We recently connected with Anza Robles and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Anza, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I’ve always been a visual artist, from creating childhood scrap paper scribbles to studying printmaking in high school & college. I admired painting but felt intimidated by the diversity of styles and the long, formal history. I put off making the jump to painting for years just because I felt unsure of my own voice and not open to being a newbie.
If I could go back in time, the advice I’d give myself is: make more art. It sounds simple, but the way to speed up is to get started. Focus on creating lots of new work! Push paint and practice what it feels like to be doing the thing. Now, I try to trust the creative process in its own timing and do my part by actively working.
I think the most essential skill is to stay present & honest. Don’t give up when the struggles get especially tough, but at the same time, don’t spin your wheels working on a piece that isn’t going anywhere.
The biggest obstacle is perfectionism; the truth is, nothing comes out fully formed. I’m constantly learning to communicate more through my artwork by working to become more vulnerable as well as more technically skilled.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am an oil painter based out of my home studio in Austin, TX. My paintings explore the lushness of the natural world and the details that shimmer amidst moments of daily life. My work, although often bright and saturated, evokes a stillness found in mindful observation.
I grew up in Austin, studying fine arts & music performance. I completed a mathematics undergraduate degree at Smith College in Northampton, MA, where I also continued my printmaking studies. Living in New England after growing up in a place that’s mostly summer all the time was a difficult change, but experiencing all four seasons in the beautiful woods was beyond inspiring. My artwork draws upon my passion for botany & animals, as well as my interest astronomy & astrology, music, physical movement, and poetry.
Currently, I am continuing to participate in group shows around Austin. I am available for commissions and always working to grow my painting practice. I’d also like to branch out for plein air painting excursions around Texas, alone or with friends!
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
There are so many more free resources available now than when I was a younger artist; it’s hard to compare. I will say that I wish I had broadened my scope of resources earlier in my creative journey. As creatives, we can grow in so many different directions. I think we it’s important to pursue inspiration to the fullest by researching into one’s own interests. We can learn by viewing more art, learning who inspired our favorite artist’s favorite artist, watching a film we’ve never seen before, practicing a skill along with a video, on and on. Even if the topic seems unrelated to your field, you never know where that new knowledge might lead next. Don’t underestimate the treasure that is a library card!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being in relationship with creativity. Living with an artist’s mindset is a generative practice that recharges my battery when the tough areas of life get me down. Cultivating beauty and hope is a priceless benefit for every single person!
Being an artist also makes me feel like part of a global community of people who chase inspiration, express themselves, and shape the world.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @anzarobles
Image Credits
Shannon Purcell