Meet Nerea Arce: Artist

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

Hi Nerea, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Coming from a person who has wanted to give up MULTIPLE times, I understand the frustration, the lack of inspiration and what seems the endless search for motivation. I am also coming from somewhat of a place of privilege being that I am white, able-bodied, cisgendered person. With that said, we are all so oversaturated in our lives because of social media or because of all that is happening around us that giving up, whatever that may mean for you, seems like the much easier route. It’s not. And I believe that somehow it catches us up to us in the long run. And It’s taken me a long time to work on this, I’m currently working on it! But everything is work- everything. Your mental health is work, your career or the things you love are work, even the people you love are work, YOU are work. And that’s a beautiful thing. If things just came easy, how would we grow at all? So how do you know whether to give up or keep going? Always keep going. This beautiful, complex life we are living is given to you one time and we have to take advantage of that privilege of just living and breathing. Don’t give up on what you love to do, don’t give up on yourself or on others or on this world, when we give up the people trying to do harm win. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am mostly fine art artist but I step away from the more classical aspect by painting with tea and or coffee and by incorporating either 3d elements or other types of elements from leaves to yarn and even recycled beer cans. I also dabble in illustration and I am working on starting to tattoo, which I’m excited about. It took me a lot of work to be proud of what I do, and I think that’s something that can easily happen especially when we live in a society of comparison and lack of self love. But, I’m really proud of where I am and where I’m heading and of the beautiful works that I do. They’re also all so special to me because I feel like they come from a place of purpose or of wanting to communicate what I’m thinking/feeling. I don’t know what a professional artist would be because I don’t really think of that title as my end goal. I think I’m always going to be evolving and learning so I think I’ll forever consider myself a student in Art. I do hope to be able to expose my works and maybe paint murals- but I’m getting there! Right now, I’m just really focused on making things for me. I think that’s actually one of the toughest lessons I learned and that is making art for me. And what I mean by that is while I do appreciate all the support on social media and I do love to share my stuff, I have to create for myself and not for the sake of posting or likes. I think I’m making deep work when I have that in mind, and it’s like sharing who I really am and not just something superficial. I’m doing what I love and I’m learning a whole lot on the way there and I like to share that work in progress with people.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I guess this question is a little difficult during this very serious pandemic. Also it’s difficult for me because I do love to eat but Im not a foodie. But ok, here goes nothing- I’m very into bars so I have my favorite home away from home- Jada Coles. GRAMPS has been amazing and honestly inspiring in the fact that they were able to maintaining their pre-covid Gramps fun and safety at the same time, shout out to them. Lost Boys is always dope and The Anderson plays really good dance music. Visiting? I would always recommend a bike ride around Wynwood to look at the incredible artists that we are lucky to have a part of in our city. A coffee at local Books & Books. An indie movie at the Coral Gables or Little Havana cinemas. I’d honestly suggest that they go fully local because we have some pretty great gems here. Of course, this would be all Pre-covid. If a friend was visiting me right now, I’d stay clear of indoor activities or places where there are too many people. 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout outs- Shout out to the most important people in my world- my mom and dad. For being the people that accept me fully for who I am and for always encouraging me to be an artist. Shout out to my partner Daniel, for loving and support me while I am fully a work in progress. To my Abuelas. To my friends, especially Pia & Martina and those 14 minute whatsapp audios. Even to folks I know on instagram who are always sending mad love and telling me beautiful words- I’m very lucky.

Website: https://www.nerearte.co/
Instagram: nere.arte