We were lucky to catch up with Paulina Sanchez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Paulina , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
I am a self-taught Abstract Artist based in Los Angeles, California. Before venturing into the art world, I navigated the realm of Corporate America. However, the corporate environment left me unsatisfied. Opting for a major career shift, I left behind my corporate life to pursue my true passion.
Throughout this transformative journey, though challenging, I discovered a newfound purpose in creating abstract art. As a child, I loved creating art. This hobby was nurtured by my great-grandmother. In adulthood, I rediscovered this love. Despite facing moments of discouragement and doubting my ability to turn my passion into a full-time career, I persevered.
Currently, I serve as the in-house artist at the premier national interior design firm Meridith Baer Home and run my own brand, PS Abstract Gallery, where I’ve cultivated my clientele. In 2022, I showcased my work at Agora Gallery in New York City, and this past October, I exhibited at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, represented by Artio Gallery.
It is possible to carve a path for yourself and live your passion while making a living from it. You don’t have to be a cliche “starving artist” and can thrive in an industry that is challenging, especially in a time where we can leverage social media. It is a struggle, but when you put in the hard work, discipline yourself and manifest your goals, things will align and opportunities present themselves. The path of the creative demands sacrifice, but it has been what I am most proud of and where my heart flutters with fulfillment.
Paulina , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
After leaving Corporate America, I took a hiatus and embarked on an exploratory phase, trying new things to identify my passion. I decided I wanted to live a purposeful life and do what I love daily, I began creating consistently and established PS Abstract Gallery. While figuring out how to turn this dream into reality and support myself, I needed to reenter the workforce. This led me to Meridith Baer Home, where I initially worked as an executive assistant to the company president. Then I started selling my art to the company, I seized the opportunity when an opening arose in the art department, transitioning into the role of in-house artist. Now, I create art on a daily basis, doing what I love.
Often praised for my professionalism, which, coupled with my artistic style, sets me apart, I take pride in ensuring client satisfaction with commissioned pieces. I aspire for my clients to genuinely love their compositions, and I can honestly say that I infuse a part of myself into each piece. My art is an extension of myself.
My artistic creations serve as reflections of periods in my life. Through Expressionism, I channel the thoughts and emotions that have profoundly moved me. The essence of my work encapsulates the lessons garnered throughout my journey; they are not mere pieces but extensions of my being. Beyond offering a therapeutic outlet, my art provides a profound sense of fulfillment. Observing others connect and resonate with my creations is truly gratifying.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Non-creatives may struggle to grasp that, for creatives, the creative process calls you. When you take a break and return to creating, you feel complete again, as if something vital was missing and has now been restored. Whatever the passion, for creatives, it is therapeutic, a gravitational force that deems itself a necessity in life.
The creative journey is unconventional, a unique path that strays from the “norm”. Embarking on the creative journey is not for everyone because if is difficult, as it takes time to reap the fruits of your labor. Your heart must be fully invested. If it isn’t, the process lacks gratification, and without that, the effort will wane. During moments of doubt and hardship in the industry, it is the innate desire to create that propels you forward.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
In the future, I aspire to elevate my brand, cultivating a distinct identity that resonates with a wider audience. A spacious studio dedicated to producing art for both my website’s stock collection and private clients would be the ideal space to bring this vision to life. I also want to participate in more national and international exhibitions.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @psabstractgallery
- Website: https://www.psabstractgallery.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psabstractgallery/