Rising Stars: Meet Dalia Garcia of Old Hickory

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dalia Garcia.

Hi Dalia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I grew up in a U. S. military family. When I was five years old, my dad was transferred to the American Embassy in Madrid, Spain. In Europe for seven years, I was surrounded by all types of cultures, art and architecture. As a child I was diagnosed with dyslexia. My mom was an art lover. Recognizing my art abilities, she nurtured my desire to paint. Our favorite pastime was to go to museums and watch street artists. Fast forward 10 years, I majored in Art Studio at the University of South Carolina. I’m also a former Miss South Carolina.

My father encouraged my other passion, music. That love has taken me around the world, singing backup and a duet with Julio Iglesias, record deals, and years of performing with numerous bands, including Garcia and Scott. That duo is with my husband, Gary Scott. I created the artwork for our second album in 2012, inspired by our music and where it was recorded “Down in Jimmy’s Basement”. The painting style I call, “ In Living Color” was born. After years on the road, only painting part time, the moment was right for the art to take center stage. In 2018, I started painting. I wasn’t sure exactly what I was going to do with the artwork, I just had to paint. As people would see my work they would ask if it was for sale.

I designed my Artist website and started applying and getting exhibited! Selling and learning as I went, especially about navigating social media. At times I’m frustrated and excited all at once. I’m buckled up, enjoying the ride!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Like most everyone, I have my strengths and my weaknesses. Dyslexia, being my biggest struggle. However, art has been my strength. I see the world in images, shapes, forms and colors. Yay! That’s my smooth side. The bumpy side has been the business aspect. I move forward by learning and teaching myself new skills. I’m open to new possibilities, and meeting other creatives is inspiring!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I see each painting as capturing a beautiful, innocent moment. Using acrylic paint on canvas, I think of each painting as kaleidoscope of bold, vibrant colors that express the happiness, joy and serenity that I long for. My choice of colors is influenced by the life I’ve lived. Coming from an Hispanic family, and being fortunate to have traveled the world, I’ve seen first hand the endless color combinations.

I’m most proud that I wasn’t too scared to say “yes” to many different artistic opportunities. “Yes” is a powerful word and has served me well. The one thing I hold tight to, however, is to create artwork in my style. So for my first jobs as an artist I said: “yes,” I can be a graphic designers assistant. “Yes,” I can paint a landscape with details of the things you love. “Yes,” I can paint a mural, even though I had never done one before.

“Yes,” I would be honored to exhibit my artwork at your venue. I believe there are many different wonderful creatives in the world. My goal is to add another perspective. I’ve sold paintings and done commission pieces throughout the years. Now, I’m looking forward to the next “YES!”

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
MasterClass.com is full of inspiring stories. I learn a great deal from watching how these different celebrities and famous entrepreneurs do what they do and got where they are. There’s a common thread to all these different types of creatives from writers to chefs to musicians and artists. On AmazonPrime, there is a series called Fake or Fortune? Although it’s an in-depth investigation into art forgeries, it teaches me the history of different artists, there use of techniques and even what colors were there favorite. There are also quite a few art documentaries to explore. Even better for me, is to unplug. The simple act of taking a walk or sitting outside absorbing my surroundings. It’s amazing how being in the present and looking around helps me do my best!

Contact Info:

• Email: dalia@daliagarciaartist.com
• Website: DaliaGarciaArtist.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/daliagarciaartist
• Facebook: Dalia Garcia Artist