About
A R T I S T S T A T E M E N T
Kelvin Lopez is a Chicano printmaker and interdisciplinary artist based in San Diego, California. His work disrupts the traditional boundaries of printmaking, a medium historically associated with black-and-white simplicity, by introducing vibrant layers of cultural expression. Lopez combines elements of Mexican textiles such as the serape, embroidery, and crochet motifs with printmaking techniques, creating dynamic, multilayered works. This untraditional fusion challenges the established norms of printmaking while reflecting his deep connection to his Chicano heritage and the plants and flowers he nurtures in his garden. Gardening and the blossoming of life are central to Lopez's practice, offering a meditative process that supports his mental health and enriches his creative journey. Through the blending of these mediums and motifs, Lopez reinvents the materialization of print, offering new ways to engage with cultural narratives, personal reflection, and the vitality of his identity. Community is a central aspect of Lopez’s life and art. Working in print shops and engaging with fellow artists has instilled a sense of connection, routine, and collaboration that extends beyond the studio. He believes in the importance of dialogue, being open to others, and contributing to a community.
A R T I S T B I O
Kelvin Lopez is a Chicano printmaker and interdisciplinary artist based in San Diego, California. He received his BFA in Printmaking from California State University, Long Beach, and his MFA in Printmaking from the Rhode Island School of Design. Lopez’s artistic practice is deeply tied to his search for belonging and identity, and this journey is reflected in the materials he chooses. From the paper and ink in his prints to the minerals and glass in his sculptures, each material carries significance, helping him explore his cultural heritage and personal growth. His monotype and relief prints incorporate Mexican textile motifs, including serape patterns, embroidery, and flora from his garden, which ground his creative practice in nature and the rituals of gardening.
Beyond printmaking, Lopez works with glass, casting organic shapes and experimenting with the interplay of light, minerals, and projections. His interdisciplinary practice allows him to explore both the physical and spiritual properties of materials. His artistic exploration is further informed by his interest in cosmology, mysticism, and shamanism, which guide him in navigating unseen realms of energy and meaning.
Community is a central aspect of Lopez’s life and art. Working in print shops and engaging with fellow artists has instilled a sense of connection, routine, and collaboration that extends beyond the studio. He believes in the importance of dialogue, being open to others, and contributing to a community. This ethos is reflected in his use of servilletas, traditional Mexican cloths used to hold tortillas warm and passed around during communal events such as birthdays, baptisms, funerals , and more. While these functional objects are often overlooked, Lopez sees them as precious due to the time and care spent on their creation—hours of embroidery and crochet. His contemporary servilletas and other works are symbolic representations of the connections and shared moments that form the backbone of his artistic and personal life.