We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Edna Pines a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Edna, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Coming from the Middle East, art was not something that was taken seriously. I was a very creative child and spent a lot of time alone being with my creativity. I was raised very strict, I was not allowed to have sleepovers and dreamed of having a sister or friend to be with me.
Art gave me the companionship I never really had. When I moved and left my entire culture and identity behind, it felt like everything was lost. I was 13 around this time, and things felt scary. Art was the one consistent thing that continued to bring me confidence and happiness and gave me security.
Now, as an adult, art has helped me evolve to be a stronger person to be a better mother, a better wife and a better friend. It has given me a voice to follow my dreams. I am aware now that my opinion counts and is valued as a woman, a minority and a first generation immigrant.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a contemporary and abstract artist who creates vibrant paintings to fill your heart with joy, self-worth, and inspiration. I have shown her work in reputable galleries throughout San Diego, including Adelman Fine Art Gallery and Michael Seewald Galleries.
As an animal lover who enjoys hiking, gardening, and meeting new people, I also enjoy playing the piano, designing and appraising jewelry, and cooking colorful Persian dishes. A fun fact about me is that I melt for sweets and chocolate, but am terrified of snakes. Originally from Tehran, I currently live in San Diego, California with my husband and two daughters.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When it comes to art, there are so many different directions the mind can go! Its all about understanding, learning and experimenting!
3 tips from Edna:
1. Keep your eyes open
2. Be Flexible and open to other artists views/interpretations
3. Read as much as you can about art
I would recommend a budding artist to stay open minded. Give yourself the chance to challenge yourself to learn something new and understand things in a new way. Listen to other artists and hear the story behind their work. See how you can relate to it and see how you beginning to shift your mindset! Stay true to you. Not every style will be for you but you can still be open to learning.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal clients are those who pause to study my paintings, immersing themselves fully in the experience. They can discern the love and passion infused into each stroke, feeling the energy radiating from the canvas. My artworks have a unique ability to invigorate them, sparking a sense of joy and lightness in their hearts. Observing their reactions fills me with joy; I delight in witnessing how my art resonates with them, evoking memories and emotions unique to their personal journey. For my ideal client, my studio feels like a sanctuary—a place where they belong, enveloped in the warmth and positivity of my creations. They are drawn to take a piece of this love and energy home with them, eager to infuse their space with the same uplifting spirit found within my studio walls.
Characteristics of my idea clients includes:
– Ocean Lovers
– Fun, Colorful People
– Eyes light up upon entering
– Full of Emotion and Connection
– Deep Feelers
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ednapines.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ednapines
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ednapines/
