Meet Ana Alcalá | Mixed media artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ana Alcalá and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ana, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
The idea of creating art with intention and meaning inspires me, to express my disagreement with popular beliefs and ideas that do not represent me as a woman and a human being. Moreover, it is exposing my feminist ideals through my paintings so that other women can empower themselves and take control of their lives that inspires me. My purpose is to promote self-love as a basis for personal growth and self-confidence, “everything you can imagine is real” Picasso’s phrase that has revolutionized my world and has inspired me to use my energy and voice to create my own reality; it allowed me to empower myself and remember that it is never too late to be who you want to be, and to feel free to do it without a feeling of guilt or regret.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Amara is my art project with intention, projecting the love of my Mexican culture and its magical towns. I am a self-taught artist, I started painting in 2019 as a form of expression, a hobby. I learned drawing and painting by taking art lessons with local former artists in San Diego. I made a jump into online classes in 2020, this allowed me to learn techniques from different artists around the world. After the Covid-19 pandemic paralyzed everyone, I became more attracted to the art world and art history, along with art movements and contemporary artists. I began art journaling to express my feelings and get through that strange time. Between strokes I discovered that I wanted to express my discontent about concepts that I always assumed were inevitable: misogyny, racism, gender violence, and discrimination. I wanted to create something that expressed the opposite. I started painting on canvas and experimented with materials such as denim and fabrics and thus developed “I said no” my first series of intervened jackets, with painted illustrations, and written phrases. The series is alluding to consent culture and the right of any person to say no. I decided to create a line of art wear that would show my stance and support towards a philosophy of acceptance and inclusivity of minorities. During this time, I also experimented with oil, acrylics and resin to create a collection of mixed media paintings, hand painted denim jackets and phone cases in which I capture the same concept.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to the beach, La Jolla Cove, to see the sea lions or have a lunch with so Cal views at some restaurant by the ocean. I really enjoy walking by the art galleries at Prospect St. I love the hospitality present in Little Italy, art stores, and old family-owned restaurants. Another one of my favorite spots in the city is Salt and Bread, an art studio, with changing exhibits in an area rich in Mexican American culture. The food, music, and electric atmosphere all make this place an experience for the senses.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank all the women who have indirectly influenced my life in a positive way through social networks. Those who empower other women and significantly help the collective growth of our communities. Those who march, those who fight from their hearts for equal rights, my respect and admiration goes out to them. Alexandra Gallagher, Natasha Birds y Miranda Makaroff, feminist artists that aim to liberate women from male stereotypes trough them art.

Website: www.amaraartbx.com

Instagram: amara.artbx