We recently connected with Abby Aceves and have shared our conversation below.

Abby, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Seven years ago, I was in my hometown in México, with a part-time job and a creative career as a fashion designer. I suffered a life-changing health condition that required surgery ASAP. This is when it hit me and I started questioning myself about all the decisions I had made in my life and everything I wanted to accomplish. After recovering from surgery, I quit my job of 4 years, sold all of my belongings and move to the US to pursue my dream of being a visual artist. It took me several years, but I can now call myself a full-time artist!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Born in Nogales, Sonora, México in 1985, Abby Aceves, she/her, is a Los Angeles-based self-taught painter and interdisciplinary artist. She received a bachelor’s degree from Guadalajara’s Superior Fashion Center Edith Martin, after which she worked in the fashion industry with her own label for 7 years before pursuing a career in fine arts. Her work is rooted in storytelling, emphasizing on the female figure as a means of expression, undulating between an exchange of both power and vulnerability. Applying figurative elements, symbolisms, color, texture, and composition as the language used to communicate contemporary Mexican culture. With a mysterious narrative, each character has a full, complex personality.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is to express my feelings, thoughts, and emotions without having to use words, and to have so many people relate to my work. It’s works as a bond between the audience, my art and myself. I also enjoy meeting people and hearing their perspective of their view of my work.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

“Steal like an artist” by Austin Kleon.

Steal Like An Artist shows us that everyone needs a little more creativity in their lives. This isn’t just for the stereotypical ‘artist’ who’s making oil paintings and sculptures, it’s for everyone that can enhance their work by injecting more flavour. It’s all about getting started on that journey toward producing more art more regularly, as well as some secret (and not-so-secret) tips and tricks to doing better work.

In this book, Kleon argues that nothing is original and all artists steal. By embracing your influences, you’ll become a master of your craft by learning from your heroes. The artist is a selective collector of the things they love. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.abbyaceves.com
• Instagram: @abby_aceves
• Facebook: Abby Aceves Art