We recently connected with Andrea Del Rio and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Andrea thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
As an artist and creative individual, I find immense joy in pursuing my passions. The freedom to express myself through painting figures and landscapes, as well as repurposing thrifted clothing, provides me with a sense of freedom. My favorite part is the ability to explore various artistic outlets, ensuring that I never experience burnout. When I feel tired of painting, I indulge in bedazzling shoes or taking care of my plants.
Despite my expertise in drawing and my educational background in the field, I must admit that I occasionally grapple with impostor syndrome. It’s ironic that even though I have studied and now teach figure drawing at one of the best schools in the country, The College for Creative Studies in Detroit, I find myself questioning my own abilities. The pressure intensifies when I stand in front of a classroom filled with eager students, all anticipating my guidance on capturing the beauty of the human form.
At times, this self-doubt leads me to contemplate whether I have made the right career choice. Do individuals in more conventional professions, such as insurance agents or administrative assistants, enjoy better work-life balance or a greater sense of job security?
However, as soon as I write this, I realize that no one, regardless of their profession, experiences perfection at all times. This duality extends to both our careers and our artistic endeavors. As a creative person, I find happiness in the freedom to explore multiple artistic avenues. While society, school, or family often pressures us to choose one path, I have discovered that true fulfillment lies in embracing a multitude of creative ventures. It is this variety that truly enriches and gives purpose to an artistic life.
When I contemplate the notion of a “regular job,” I feel sad for the alternate universe Andrea, confined to a fluorescent-lit office, as I sit in one in this reality, ha!
Nevertheless, I acknowledge the importance of a day job. It provides the necessary financial support for my creative projects while offering a structured framework to my time. As a museum educator at the Detroit Institute of Arts, I secretly indulge in drawing during my work hours—don’t tell my boss! This balance between my creative pursuits and my professional responsibilities allows me to lead a fulfilling life where both aspects complement and enhance one another, and there’s plenty of romantic lighting in the ancient galleries.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I never considered a different career choice, other than a model when I was 5, but let’s not delve into the confines of beauty standards. From a young age, however, I felt the need to create beauty—whether it was adorning notebook covers, embellishing walls, or transforming, or some would say ruining, ordinary photographs. Art became my sanctuary, a place where I found pure happiness.
Growing up, my passion for drawing became evident to those around me. Friends and acquaintances would often request drawings, and with each commission, I felt a profound sense of contentment. Now, as I work on my first children’s book and reflect on my recent solo show at The Detroit Shipping Company Gallery, I find myself filled with pride, not only in my artistic accomplishments but also in my unwavering perseverance.
Navigating the complex American immigration system, spending years apart from some of my family, and relocating to four different states posed countless challenges. Yet, through it all, I remained commited to creating art and building a life centered around my passions and curiosities.
In my artistic practice, I am driven to celebrate the very essence of femininity. My exploration takes me into enchanting fictional landscapes, where I encounter imagined characters and whimsical elements of glamour. Through multi-media, I endeavor to capture intimate moments of escapism and feminine empowerment.
Inspiration is drawn from the indomitable resilience of my house plants, the ethereal beauty emanating from my rainbow maker, and the mesmerizing allure of my disco ball reflecting warm sunlight. These magical elements and moments serve as catalysts, transporting me to a realm of fantasy where I forge a visual language that reveres femininity.
Above all, my purpose is to ignite joy, inspire contemplation, and awaken a sense of wonder within those who engage with my artwork. I aspire to foster an emotional connection, inviting viewers to embrace their own fantasies and honor the intrinsic power and beauty that resides within them.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Society can provide support for artists and creatives by embracing and valuing artistic expression, recognizing its significance in human culture, especially now that we have seen its value during the pandemic. People have witnessed firsthand how crucial it is to have art in our lives during difficult times, turning to various creative endeavors like movies, painting, sewing, and baking as a source of relief from the anxiety of, our favorite phrase, unprecedented times. By acknowledging the power of art to bring solace and inspiration, society can prioritize supporting artists and creatives in their work and ensuring their contributions are valued and celebrated. This involves providing accessible opportunities, fostering collaboration and community engagement, promoting fair compensation and recognition, investing in arts and cultural institutions, and encouraging public engagement with the arts. By doing so, society can cultivate a thriving creative ecosystem that uplifts both artists and the broader community.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Yes! there are two books I recently read that have significantly impacted my entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy. The first is ‘Furiously Happy’ by Jenny Lawson. This humor memoir explores the author’s personal experience with mental illness and how she chooses to embrace life to the fullest. Reading this book helped me tremendously in dealing with my own anxiety, along with my therapist of course. I always tell my students to not let fear paralyze them into inaction and the book reminded me to follow my own advice. Also the cover is hilarious, think funny taxidermy.
The second book that has greatly influenced my thinking is ‘Make Your Art No Matter What’ by Beth Pickens. This book provided the push I had been seeking since my college years. In school, there was always someone holding me accountable, providing feedback and guidance. However, once I graduated, the responsibility of my artistic practice solely fell on my shoulders. ‘Make Your Art No Matter What’ felt like a wake-up call, addressing the obstacles my mind had created and offering practical advice on not giving up and taking ownership of my aspirations. It has been a valuable resource for holding myself accountable and staying committed to my artistic journey.
I highly recommend both of these books as they are not only enjoyable reads but also offer valuable insights and motivation for anyone navigating their creative path and seeking to overcome challenges. They have had a profound impact on my beliefs about art-making and have rejuvenated my outlook on my career.
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Image Credits
All images were created by me, Andrea Del Rio.