Jessie Hernandez

Biography

Jessie Hernandez was born and raised in Corona, California. She received her classical training at the Laguna College of Art and Design, in Laguna Beach, California. Hernandez works with postmodern figurative representation, and the relationship between our past and our present. She explores these issues the viewer, expressed through very personal portraits of family and friends. Hernandez believes that her purpose as an artist is to awaken the viewer, so that we may view the world around us in a new light. She credits being influenced by Andrew Wyeth for his reflective way of painting and ability to capture the beauty in life. Mexican art, Pre-Columbian Art, and the Chicano Art Movement also heavily influence her, for the personal connection she has with the rich culture and bold themes of life, passion, and death. Hernandez hopes that through her art she will inspire young artists to explore their artistic talents and to help make art a more integral part of our society today.

Artist Statement

I am currently working on a series of narrative portraits with subtle spiritual and religious undertones. I am comparing the relationship between past versus present, between biblical versus the secular. My intent is to awaken the viewer to think of these characters in a new light, different from the way are programmed to view them.

Art Education

2005- Present BFA, Laguna College of Art and Design, Laguna Beach, CA

Awards

EXHIBITIONS

2004 Substance, Group exhibition, Visual Arts Academy, Anaheim, CA

2009 Best of the Best, Competition and Exhibition, Laguna Beach, CA

2009 Grapes for Grads, Scholarship Fundraiser Exhibit, Laguna Beach, CA

2009 Laguna College of Art & Design: Senior Fine Art, 7 Degrees Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA

2009 Laguna College of Art & Design: Summer Exhibition, Gallery 793, Laguna Beach, CA

HONORS & AWARDS

2005 Women’s Improvement Club of Corona, Arts & Crafts Committee Scholarship

2005 Soroptimist International of Corona, Shirley Mills Memorial Scholarship

2009 Grapes for Grads Scholarship, Laguna Beach Rotary Club & Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce