We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anna. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anna below.

Anna , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project that I have worked on is the one that I am currently building, ‘Pandarayuhan: Home is a Memory.’ Pandarayuhan explores cultural identity and loss within the context of immigration; reflecting on the generational influences of the Filipino Immigrant experience enveloped by the themes of home, assimilation, marginalization, and displacement. The exhibition unfolds in two parts, skillfully weaving together nostalgic reflections of home with my narrative of self-discovery within the framework of the American Dream.

This project is meaningful to me because it marks the first time I’ve created work that is so directly tied to my own story. In the past, my work has often explored ideas adjacent to me as extensions of my identity or experiences. It’s deeply rooted in my personal history and my ongoing journey as an immigrant. The process of researching, developing, and creating this body of work has pushed me to reflect on parts of myself I had set aside. It’s been both challenging and healing. This project has allowed me to reconnect with my own narrative in a way that feels necessary, grounding, and restorative. Pandarayuhan is helping me feel whole and is aiding my journey back home to myself again.

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.

I am a lens based interdisciplinary artist, whose work is inspired by my shared experiences growing up in the Philippines and coming of age in Baltimore. With a particular curiosity towards the intricacies and nuances of Filipino and American culture, I use my art to explore themes of love, destiny, home, identity, and acculturation as an immigrant. My artistic curiosity began at an early age when I first picked up a point-and-shoot camera and discovered a passion for capturing the world around me. This interest eventually evolved into my current art practice, which reflects my life’s experiences. As a self-taught artist, most of what I know has come through exploration and trial and error. My practice is ever-evolving as I continue to grow and learn.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the illustrious Morgan State University and is currently in residency at Creative Alliance, Baltimore, MD. I work as a Digital Marketing Coordinator at Chesapeake Arts Center. I have been recognized by Suboart Magazine, Bmore Art, Womanly Magazine, and Subvrt Magazine. My artwork has been exhibited in various galleries across Baltimore, at Towson University, at the Umbrella Art Fair in Washington, DC, and on a billboard in LA.

I am available for sales, commissions, and exhibition placements.

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

Absolutely. As a self-taught artist, I had to learn everything on my own—from production and craft to building relationships with galleries and clients. I definitely wish I had more guidance earlier in my creative journey. Resources like public and private grant funding, residencies, and fellowships felt out of reach simply because I didn’t know where to look or who to ask. Having access to mentorship and a creative community would’ve made a huge difference—not just in terms of learning about these resources, but also in having people to share knowledge with, to hold me accountable, and to grow alongside. Guidance is everything. It would’ve saved me time, helped me avoid burnout, and allowed me to focus more on the work itself rather than navigating everything alone. That’s something I’m passionate about now—sharing the resources and knowledge I’ve acquired and making the path easier for the next person.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I was on a pre-med path with plans to become a surgeon. But in college, I realized I was more interested in understanding health than practicing it—and more drawn to creating than anything else. So I made a pretty blind pivot and threw myself into art. At first, it was photography—I dedicated so much time and energy into learning and perfecting the craft that I almost forgot I had other creative talents worth exploring. In 2020, I gave myself permission to reconnect with those parts of me. That shift led me to where I am now, with an interdisciplinary practice that spans different forms and materials. I’ve learned not to box myself in. All of my creative expression comes from the same place, and even as I continue to grow and try new things, I still carry photography with me. Being an artist means I get to evolve—that’s something I’ve come to fully embrace.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://annadivinagrcia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divinagraciaphoto/

Image Credits

Anna Divinagracia