We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Iraima Alonso. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Iraima below.
Iraima, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
My artistic journey began in an unexpected place: the solitude of the early pandemic. Like so many others, I found myself grappling with a sense of isolation, disconnection, and the overwhelming uncertainty of the times. The world seemed to be spiraling in ways no one could control, and I, too, was searching for a way to process the chaos that had engulfed our lives.
It was during these uncertain months that I stumbled upon a small, seemingly inconspicuous online ad for a three-day art workshop. For just $10, the instructor promised to teach participants how to paint three trees. The price was minimal, but the curiosity it sparked in me was immense. At the time, I had no formal art education or training—nothing more than a few doodles here and there, but nothing serious. Yet, something about this opportunity caught my attention.
I signed up, hoping it would be a distraction, a way to pass time, maybe even a temporary escape from the stress of the world. The first day arrived, and I tuned in, skeptical but willing to give it a shot. We spent the first few moments discussing basic techniques and tools, but within the first 15 minutes, something extraordinary happened. The instructor, with her gentle guidance, started explaining how to layer colors, how to let go of perfection, how to connect with the canvas. And then—almost like a switch flipped—I realized that this was more than just following instructions. This was something I could do on my own. I had the instinct to create, to see things differently, and to express my own version of reality.
I didn’t need anyone’s permission or approval. The idea of learning through structured lessons, in the traditional sense, suddenly felt unnecessary. The possibilities were endless. The gate to art opened wide in that moment, and I knew without a doubt that this was a path I was meant to walk.
From that day on, I didn’t stop. I threw myself into painting, drawing, experimenting with color, texture, and form. I devoured every bit of information I could find online. Tutorials, videos, articles—anything that would help me understand how to bring my ideas to life. There were countless moments of failure, frustration, and doubt, but with each one, I grew stronger, more confident, more connected to the act of creating.
I didn’t have the luxury of academic training or the structure of formal study, but I made up for it with determination and a willingness to learn through experience. Art became my refuge. It was a way for me to process my emotions, to navigate the confusing and painful times, and to find beauty in the midst of it all.
As time passed, I began to share my work with others. At first, it was just family and friends, but then—almost without realizing it—my art began to find its way into the world. Small shows, online galleries, and eventually, a representation by a gallery that saw something in my work. To my amazement, people started buying my pieces. They resonated with what I was creating, and it wasn’t long before my work found homes in places I could never have imagined—across the world, from one corner of the globe to the other.
Now, when I look back on where I started—without any formal training, without a roadmap, just a desire to explore and express—I am in awe of how far I’ve come. Art has become a language, a way to connect with others, a journey that continues to evolve.
From that first brushstroke, I’ve learned that creativity doesn’t need to be confined by rules, degrees, or formalities. It simply requires an open mind, a willingness to take risks, and the belief that anyone can create something meaningful, regardless of their background. For me, art isn’t just about what you make; it’s about what you discover along the way. And, for that, I am deeply grateful.
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?
My name is Iraima Alonso. I was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela and came to the USA in 1984. I’m a self-taught artist with no academic, special training or studies in the arts who stumbled into the world of creativity during one of the most challenging times we’ve collectively faced—the pandemic. Like so many people, I was navigating a period of intense isolation and uncertainty, and I was looking for something to anchor me, a way to channel my emotions and experiences. Little did I know, this search would lead me to an entirely new path and discover a part of me I didn’t know it existed—one I now call my life’s hidden dream.
My introduction to art was completely unplanned. With no formal education in the arts, I started by attending a modest, three-day online workshop that taught me how to paint trees for $10. Within the first 15 minutes of the first day, something clicked inside me. It was as if a door opened, and I realized that I had the ability to express myself through art on my own terms. From that moment, I was hooked. I dove headfirst into learning everything I could, experimenting with different techniques, and finding my own unique voice as an artist.
Since that humble beginning, my art has become my way of connecting to both myself and the world around me. What began as a personal journey to understand my emotions through creativity has evolved into something much larger. I now create and sell original artworks, and my work is displayed and represented by a gallery, with pieces finding homes across the world.
