Josie Mendoza Postel (b. 1947)
Born in 1947, Josie Mendoza Postel is a fourth generation Texan and has lived in Houston all of her life. In 1985, Postel graduated with a BFA/BA from Texas Southern University, studying under Dr. John T. Biggers and Carroll Simms. Since then, she has returned to Houston and served as an educator for over thirty years. Later, she received a Masters Degree in Education from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona in 2006.
Throughout her career, Postel has exhibited in numerous Houston-area community exhibitions, including at the Houston Public Library Downtown in 1990. Additionally, she was commissioned by the City of Houston to create the “Sunrise” mural at Cliff Tuttle Library in 1987.
Of her work, Postel states:
Art is a verb and without action of mind, body, and spirit, will not manifest itself. I relish in the lines that bound and free an image, the movement that a series of lines make when united.
People become transparent when motherhood is explored; either you are moved by maternal jesters or oblivious to the power of a mother’s embrace.
Today, Postel continues to reside in Houston where she is currently the Art Director at the Incarnate Word Academy High School. Throughout her career as an art educator, she has never forgot those great teachers who guided and shaped her passion for art
Biographical and Career Highlights
• 1947 Born in Houston, TX
• 1985 Graduated with a BFA/BA from Texas Southern University, studying under Dr. John T. Biggers and Carroll Simms
• 1983 Began a thirty-year career in education
• 1987 Commissioned by the City of Houston for the “Sunrise” mural at Cliff Tuttle Library, Houston, TX
• 1990 Exhibits at Houston Public Library Downtown, Houston, TX
• 2006 Graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Masters Degree in Education
• 1992-Present Works as the Art Director at Incarnate Word Academy High School, Houston, TX
• Currently resides in Houston, TX
Selected Public Collections
• Texas Southern University, Houston, TX
• The City of Houston, Houston, TX
Artist Statement:
Art is a verb and without action of mind, body, and spirit, will not manifest itself. I relish in the lines that bound and free an image, the movement that a series of lines make when united.
People become transparent when motherhood is explored; either you are moved by maternal jesters or oblivious to the power of a mother’s embrace. Birds signal hope, at times being our protectors and or spiritual guides in life. Death signals hope, celebrating another chance to get it right.