Carmen M. Perez - Stoppert
she/her
Chicago, IL, USA
Carmen M. Perez - Stoppert was born in Chicago, but my parents were born in Puerto Rico. I received my B.A. degree in small metals from Northeastern Illinois University. Most of my pieces are figurative mixed-metal combinations created from my line drawings. My business name is Linea Latina Arte and have been an exhibiting artist for 25-30 years. My work has been displayed at renowned art shows and art fairs, include Woman Made Gallery, SOFA, Miami Solo, Art Expo NY, Art Vancouver International Art Exposition, Aldo Castillo Gallery, One-of-A-Kind Show, The Other Art Fair. Currently, Carmen’s artistic journey continues as she embraces new techniques. Has been taking online classes, for the last 4 years and teaches jewelry classes.
“Perez - Stoppert specializes in sculpture, and mixed - metals jewelry. As an artist, I want to capture the energy I feel when I listen to music. I am drawn to songs that express an emotion or create a connection with the human body. My jewelry usually begins with a simple line drawing that I sometimes combine with solid or open spaces. Because I am responding to stimulation, my figures become exaggerated and abstract. Once I have the shape and form, I am totally in the moment, working in my studio surrounded by all materials and tools. My focus is the connection of two people as one unit.”
How does your work relate to the theme connection?
“The pendant, Balance, serves as a metaphor for my artistic vision. Just as it symbolizes the harmonious union of two souls; I want my work to balance the abstract and the tangible, the personal and the universal. Each piece I create is a reflection of this balance, striving to connect with viewers on an emotional and intellectual level."
"Balance", sterling silver, brass, copper, 3" x 3" x .5", 2022 What role does connection play in your creative process?
“Connections plays a pivotal role in my creative process, weaving together various aspects of my life and experiences, growing up with a religious single mother, I quickly realized the importance of hard work and perseverance. As a Latina, gay woman, from a blue-collar background, I faced unique challenged that fueled my determination to succeed and support my family through my art. From a young age, drawing became my sanctuary, a way to express my emotions and connect with my inner self. Each pencil line I drew, reflected my feelings, and through countless sketches, I honed my ability to convey the connection between the figure and a single line shape. This process of refining shapes and forms allowed me to capture the essence of connections in my artwork, creating pieces that resonate on both a personal and universal level."
What connection(s) does your queerness make to the world around you?
“For many years, I concealed my gay identity at work and in social interactions, feeling caught between the straight world and my true self. This duality often left me feeling isolated, as if I had to choose between two incompatible lives. However, I have always been a strong, independent woman, shaped by my experiences as the eldest child of a single mother. Our struggles taught me resilience and the importance of hard work. From an early age, I knew I had to support my family and carve out my own path. My queerness, once hidden, has become a source of strength and connection. It allows me to empathize deeply with others who feel marginalized and to build authentic relationships based on mutual understanding and respect. Through my art, I express these connections, creating pieces that resonate with the shared experiences of struggle, identity, and resilience."
Anything else you would like to share about this work? This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, or research.
“When I designed and created my pendant Balance, I began by sketching the design and then adhering the paper image onto brass. I carefully sawed out the shape and soldered it onto copper, which I then domed and textured. With the shape complete, I soldered a sterling silver circle around the image and added a brass rod to the rim. To enhance the contrast, I darkened the piece. At that time, I was working on a series of one of a kind medallions based on my figurative drawings, each encircled by a ring."