(512) 448-1840  imagineartaustin@yahoo.com

Artist Statement | Gallery | Resume

Artist Statement

Lydia was born on March 25, 1959 in Corpus Christi, TX. She moved to Austin, TX in 1989, and attended Austin Community College, majoring in Studio Art. There, she was a student of Madolyn Umlauf who inspired and deeply influenced her to paint in oils. One of the assignments was a self portrait with the use of all the colors possible. Lydia picked up the use of bold striking colors. Lydia is a realistic painter who uses color in a surreal way.

Lydia was diagnosed with a learning disability in the third grade. Her grades always suffered but she was able to pass and graduate from high school. In the 6 th grade, she was offered a scholarship to a six-week art camp in the summer. There, Lydia found her purpose, her love in life: a passion to paint.

In 1979, at the age of 20, she began working as a professional chef. At the same time, Lydia was diagnosed with bipolar depression. Refusing to accept her diagnosis she continued to work as a professional chef for another 15 years. In 1995, Lydia became unable to continue to work because of a debilitating depression. Lydia went on to receive social security disability income to support her and her son.

In 1999, Lydia came into contact with a non profit organization called Imagine Art. Imagine Art was under the umbrella of VSA at the time. Imagine Art helps people with disabilities access the arts professionally. Under this program Lydia was able with support to pursue a career as an artist.
Lydia began volunteering for Imagine Art in 2001 on a daily basis. In 2004, she received the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Austin Mayor's Commitee for People with Disabilities. Today, Lydia works as an Americorps VISTA volunteer at Imagine Art and continues to pursue her passion for painting

     
This project is funded in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division, by grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and by Big Star BINGO