I specialize in painting on canvas and Gelli printing landscapes, abstract compositions, and intuitive works that capture moments of emotion and connection. What drives my art is a desire to express the beauty of the human experience, both the peaceful and the chaotic, in ways that speak directly to the soul. Whether through serene natural scenes or vibrant, textured abstract pieces, my work invites viewers to pause, reflect and experience.
What sets me apart, I believe, is my approach to creation. As a self-taught artist, I have no formal boundaries to work within, which has allowed me to develop a style that feels organic and free. I’m not confined to any specific technique or set of rules, which gives me the flexibility to experiment and break new ground with every piece. My work isn’t just about what you see on the canvas or paper; it’s about the emotions, stories, and energy that are woven into the layers of paint.and textures. Each artwork has its own and unique mark. For me, music is not just background sounds—it’s an essential part of the creative process, an invisible thread that ties everything together when I’m making art. Each piece I create is deeply intertwined with the song that plays in the background while I work. The music sets the tone, influences my brushstrokes and palette marks and guides my emotions, making it just as integral to the artwork as the colors, textures, or techniques I use.
When I’m painting, the music I choose becomes a silent collaborator, helping me to tap into a deeper emotional layer of myself and the piece I’m working on. Sometimes it’s a song with a slow, haunting melody that brings a sense of calm and introspection, allowing me to layer my paint with patience and softness. Other times, it’s an upbeat rhythm that infuses the art with energy, pushing me to make bolder, faster movements and marks creating a more dynamic and avant-garde composition.
The music resonates with me on a personal level, and it’s almost as if it enters the artwork itself. Each note, every beat, weaves itself into the texture of the piece, creating a vibe that’s embedded in the work. This creates a layer of emotional depth and energy that goes beyond the visual. It’s something I hope the viewer can feel, even if they aren’t fully aware of the music playing in the background while they observe the piece.
This unique connection between music and art means that every piece I create carries with it a story—a soundscape, a mood, a pulse that comes from the song that inspired it. The music creates a mood that I carry with me through each stroke of the brush, each application of color, and each decision I make along the way. It’s a sonic landscape, setting the pace for my work and, in many ways, telling the story of the piece before it’s even finished.
What I find particularly powerful is that, in a way, the music allows the viewer to connect with me, the artist, on a deeper level. Even if the song itself is never shared, the energy, the emotion, and the rhythm of the music linger in the artwork, forming a bridge between my creative process and the person who encounters it. It creates a shared space between artist and viewer, a place where both are united in the same experience—one that transcends visual boundaries and taps into something more visceral.
There’s a uniqueness to each piece, not just in how it looks, but in the vibe it carries. I believe this is something that sets my work apart. It’s not just about what you see; it’s about how you feel when you see it. The music that accompanies my work is the unseen pulse that brings life to the piece, and it gives each artwork its own soul, its own energy, its own rhythm. It’s part of what makes my work personal and authentic—because it reflects not just my visual process, but the music that moves me and drives me as I create.
For anyone who experiences my work, whether you are seeing it in person or through a digital medium, I hope you can feel that connection—feel the way the music played in the background influences the very texture and energy of the art. It’s an intimate, shared moment between the viewer and me, as we both tap into the underlying rhythm that flows through the piece. Music is my creative fuel, and it’s a vital part of what makes my art unique. It’s a dance between sound and sight, emotion and color, and it’s this dance that I invite others to be a part of when they experience my work. As I signed my name, I added the title of the song that had been my silent companion through the entire process. By sharing the song, I hope the viewer can feel the connection I had to it, the rhythm that brought the piece to life, specially once it finds its permanent home.
For my clients and collectors, my work offers more than just visual appeal. It provides a connection—a way to engage with art that feels personal and meaningful. My pieces resonate with people who are drawn to authenticity, depth, and emotion in the art they choose to live with. Whether they are seeking a piece to bring calm into their homes or an artwork that challenges their perceptions and ignites their thoughts, I strive to create work that serves as a reflection of their own experiences.
