Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ida Y. Robles. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ida Y., appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
As an artist, I didn’t know that I had the talent to create art until 2003. I drew a lot only for myself and I did that for several years. I stopped around 2007-08. Fast forward to 2014, one time my husband and I were walking down the strip in Fort Lauderdale called Las Olas and we came across one of many art stores and I said to him “I can paint that” and he said to me “well why don’t you”. So after that evening and maybe like a couple of days later I decided to give it a try. I bought art supplies and I started dabbling in it. It took me a few years to actually know my style and took it from there. As time has gone on I have learned more and have progressed in my style of art.
Knowing what I know now, me personally, I would have definitely taken some art classes just so that I can learn how to mix paints to create certain colors and so many different factors that go into creating art. I definitely would have loved to have gone to school to perfect my skill further.
I believe that when it comes to skills that are essential, every artist is different and what they consider essential is different. For me personally, I think learning perception, learning depth and blending. Those were just several issues that I myself had to learn to perfect and I did that watching step by step videos of other artists.
I believe I was and can still be my own obstacle. I’m not used to being the center of attention in anyway and that alone stops me from reaching for more.
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’m going to sound a bit repetitive;
My Art story began in 2003. I was in Federal prison serving a 5-year sentence. During my time there I became really good friends with a very special someone, she is also an artist. I saw a painting she did while there and I was blown away. I immediately was attracted to the idea, of painting!! Soon after, I started drawing images from magazines, models, singers, etc. I did that for many years. Fast forward to 2014, one evening my husband and I were taking a walk in this popular area in Ft Lauderdale, Fl. We walked past several art galleries. I saw this one particular painting and said to him “I can paint that” and he said to me, “then do it” and I did. At first, I was just painting images or other artwork, derivative, just to practice and find my style.
As I went along I started painting my own ideas and visions and over time I found my style and perfected it. I am still perfecting it, every day I learn something new. Once I started painting everything and anything Puerto Rico, I became even more passionate about art. I love painting my culture, and my people in my style, and my vision. I have been fortunate enough to participate in many art gallery showings with other artists and have been featured in a few magazine articles. I still have so much more to do. One day I would love to have my own art show, until then I will just keep creating and bringing life to my culture, mi gente linda, my Taino ancestors, Boriken!
Along with my original Canvas Art pieces, I do offer prints of most of my art pieces and I also offer t-shirts and hoodies. I also paint ceramic clay pots. I also do commission art pieces. I’ve done many for those who have lost a loved one and I’ve done it for collectors as well. I’m always open to new ideas.
I feel the only thing that sets me apart is just me. Every artist is unique in his or her craft.
I am humble person, I’m always open to new ideas. I’m always ready to communicate with potentially new and current customers.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is just being able to create and bring to life my vision, especially when it comes to my culture. it is also very rewarding for me to see peoples reaction to my art, to what I create. To see that they also see my vision or feel my vision, that in itself is extremely satisfying. It brings me lots of joy. It’s also very motivating to see the wonderful reactions that I receive from the art that I create.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
Wow, well me personally, I do not like NFT’S. From my point of you financially it’s just not an option for me. I believe that you definitely have to have a substantial financial backing for NFT’S. I attempted it just to see what the processes is and the cost in itself was ridiculous. A person will definitely have to have the finances to start an NFT. Other than that, it’s definitely not for me, not something that I will ever consider, as far as I’m concerned
Contact Info:
- Website: www.idayrobles.com
- Instagram: @idaroblesart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/idayroblesart
- Other: TikTok: @idaroblesart