Meet the Creator: Artist Susie Cortez
1. Tell us about yourself! What is your ethnic background? Where were you raised? And where do you currently reside?
I am proud to be Salvadoran, a country known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and delicious food. Although I moved to the United States when I was only five, I still feel a solid connection to my Salvadoran roots.
Growing up in Los Angeles, a diverse community of Latinx people surrounded me. Still, my parents always made an effort for me to stay connected to my Salvadoran culture. Whether through family, food, or visits to El Salvador, I found ways to celebrate and honor my heritage.
In 2015, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue my passion for art. This led me on an incredible adventure across Italy for three and a half months, where I immersed myself in the country's art and architecture.
After my travels, I moved to Dallas, Texas, where I continued developing my artistic skills.
Today, I reside in Houston, Texas, where I continue to create art inspired by my travels or commissions. I hope to inspire others to explore and celebrate their cultural backgrounds through my work.
2. Introduce us to your creation! What are you currently creating? Do you have a link we can send people to for your work?
I am thrilled with my current paintings. They reflect my love for bold, bright colors and a commitment to realism. My recent trip to Turks and Caicos has been an incredible source of inspiration for me. I am honored to follow in the footsteps of some of the greats who have also found inspiration in this beautiful part of the world.
As I look at my work, I see the influence of master painters such as Sargent and Homer, who also found their inspiration in the Caribbean. And I am grateful for the guidance of my mentor, Gluck, who helped me develop a solid foundation to find my unique style and vision.
But more than anything, I am struck by how my heart and soul have found a home in Turks and Caicos. The people here have welcomed me with open arms, and I feel like I am part of a vibrant, supportive community. And so, as I continue to paint and create, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and joy, knowing that I am living my dream and creating work that truly reflects who I am and what I believe in. Check out more art at sooztheartist.com
La Niña Con Pascuas
3. When did you first start creating? What ignited the spark in you?
When I think back to my childhood, one of my fondest memories is how I started drawing. It all began when my mom moved to Los Angeles before I did, and I was left missing her terribly. Even though we were miles apart, I wanted to find a way to communicate with her. That's when I turned to drawing.
Every chance I got, I would sit down with my pencil and paper and create a masterpiece for my mom. It didn't matter what I drew; it could be a simple rose or even the frijolitos I had for dinner that day. The important thing was that I was able to express myself and share a part of my life with her through my drawings.
Once I finally moved to the States, I continued to draw for my family. My grandmother and my sister, Mily, became my new audience. I was inspired by Mily's drawings of a puppy and a baby elephant. It was clear to me that art was a universal language that could bring people together and connect us in ways that words alone could not.
For me, art was not just a hobby or a pastime but a powerful tool for communication. I wanted people to see my work and feel something positive. Whether it was a sense of joy, inspiration, or even a moment of peace and reflection, I hoped my art would touch their hearts and leave a lasting impact.
Looking back on those early years, I realize how much my love of drawing has shaped who I am today. It taught me to express myself, connect with others, and find beauty in even the smallest things in life. And I know that no matter where my journey takes me, art will always be a part of who I am.
4. Tell us about a challenge you've overcome, business or personal, what was the lesson and how did it propel you forward?
Growing up in the US, I faced numerous challenges trying to assimilate into the culture. Being taller and larger than most kids my age made me the target of bullies who made fun of my weight and height. It was a difficult time for me as I struggled with confidence issues.
However, as I got older and made friends who accepted me for who I was, I began to embrace my height and body type. I realized that my unique physical features were not flaws but rather something that made me stand out from the crowd. With this newfound confidence, I continued developing my passions and discovering my life purpose.
In 2017 I became the first Salvadorean invited to paint at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. As a little kid from El Salvador, I never imagined that I would be able to express myself in such a powerful way. For me, creating became a way of communicating with the world.
As I continued to develop my skills and pursue my passions, I realized that the most important lesson I had learned was the value of self-acceptance. By embracing my unique qualities and learning to love myself for who I am, I was able to overcome the challenges of my past and propel myself forward.
Whether in business or personal pursuits, this lesson has been instrumental in my success. I have achieved things I never thought possible by staying true to myself and focusing on my strengths. I am grateful for the challenges I faced as a kid. They helped shape me into the confident and resilient person I am today.
5. What do you want people to say about you when you're not in the room?
Art will always be a huge passion of mine, and I take pride in my work. I hope people say positive things about me when I'm not in the room. Specifically, I would love for them to describe me as a creative and artistic person.
