I am Vanessa Torrez, a Chicana artist whose roots run deep in the landscapes and cultural histories of Colorado and New Mexico, but whose heart and passion have found their home in Los Angeles. My art is a reflection of my upbringing—a life defined by the intersection of activism, family, and culture. Some of my fondest memories are of marching alongside my mother in protests for justice and equality, and cruising the streets with my father, lowriding in the custom cars he built with his own hands. These experiences are woven into the fabric of my work.

Through my oil paintings, I explore themes of identity, heritage, and resistance, often drawing on the bold, symbolic imagery of the Chicano experience. My art is a celebration of my roots, but also an ongoing conversation with the world around me, combining the personal and the political in ways that are both intimate and universal.

In the past year, I’ve ventured into the world of lowrider custom paint, channeling the same creativity and craftsmanship I grew up with. This new passion is not just an exploration of color and form, but a tribute to the culture that shaped me. I am learning the art of custom painting to one day transform my own '62 Impala SS and my family’s lowriders—almost a dozen of them—into rolling works of art. My father and I collaborate on these projects under the name Torrez Customs, combining my artistic vision with his skills in fabrication and mechanical design. Together, we create something uniquely ours, a testament to the generational bond we share through art, culture, and craftsmanship.

Ultimately, my work is about connection—connecting with my family, my culture, and the vibrant communities that have shaped me. Whether I’m painting on canvas or a car, my goal is to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire future generations to carry forward the stories and traditions that define us.