What I’m most proud of is the journey itself—the fact that I started with absolutely no formal background and built a new path in life doing something I love. I am also incredibly proud of the relationships I’ve developed with collectors, galleries, and other artists along the way. I never imagined that my art would be able to touch the lives of so many people around the world, and it’s an honor to know that my work is part of their stories, lives and places.
If there’s one thing I want potential clients, followers, or fans to know, it’s that my work is deeply personal and authentic. Art is more than just a craft to me—it’s a way of life in the golden years of my life, a way of processing, connecting, and communicating with others. I pour my heart into every piece, and my goal is to create art that doesn’t just hang on a wall, but rather speaks to those who encounter it in the most personal, real and unique ways.
In addition, I want people to know that no matter where you start, no matter what background you have, there is always room to grow, create, and make something meaningful. I’m living proof that being self-taught doesn’t limit you—it liberates you to discover your own path. I hope that my journey can inspire others to take their own leap into the world of creativity and why not? Reinvent ourselves into whatever our hearts yearn for!
We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
The rise of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) has undeniably created a buzz in the art world, offering a new and exciting way for artists to monetize their work and for collectors to engage with digital art. In many ways, NFTs represent a revolution in how art is bought, sold, and appreciated. They offer a secure, verifiable way to buy and sell digital art through blockchain technology, making it easier to establish ownership and provenance in a virtual space. At first glance, it seems like a powerful, even liberating, opportunity for artists to reach new audiences and connect with collectors in a way that was previously unimaginable.
However, as an artist who has built my artistic journey on the deeply personal connection I have with my work—and the connection I hope to create between my art and those who view it—NFTs, while intriguing, present a disconnect that I can’t ignore. Unlike traditional art, where there is an undeniable, tangible bond between the artist, the artwork, and the viewer, NFTs exist solely in the digital realm. They offer none of the physicality, texture, or presence that a painting, sculpture, or drawing does. When you step in front of a physical artwork, you’re not just observing a visual representation; you’re engaging with something that has a weight to it—literally and metaphorically. The brushstrokes, the layers of paint, the texture of the canvas, the very smell of the medium—all these details form an emotional bridge between the artist and the viewer.
This physical connection is something I value deeply as an artist. It’s in the touch of the canvas, the feeling of the paint beneath my fingers, and the tangible space that my work occupies. As an artist, when I see someone interact with my piece—whether it’s lingering in front of it, feeling the energy of the colors, or discussing the emotions it evokes—there is a profound connection that is built not just through sight, but through the shared physical space of the artwork. The artwork exists as an entity in the world, offering a moment of pause, reflection, and intimacy that is tied to its physical nature. There’s an emotional tether that connects me to the piece, and that connection is extended to the viewer. It becomes a living exchange.
NFTs, by their very nature, remove that element. Digital works, no matter how beautiful or innovative, can never offer the same tactile relationship with the viewer. When someone purchases an NFT, they’re buying a piece of data, a unique token that certifies ownership of a digital file—but they’re not holding something in their hands. They’re not standing in front of it in a gallery, letting the colors and textures fill the space around them. The emotional impact of the piece, for me as the artist and for the viewer, is diminished because the work no longer exists in the same physical world. It’’s trapped in the digital ether, disconnected from the tangible, physical experience that traditional art offers.
While I understand that NFTs offer artists a new avenue for financial gain and exposure, and that they can be an attractive option for those looking to tap into a cutting-edge market, I find myself questioning whether they truly fulfill the emotional purpose that I strive for in my artwork. Yes, as a business concept, NFTs could be a powerful tool, opening up opportunities to reach new audiences and potentially offer financial rewards. But they don’t offer the visceral, emotional connection that I seek with my work. For me, the process of creating art is about more than just making something visually striking or financially valuable—it’s about crafting an experience that resonates on a human level.