In addition to my creativity, I would also like to be known as a warm and understanding person. I always strive to make people feel comfortable and valued in my presence. Showing empathy and compassion for others is incredibly important.
Lastly, I hope that people view me as a humble person. I would be incredibly grateful if people described me as creative, warm, understanding, and humble. I don't like to draw attention to myself or boast about my accomplishments; instead, I prefer to let my work speak for itself.
6. What do you hope to evoke from others when presenting your artwork?
As an artist, nothing brings me more joy than seeing others smile and feeling the energy and passion I pour into my work. When I create portraits, I strive to capture the essence of my subject and convey their unique spirit through my art. I want those who view my portraits to feel a sense of connection with the subject and experience the emotions they evoke.
I hope people feel uplifted and inspired when they view my artwork. I want my works to serve as a reminder of the beauty and goodness in the world. Whether it's a portrait of a loved one or a famous figure, I want my art to elicit a sense of joy and happiness in those who view it.
Ultimately, my goal as an artist is to create something that transcends the canvas and speaks to the soul. Art has the power to heal, inspire, and bring people together. Through my work, I want to create a community and share my passion for life with others.
7. What part, if any, does your culture play in your work as a creator?
As a creator, culture plays an integral role in shaping my work. Growing up in Los Angeles, I was immersed in a melting pot of different cultures and experiences that influenced my perspective as an artist.
Being a part of the LatinX community has instilled a sense of pride in my heritage. It has inspired me to infuse elements of my culture into my creations.
Similarly, my exposure to hip-hop culture has played a significant role in shaping my artistic expression. The hip-hop community's music, fashion, and art have inspired me to push boundaries, take risks, and think outside the box regarding my creative endeavors.
Overall, the various cultures I have been a part of have helped mold me into the artist I am today. By embracing and celebrating the diversity that surrounds me, I am able to create works that are unique, authentic, and deeply reflective of the world around us.
8. Who is your Latina role model?
My mother was an incredible woman who left a lasting impact on my life. As a Latina, she was a constant source of inspiration and guidance. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering love for her family were just a few of the qualities that I admired most.
Growing up, my mother always put her family first. She worked tirelessly to provide for us and ensure we had everything we needed. Her dedication and hard work were a constant reminder of the sacrifices she made for us, which motivated me to strive for success in my life.
But my mother was more than just a provider. She was also a beacon of love and kindness, always there to offer a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on. Her warmth and compassion touched everyone she met, and she had a way of making people feel seen and valued. Her infectious laugh was one of a kind and definitely made everyone else laugh along with her.
Despite facing many challenges in her life, my mother never lost her faith or her optimism. She was a true believer in the power of hope, and she always encouraged me to keep pushing forward no matter what obstacles came my way.
My mother's passing in 2020, just before the lockdown, was a devastating loss for our family. She left behind a husband of 53 years, five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, but her legacy lives on in each of us. I am so grateful for the time I had with her and for the lessons she taught me. She will always be my Latina role model, and I will strive to honor her memory by living my life with the same strength, love, and kindness she showed me.
9. What is your biggest goal for your creations?
My biggest goal for my creations is to have a platform that inspires and mentors other artists, especially Latina artists. I want to erase the stereotype of the starving artist and show that artists are the true architects of society. By supporting and uplifting each other, we can create a community that values art and recognizes its importance in shaping the world around us. Our dreams create the future, and I want to be a part of that by helping other artists achieve their goals and fulfill their potential.
10. Any last words for the community?
Pursuing your passion, working hard, and staying true to yourself is the best path anyone can take. It's a philosophy that has guided me through life, and I've seen firsthand the rewards that come from following it.
I've always been drawn to creating things and expressing myself through different mediums. The process of making something from nothing is gratifying. And I've found that when I'm fully immersed in my art, all of my worries and doubts disappear.
But beyond personal satisfaction, art has the power to bring people together. We all come from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, but we can all appreciate a beautiful painting or a moving song. Our differences should unite us, not divide us.
Of course, pursuing your passion can be challenging. It takes hard work, dedication, and sometimes even sacrifice. But the payoff is worth it. When you're doing what you love, you feel a sense of fulfillment that can't be matched by anything else.
So my advice to anyone is this: find what you're passionate about and pursue it with everything you've got. Stay true to yourself, and don't let anyone else tell you what you should or shouldn't do. And remember that through our art, we can connect with others and create something beautiful together.
