When you walk into Division 9, you're greeted by her painting of a sphinx cat surrounded by butterflies, with a mystical woman depicting the artist resting atop the cat's head. The piece poured out of Elidé's soul after the passing of her beloved cat, Benny, who she credits with offering unconditional love at any moment's notice. She believes animals have a direct line to the spiritual plane.
Elidé drew throughout her life, even during six years at a military school whose curriculum never included creativity. "I didn't see art as a creative outlet until my early twenties, when I was introduced to spray cans through mutual local artists," Elidé said about her start in art. She instantly fell in love with spray-can art, which sparked a desire to experiment with acrylic paint.
Over the past seven years, Elidé has continued to craft her style with oil, aerosol and acrylic paint, working with local businesses, nonprofits and galleries across LA, the Inland Empire and San Diego. She's currently studying at Riverside Community College to earn her Studio Arts AA, with plans to transfer to a Cal State.
Elidé Sanchez is a Chicana artist who has worked within the Inland Empire for a couple of years now. Her pieces are derived directly from her cultural background, drawing on fragments of inspiration from cultures around the world, music and real-life experience.
Powerful women are a main pillar of Elidé's artwork. One of three paintings on view at Division 9, "Cochinita," spotlights her grandma, Clara Nava, with splashes of orange, green and purple. Nava was born in Mérida, Yucatán, and brought recipes that stayed in the family for generations, including the Cochinita Pibil she made every holiday season. Elidé said she's inspired every day by her grandma's love for family.
Most recently, Elidé was tapped to design the cover for an upcoming poetry book, "When The Goddesses Abandoned Tlalticpac," written by Diosa Xochiquetzalcóatl and expected out Oct. 12.
That project isn't the only thing keeping Elidé busy this season. Her art is currently on view at the RCC library, where an art show dubbed F.U.E.G.O. opened Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 23, celebrating resistance, belonging and reclamation in Chicanx truthtelling. For it, Elidé created a piece based on a photo of fellow artist Tokischa Altagracia Peralta in a powerful stance, wearing a white headdress.
You can follow Elidé's creative journey, including her mural work, on Instagram.
More information: Elidé Sanchez's work is on view now at Division 9 Gallery, 3850 Lemon St. Her F.U.E.G.O. exhibition runs Sept. 15 through Oct. 23 at the Riverside Community College library, 4800 Magnolia Ave. Follow her on Instagram: @eliddeeee.
