Meet Yannis Lobaina

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yannis Lobaina . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Yannis , so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

Elizabeth Gilbert once said that every person is a creative being as long as they are alive. Embracing this idea, I welcome opportunities to explore and challenge my creative mind every day. I find inspiration in the simple things in life, such as a new book, shadows in my kitchen, playing with my daughter, stillness or a walk in the forest. I believe in holding space for the unknown and listening to diverse music to keep my creativity alive. I also enjoy embarking on difficult projects that test my limits and help me grow. The beauty of curiosity and the power of asking questions has taught me to appreciate the wonders of the world. I encourage you to do the same and explore your creative potential, as it is never too late to start.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I was born and raised in Cuba, and as an artist with mixed heritage, I draw inspiration from the richness of cultural diversity. Since 2014, I have been living between Toronto and Havana. My art and writing reflect my bicultural identity as a multilingual person, a woman of colour, a mother, and an immigrant. Through my recently published short stories, and poetry, such as “Shinrin Yoku” published in the book collection by Feria Iberoamericana del Libro en Canadá, “Canadiana Boots” published by Tint Journal, and “Signs in my Path” published by the Immigrant Writers Association, I explore themes of immigration, language, diaspora, and motherhood.

As a passionate storyteller through the lens of my camera, I strive to capture the fleeting moments, patterns, textures, pareidolias(faces) and the beauty of nature. My journey of self-discovery and creativity has been shaped by this pursuit. The recognition of my art practice by the Toronto Arts Council, Toronto Arts Foundation, and Ontario Arts Council has been a true honour and helped me achieve my dreams in Toronto. I am grateful for the opportunity to exhibit my ongoing series Rebirth, Catch and Release and Alive, Upside Down, which has received the Space award twice and has been showcased at Remote Gallery and Public Library Oakwood Village Library and Arts Centre. I am grateful for the recognition I have received so far in my career, including awards, grants, exhibition opportunities, and even rejections that have all contributed to shaping my path and deepening my commitment to my craft.
I am proud of my hard work and dedication that has brought me this far in my life as an artist immigrant.
As I approach a significant milestone in 2024, ten years since I arrived in Canada. I’m curating an upcoming group exhibition as part of my AlbArt Global Collective. The exhibition will be at the Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery in Toronto this July 2024. I couldn’t be more thrilled to showcase the incredible work of my fellow artists.

My creative journey has taught me that with dedication and hard work, anything is possible. I encourage others to follow their hearts and never give up on their passions, for it is through the pursuit of our dreams that we can make a positive impact on the world.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Throughout my almost two decades in the art journey, I’ve found that perseverance, joy, and lifelong learning have been the most impactful qualities. For those just starting their creative journey, my advice is simple yet powerful: listen to your heart, never forget your goals and dreams that align with your values and purpose, and trust your intuition. I remind myself of these things every morning, and I hope they can inspire you on your journey.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
At the beginning of this year 2024, I came across a new book by Chelene Knight, titled “Let It Go: Free Yourself from Old Beliefs and Find a New Path to Joy”. It is an inspiring and powerful collection of nourishing words that offer valuable insights into the rediscovery of joy, happiness, and the unlearning process. Chelene Knight’s unique approach combines personal experiences with advice from Black community leaders, providing readers with practical and relatable tools to discover and maintain happiness. Chelene Knight is also a creative balance coach who runs workshops and coaching programs through her business, Breathing Space Creative. Her programs are specifically aimed at helping creative

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Image Credits
All the images are (c)Yannis Lobaina.

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