What I try to achieve in my artwork is an emotional bond—a moment where the viewer and I share a space, where the physicality of the work becomes a conduit for connection. The weight of the paint, the texture of the brushstrokes, the depth of the colors—all of these things contribute to the energy I pour into the piece and the energy I hope the viewer can feel. The relationship is rooted in the tangible, in the real world, in the physical exchange between artist, artwork, and viewer.
For me, the soul of my art resides in that interaction, that tangible connection. While NFTs are an exciting new frontier and hold undeniable potential, they don’t offer me, as an artist, the emotional depth and physical presence I desire in my work. They don’t provide the opportunity to create that lasting, embodied connection with the viewer—the kind that comes from standing before a piece, touching it in some way, and feeling the energy flow between us.
At the end of the day, while NFTs may be a viable business tool for some, they don’t fulfill the emotional and physical link that is essential to the kind of art I create. For me, art isn’t just about owning a digital file or making a financial transaction—it’s about creating a living, breathing relationship between my work and the people who experience it. That connection can only happen when the artwork is real, when it occupies space and invites people to truly *feel* it. And for that, the digital world has yet to offer anything that compares to the power of physical art.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is, without a doubt, the profound personal transformation that comes with it. Art is not just a practice for me—it’s a journey of discovery, one that has led me to uncover parts of myself I never knew existed. When I started this journey, I never imagined how deeply it would shape my sense of identity. Every brushstroke, every color choice, every piece of work I complete is like peeling back another layer of who I am. It has forced me to confront my emotions, my experiences, and my vulnerabilities in ways I never could have imagined. There’s a certain kind of catharsis in creation that brings clarity to my life. What once felt like confusion, isolation, or even frustration is slowly translated into something meaningful on the canvas.
Through this process of self-exploration, my life experience has expanded in ways that are difficult to articulate. As I work, I’m able to engage with the world from a deeper, more thoughtful perspective. I’ve become more sensitive to the emotional landscape around me—whether it’s the quiet beauty of a sunset or the undercurrent of tension in a crowded room. Art has heightened my awareness of the world, and with that, my understanding of myself and my place in it. I’m no longer just an observer of life; I’m actively participating in it, communicating through my work in a way that goes beyond words. It’s a constant exchange between my internal world and the external world, and I feel more connected to both because of it.
This deeper connection to myself and the world has also had a ripple effect on my relationships with family, friends, and the broader community. I’ve always valued these connections, but art has given me a new lens through which to view them. As I create, I find that I’m more attuned to the people around me—their emotions, their struggles, their joys. The vulnerability of creating something has allowed me to form deeper connections with those I care about, because they see parts of me in my work that words alone can’t fully express.
In addition to the personal fulfillment, there is an immense sense of satisfaction in knowing that my art resonates with others. To have someone appreciate what I’ve created, to have them find meaning in my work, is one of the most rewarding experiences of all. There’s a beautiful reciprocity in the act of creation—what I pour into my work is returned to me through the appreciation of others. Knowing that my art has the ability to touch someone else’s life is incredibly fulfilling.
And of course, there’s the financial aspect of it. When I first started creating, I never imagined that my art could be a source of financial prosperity. The idea that I can make extra income from my new passion—while doing something that brings me so much joy—is a dream realized. Being able to add more financial security for myself through my art has opened up opportunities that I never thought possible, allowing me to reinvest in my creative process, expand my work, and reach new audiences.
Ultimately, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the convergence of all these aspects. I’ve discovered a side of myself that was hidden, explored a deeper understanding of the world around me, built stronger connections with my loved ones, and been given the opportunity to share something meaningful with others. My art is a source of joy, emotional release, connection, and—yes—financial prosperity. In the end, being an artist is about much more than just creating—it’s about the endless ways in which art enriches every aspect of life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbyalonso @artbyalonso
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbyalonso Iraima Guedez Alonso
- Other: Email: artbyalonso@gmail.com
Image Credits
All images: Iraima Alonso – Art by Alonso