We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anthony Ardavin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Anthony, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?
I introduced myself to someone at a party as an artist and the person said she felt sorry for me, I told her not to, that I had chosen this career path and I was very happy !In turn I asked her what she did for a living, she told me she worked at a bank. I said nothing but I am sure she knew what I was thinking!
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 always wanted to be an artist, I was encouraged by my mother, she took me to museums and bought me art supplies. A artist was born, although I got a degree in psychology, I never stoped doing art, I went to college because I wanted an education that would expand my knowledge and also help me develop my art. For 16 years I owned a successful gallery in Atlanta where my artists friends were able to sell their work and make a living as an artist.
I moved to Miami in 2005 and then it was when I became a total full time artist. I have sold hundreds of paintings locally and in Europe, it has been a great ride, now I have a Studio at home and I no longer have the urge to have exhibitions and sell work. I paint for myself and sell to private collectors, a dream of a job!
: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Yes, my goal and mission is to leave something behind that is meaningful. I want to be remembered and spreading my art around the world is my driving force. Art is not usually destroyed or forgotten, it is valued and treasured. It is cherished and it is past from generation to generation. Aside from the intense pleasure I feel when I paint, that is the reason that makes me want to start another painting!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist has been the incredible people I have met through my career, People that love art have a great soul, as a rule they are sensitive and caring, and value aesthetics.
I would have never met this kind of people working at a bank!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: southbeachatelier
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Carlos Quezada