with our own original take.
Is there any other form of art you wish to pursue? If so, what field and why?
Yes, I would love to learn more about illustration and digital photography. To this day, I’ve never had the opportunity of creating or manipulating a photography piece digitally. However, that mixture between the traditional, reality and technology, and the ability of manipulating a picture or drawing without any limits is super interesting to me.
What do you think about the current state of the arts in Puerto Rico?
I think in Puerto Rico overall, the arts are not supported, but I believe there are a lot of people working hard so that the artists are more visible, which will eventually lead to more spaces being created for people to come together and see what every artist offers.
What do you think about the current state of the independent scene in Puerto Rico?
From what I’ve seen, the independent scene is moving. There are excellent artists and I think unity is what’s most important. We need to try and help each other to show the talent Puerto Rico has to offer.
If a young girl came up to you and said she wanted to be an artist, what would be your advice for her?
Never give up. It’s probably going to be difficult, but you need to work for what you want and have confidence in yourself and what you do.
What is your biggest goal right now?
Work a lot in my art and dedicate more time to what I love.
What do you seek to achieve with work?
Honestly, enjoy it. I love photography and drawing and if I could live out of it, it would be the best.
All of the pictures in this article were provided by Gia Lozz