We recently connected with Anne Abueva and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Anne, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

I wish I had started painting seriously sooner. I can see now that for years I kept circling art as a career without ever landing in it. I worked at a frame store in high school, art camps in college, newspaper, carpentry, ten years in interior design. Always in the neighborhood of creative expression but never fully committed. I loved the creative parts of these jobs but really, I was keeping art at a comfortable distance. I didn’t think I had the background or anything worth saying and basically I was scared. Staying art-adjacent kept me happy enough and safe.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an abstract painter exploring memory, grief and storytelling in my work. I currently live in Charleston, SC and have an art studio at Redux Contemporary Art Center. My studio practice is guided by curiosity, introspection and ruthless editing. I am the type that get bored easily, so no two paintings are ever the same and I am often taking a class, trying a new art material or pushing my own boundaries in some other way. I am influenced by a combination of my early career in interior design and personal growth with art therapy modalities. Curated color palettes and riffs on architectural drawings, along with bold gestures and expressive brush strokes share glimpses into those chapters of my life. Each piece is both a personal narrative and an invitation for the viewers to connect with their own.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Artwork Archive. I was introduced to this art management system a few years ago and it has been so helpful with inventory, creating presentations quickly, and leveling up my whole business. Prior to finding Artwork Archive I felt like I was reinventing the wheel every time I created a proposal or presentation. Now that side of the business flows more easily and is consistent and organized. That positive difference translates to the customer- whether that be a gallery with whom I am sharing new work or an individual asking for a quote.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The best feeling is when people are drawn to a piece of art and it reminds them of something, or allows them to feel something, or starts a conversation, or brings new understanding of a different perspective.. The secret power of abstract art is that it allows the viewer to tell their own story instead of dictating one.
I can think of one family in particular that has several of my paintings and as their children grow – they see different things, react in different ways and have different conversations with their parents about the art. That is absolutely the most rewarding part: creating pathways for dialogue whether you are exploring your own inner world or connecting with others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.anneabueva.com
• Instagram: @anneabuevastudio

Image Credits

anne abueva studio.