We recently connected with Alexis Martinez Puleio and have shared our conversation below.
Alexis, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
Both of my parents immigrated from Cuba at a young age, my father at the age of 7 and my mother at the age of 15, carrying nothing but a dream and the determination to make it a reality. They understood the essence of the American spirit—that if you have a dream and put your mind to it, you can achieve it. They instilled that belief in me from a very young age.
One of the most impactful things they did was never hold me back from my aspirations. If I wanted to be an artist, I was an artist. They didn’t see dreams as too far-fetched, too small, or too silly—they simply supported them. Their unwavering belief in me became the foundation of my confidence. They’ve been my biggest cheerleaders, attending every major event in my life, celebrating my wins, and encouraging me through challenges.
I remember telling them I wanted to pursue a career in art instead of a medical degree, something many might see as risky or impractical. But their response was simple: “You’re so talented, we’re behind you!” That support has been a constant in my life, and it’s what gave me the courage to build my career as a visual artist.
Both of my parents came to this country with nothing, and yet, through hard work and resilience, they built meaningful and successful careers. My grandfather had a saying that became a family motto: “¡Crear es poder!”—“Creating is power.” He believed that having a dream, a hope, or a vision was a source of strength because it gives you the drive to create something powerful in your life.
That mindset has shaped who I am. My parents taught me that success is not about where you start, but about believing in your dreams and working tirelessly to make them a reality. Their journey, their sacrifices, and their support have been my greatest inspiration, both in life and in my art.
Alexis, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Alexis Martinez Puleio, and I’m a resin artist based in Naples, Florida. I specialize in creating aerial ocean-inspired resin art that captures the beauty and depth of the sea from a bird’s-eye view. My work invites viewers to feel as though they’re flying over a pristine coastline, where waves crash onto handmade rocks and the water feels so tangible, you can almost reach out and touch it.
My journey into resin art was as unexpected as it was transformative. Growing up in Lakeland, Florida, I was surrounded by love and creativity. My parents, Cuban immigrants who came to the U.S. with nothing, taught me to believe in the power of dreams. They supported every creative endeavor, from signing up for art classes with me as a teenager to encouraging me to chase my passion for art as an adult.
I initially pursued a career in science, earning degrees in Biology and Chemistry with plans to go to medical school. But life had a different plan for me. A wrist injury, which I thought was the end of my ability to create, turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It led me to discover resin art—a medium that allowed me to pour my creativity into new forms without relying on detailed brushwork. It was through resin art that I found my true artistic voice, combining meticulous planning with the unpredictable nature of the medium to bring my visions to life.
What sets my work apart is the level of detail and intention I pour into every piece. Each painting involves a lengthy process, from sketching out the initial design to creating handmade rocks and carefully manipulating tinted resin to achieve lifelike depth and movement. I’m most proud of the tactile and immersive quality of my art—it’s not just something to look at, but something you can feel.
For my clients, my work solves a unique need: bringing the tranquility and beauty of the ocean into their homes. Whether it’s a commissioned piece inspired by a favorite coastline or a ready-made artwork that evokes a sense of calm, my goal is to create art that resonates deeply with their love for nature.
What I want people to know about me and my brand is that my art is rooted in authenticity, passion, and a deep respect for the natural world. I draw inspiration from living in Naples, my love of the ocean, and even drone photography that captures breathtaking coastlines. My pieces are not just decorative—they’re a celebration of the beauty and power of nature, created with the hope of inspiring a similar appreciation in others.
Above all, I’m proud that my art allows me to connect with people, bringing a little piece of joy, peace, and beauty into their lives.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
There have been several moments in my life and career where I’ve had to pivot, each one shaping my journey in unexpected ways.
Initially, I was on a completely different path. I majored in Biology and Chemistry at Florida Gulf Coast University with plans to attend medical school and become a surgeon. However, upon graduating, I rediscovered my passion for art—a love I’d nurtured since childhood—and made the bold decision to shift my career path entirely. It was a leap of faith, but it led to a fulfilling career in the arts, one that has brought me immense joy and recognition.
Another pivotal moment came early in my art journey when I suffered a wrist injury that left me unable to hold a paintbrush for months. It was a challenging time, but it also pushed me to explore new creative methods. That’s when I discovered resin. Working with resin allowed me to pour and manipulate the medium using tools like heat guns and blow torches instead of traditional brushwork. This not only opened up an entirely new artistic style for me but also gave my wrist the time it needed to heal. Now, I’m able to combine both resin art and traditional painting techniques in my work, adding a unique depth to my portfolio.
Motherhood has been another significant pivot in my life. As a hands-on mom of two children, my creative process has had to evolve. Before becoming a parent, I could immerse myself in my art for hours, even pulling all-nighters to see a piece through. Now, I’ve learned the importance of balancing work and family life. While the demands of parenting mean less studio time, the moments I do get to create are filled with even more passion and purpose. Motherhood has made me more resilient, focused, and intentional in my work, and I believe that energy shines through in my art.
Each of these pivots—career, injury, and parenthood—has been a turning point, teaching me adaptability and perseverance. They’ve all played a role in shaping who I am today, both as an artist and as a person.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
In today’s world, where social media plays such a prominent role, one of the most impactful ways society can support artists and creatives is by sharing their work. Reposting an artist’s content or recommending their work to others can significantly expand their audience. A simple share might introduce their art to someone who becomes a lifelong supporter or client.
Additionally, shopping small and supporting local artists is incredibly important. When people choose to invest in local creatives, they’re not only celebrating unique, handcrafted work but also directly contributing to their own community’s economic and cultural growth. Many of us artists are one-person operations, pouring our hearts and souls into every piece we create. Having community support—whether through purchases, referrals, or even kind words—makes a profound difference.
A thriving creative ecosystem depends on mutual support and recognition. By actively championing local talent and sharing their work, society fosters an environment where art and creativity can truly flourish.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.customartbyalexis.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ampuleio_art
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomArtByAlexis
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-puleio-77415b27/
Image Credits
The personal photo of me with the artwork behind me while I am sitting in the chair was captured by Reagan Rule Photography. I own the rights to use this photo in marketing.
All other photos were captured by me.