We recently connected with Obdulia meza Hegde and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Obdulia meza , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

“I’ve always felt an inclination toward the arts, even back in elementary school when I would get lost in drawing and crafts projects. But in high school, those creative pursuits took a backseat. I ended up studying accounting and international business in college, and built a career in finance. Though I had a regular 9-5 job, I felt something was missing without a creative outlet. Art had been sidelined from my life for so long. That spark was reignited when my daughter started painting and drawing at age 6.
Seeing her creative spirit sparked memories of how art made me feel free and alive. I enrolled her in art classes, and then got the idea to teach her myself. Soon neighbors and parent friends were bringing their kids for the free art lessons I offered from home.
As interest grew, I realized I had a real knack for teaching art in engaging ways suitable for diverse learning levels. I began charging a small fee for art supplies and structured the classes more formally. Word spread, and before I knew it I had over 160 students attending my after-school program in person and online!
Nurturing those children to fearlessly express themselves creatively, and seeing their talents blossom, was incredibly rewarding. The experience confirmed there was a true need for quality, affordable art instruction that I could help provide.
The pandemic forced a reset, but I’m actively rebuilding my student base now. Though art was once just a hobby, founding Creative Brush AZ as a full-time art instructor has proven to be my true calling. I’m grateful to have discovered this passion project and turned it into a thriving business. I’ve never been more fulfilled than when combining my artistic drive with a purposeful career increasing arts access.”

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 Obdulia Meza Hegde. I was born in Durango, Mexico and creativity has been my passion since childhood, though access to arts education was limited. As a self-taught artist, writer, and poet, I bring my cultural heritage into my work to increase representation of voices often marginalized. My preferred visual art medium is acrylic painting on canvas – I layer vibrant hues to create dramatic textures. Recurring themes include bold female figures, cultural traditions, and the natural world. I had the honor of illustrating a published horror novel’s cover and illustrate interior pages. My paintings have exhibited and auction and I’ve published coloring books and activity books.
While creating across mediums gives me purpose, my drive to increase arts accessibility led me to establish Creative Brush AZ art school in 2015. We welcome creative learners as young as 6 years old through adulthood for affordable painting, drawing. I also host public painting parties for groups.
Seeing students gain confidence and win major art contest makes me immensely proud. My classes aim to cultivate technical skills while fostering freedom to explore each person’s distinctive artistic voice.
I’m currently working on projects highlighting unheard narratives, like a children’s book on shamanic rituals, tarot cards depicting spiritual figures, and poems celebrating love, passion and womanhood. Through my varied works, I hope to empower others to boldly share their talents and perspectives. Creativity provides an instrument for change, which anyone can learn to harness if given the right opportunities. At Creative Brush AZ, we are working to build that inspiring creative community.”

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My main goal as an artist is to pass on my skills and knowledge to inspire future generations. I believe that art has an incredible power to bring people together, spark creativity, and make a positive impact on the world. Through teaching and mentoring emerging artists, I hope to provide them with the tools, techniques, and mindsets that have taken me years to develop. I want to help them avoid common pitfalls and frustrations, while also cultivating their own unique artistic perspectives. Beyond just teaching technical skills, my aim is to inspire passion, curiosity, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. In addition to mentoring, I strive to promote my own work and build an audience for my artistic vision. Getting my art seen and appreciated by a wider public has always been a driving force for me. I want to reach people with my message and perspective through engaging and thought-provoking art. By exhibiting in galleries, selling commissioned pieces, and marketing my work online, my goal is to connect with art appreciators who find meaning and enjoyment in what I create.
Ultimately, if I can help nurture creativity in others while also establishing a respected legacy for my own artistic contributions; I will feel fulfilled in my creative journey. I want to make a lasting positive impact through art – whether by developing the next generation of artists, sharing my unique vision with the world, or bringing more beauty, insight, and connection into people’s lives. My passion comes from knowing that long after I am gone, my art and influence will continue inspiring others for years to come. That is what truly drives me in my creative mission.”

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I believe there are a few key things society can do to better support artists and creativity. We need to cultivate appreciation and respect for the arts, starting with arts education in schools. In schools the first program that suffer the cut its arts classes. Exposure to the arts from a young age helps people understand the cultural, emotional, and social value artists provide.
More public art, like murals and sculptures, can further integrate artistic works into everyday life.

Direct financial support is hugely impactful – things like grants and aid to local artists, Buying arts from local artists for public and private buildings. These allow artists to devote time to creating without constant financial pressure. Patronage was historically vital for artists, and we need modern forms of direct support.
Things like tax breaks for working artists, affordable live-work spaces, and would provide stability. Community centers where you can rent a low cost space for creativity.
Supporting diversity expands creative perspectives.
Platforms for marginalized voices are vital.
Forming groups of artists who support new upcoming creative people leaving the ego out of the picture.
With these changes, we build an ecosystem where artists can thrive while enriching society with their unique contributions.”

Contact Info:

• Website: www.creativebrushaz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativebrush_az/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativebrushaz/
• Linkedin: obdulia.meza@gmail.com
• Twitter: obdulia.meza@gmail.com
• Youtube: obdulia.meza@gmail.com
• Yelp: www.creativebrushaz.com
• Other: tiktok @obduliamezahegd74