Local artist admires the power and complexity of women through his meaningful art

Written by Jessi Bang
March 25, 2023

ST. GEORGE —A local artist is showcasing both the beauty and complexity of women he views as heroes, channeling his childhood experiences to create healing and connection.

Fernando Sotomayor poses next to his artwork at Morty's Cafe in St. George, Utah on March 21, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Fernando Sotomayor poses next to his artwork at Morty’s Cafe in St. George, Utah, March 21, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

“Women to me are the most interesting creatures ever,” artist Fernando Sotomayor said. “It’s not just because they’re beautiful. They’re powerful and I admire them in so many ways.”

Many of Sotomayor’s acrylic paintings are centered around a female subject, and it’s not an accident. He remembers being inspired by his first female hero — his own mother.

“Where I come from, women always came in second place,” he said. “And I hated that. I find it almost disgusting. I’ve been married to my wife for 27 years and everything we do is 50/50. The beauty of the woman and the meaning of the woman is what my art is made of.”

From a difficult childhood in Chile to expressing trauma and depression through colorful art and flowing lines, Sotomayor said his interest in art is not about money. His goal is to create pieces through which others will find deep meaning and a personal connection. 

A painting by Fernando Sotomayor is pictured, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Fernando Sotomayor, St. George News
A painting by Fernando Sotomayor is pictured, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Fernando Sotomayor, St. George News

But where does his artistic background come from?

Growing up in South America, Sotomayor said he followed his father around and watched as he painted outdoor murals for business advertisements such as barbershops. At that time in the 1970s, everything was advertised on the wall outside the business, which can still be seen in some countries.

Not only was his father an artist, but his brother and five sisters were, too. He decided the only way he would be accepted by his family was to become some type of artist himself.

“I had no clue how to draw,” he said. “I just wanted to be accepted, simple as that. Sometimes you’re put into situations and you think they’re negative. But in reality, they’re not. They’re pushing you into change and to discover something you didn’t know you had.”

A painting of a cow by Fernando Sotomayor is seen outside Morty's Cafe in St. George, Utah on March 21, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
A painting of a cow by Fernando Sotomayor is seen outside Morty’s Cafe in St. George, Utah on March 21, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

With depression playing a factor in his family, he watched his mother face the side effects of medication and chose to channel his feelings through art, instead. 

“And instantly, it takes away your mind trying to work on things that are negative,” he said about art as an outlet. “I don’t want that negativity. I want to do something that is very happy and beautiful.” 

When it comes to trauma, he said people often want to erase it, repress it or say they don’t remember it. Even if the trauma isn’t not expressed vocally, the body remembers and it tends to come out in the form of behaviors. Instead of using outlets like alcohol and drugs to cope, he suggests the following:

Do something creative, whether it be dancing or visual arts or poetry. Believe it or not, you have the talent. There are things you don’t know you have inside, and you can start tapping into those things. You just haven’t realized your own potential yet, but it’s in all of us.

Sotomayor and his family moved to St. George in 2011, and he’s been showcasing his art ever since. Along with his canvas paintings, he’s created murals for dance companies in Northern Utah, including a tribute to Michael Jackson. Like the bright colors and face makeup he saw in Baton Rouge, Louisianna, that inspired his “Mardi Gras” piece, many of his pieces have been inspired by his travels.

A mural by Fernando Sotomayor is a tribute to Michael Jackson, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Fernando Sotomayor, St. George News
A mural by Fernando Sotomayor is a tribute to Michael Jackson, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Fernando Sotomayor, St. George News

As for future plans, Sotomayor would like to open an art studio that provides free classes for the community. He wants to create a safe space for artists to learn, even if they feel it’s too expensive or they don’t have the talent. 

Sotomayor’s colorful and detailed artwork can be seen at local shops around town including Morty’s Cafe, the main office at Zions Bank and Blues Katz Lounge. To see available art or to inquire about commissioned pieces, call him directly at 435-772-2389 or send email to [email protected]

“Art for me is a way of expressing myself,” he said. “English is my second language but art is my first language. I find with art I find I can express a lot more than any words that I could say.”

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessi Bang was born and raised in Utah and has a passion for nature and the great outdoors. She graduated from Kaplan University in California with a degree in criminal justice. She has extensive experience in marketing, content creation, photography and copywriting. You can find her showcasing outdoor adventures through her blog, “The Rambling Raccoon.” In her free time, she enjoys climbing mountains, trail running, working out and cuddling her two lovable pups.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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