We recently connected with Daniela Sanchez Vegas and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Daniela, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
From the very beginning, my life has been a canvas, painted with a kaleidoscope of challenges, colors, and moments of transformation. I grew up in Caracas, Venezuela, surrounded by the vibrant hues of my culture and the natural beauty of my homeland. Even as a child, I felt the pull of colors—not just as visual elements, but as emotions, dreams, and possibilities waiting to be expressed.
When I decided to pursue art, it wasn’t just about creating something beautiful; it was about capturing the energy of life itself. Moving to Costa Rica marked the start of an extraordinary chapter, where I began exploring how art could give new life to salvaged materials. Founding Re-Inventando Muebles Ecológicos was a breakthrough for me—not just as an artist but as someone who believes in transforming what others might overlook into something meaningful and extraordinary. That was when I realized: my purpose wasn’t just to create art but to inspire change, evoke joy, and reimagine the world through creativity.
Art became my language for resilience. During my years in Miami, working as an artist assistant to renowned sculptors and muralists, I was exposed to limitless possibilities of mediums—ceramics, sculpture, mixed media—and this broadened my vision. Each medium I worked with taught me something profound about myself: my hands could bring clay to life, my brush could capture the emotions I could never quite put into words, and my murals could transform vast public spaces into beacons of hope.
My purpose solidified through public art. Whether it was a mural in Hallandale Beach, where two women contemplate the beauty of life, or the colorful aluminum cat sculpture at Maurice Ferré Park, I realized that art has a unique way of bringing people together. Through color, texture, and form, I could create spaces where people feel seen, celebrated, and inspired.
One of the most pivotal moments came during the pandemic, a time of uncertainty that pushed me to dig deeper into my art. I created a series called The Beginning of Awake Awareness, which explored self-discovery and resilience. Later, I transformed this collection into NFTs, branching into the digital realm while staying rooted in my belief that art is a universal language. This project reminded me that art evolves, but its purpose remains constant: to inspire, to connect, to transform.
Now, every time I stand before a blank canvas or the empty wall of a public space, I think of all the materials, emotions, and dreams that come together to tell a story. My purpose is to recreate—to take what is broken, forgotten, or overlooked and turn it into something that sparks joy and ignites imagination. Through art, I aim to reflect the beauty of human resilience and the power of transformation.
For me, artistic freedom isn’t just a motto; it’s a way of life. It’s about breaking boundaries, experimenting with bold geometries, vibrant colors, and different materials to inspire others. Whether I’m painting murals, sculpting, or collaborating with communities, my purpose remains clear: to infuse the world with life, hope, and the reminder that we all have the power to create beauty, no matter the circumstances.
This is my journey, my purpose, and my gift to the world—an endless, colorful dialogue between my soul and those who encounter my work.
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?
Leaving a Legacy of Color and Inspiration
Art has always been my language, my passion, and my way of connecting with the world. As a self-taught artist, I’ve dedicated my life to creating vibrant and transformative works that inspire joy and reflection. From colorful murals to sculptures and mixed-media installations, my work celebrates the beauty of life and the power of creativity to bring people together.
My artistic focus lies in public art—a realm where creativity intersects with community. What excites me most about this field is the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy of color, energy, and inspiration in spaces where people live, work, and gather. Public art transforms blank walls, everyday buildings, and communal areas into places of beauty and meaning. It’s a way to enrich neighborhoods, spark conversations, and remind people of the power of art to uplift and inspire.
One of my proudest achievements was the mural Thinking About Life in Hallandale Beach. This massive 350’ x 20’ piece captures two women deep in thought, reflecting on the beauty of life and the freedom found in love. It was a transformative experience to create something that resonates with so many people, and it reaffirmed my commitment to pursuing more public art projects.
Currently, I’m focused on expanding my reach in the public art sphere. My vision is to work closely with companies, developers, and municipalities who understand the value of art in creating unique, memorable spaces. Many cities and businesses allocate a percentage of their budgets—often 2%—to public art, and I see this as a tremendous opportunity to collaborate on meaningful projects that leave a legacy of color and inspiration.
My style is bold, vibrant, and infused with energy. I use colors and geometries to evoke emotions, tell stories, and celebrate life. Whether it’s a mural for a new building, an installation for a mall, or a sculpture for a park, my goal is to create pieces that people will stop to appreciate, engage with, and remember.
I invite companies, developers, and organizations interested in public art to reach out. Together, we can transform spaces into landmarks of creativity and connection. Beyond the aesthetic, I believe public art has the power to create a sense of belonging, pride, and community.
As I look ahead, I’m not just focused on creating more art—I’m focused on leaving a legacy. A legacy where every brushstroke, every sculpture, every splash of color becomes part of a collective story that inspires generations to dream, create, and celebrate the beauty around them.
For me, art is more than a profession; it’s a way of life. It’s about creating without boundaries, embracing new challenges, and using creativity to make the world a brighter, more inspiring place.
If you’re a company or organization passionate about art and ready to transform your spaces, let’s collaborate. Let’s create something extraordinary together.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my artistic journey, there are three key qualities and skills that have had the most significant impact on where I am today: collaboration, curiosity, and self-belief. Each has played a vital role in shaping my path and continues to guide me as I grow as an artist and a person.
Collaboration: The Power of Working Together
One of the most transformative lessons I’ve learned is the importance of collaboration. Working with other artists and creatives has opened countless doors for me. When we come together as a team, we combine our unique perspectives, skills, and ideas, enabling us to create something far greater than what we could achieve alone.
Collaboration also fosters a sense of community and mutual growth. It’s not just about sharing the workload but about inspiring each other, learning from each other, and pushing boundaries together. My advice to anyone starting their journey is to seek out opportunities to collaborate. Be open to learning from others, contribute your own voice, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or offer it. Together, we can create more, do more, and inspire more.
Curiosity: A Lifelong Desire to Learn
Curiosity has been a driving force in my life and career. My journey has taken me through many mediums—painting, sculpture, ceramics, muralism, and even digital art like NFTs. Each new exploration has been fueled by an insatiable desire to learn, grow, and push my creative boundaries.
Knowledge is essential, not just in art but in life. The more you learn, the more tools you have to express yourself and adapt to new opportunities. For those starting their journey, I encourage you to stay curious. Take classes, ask questions, experiment with different techniques, and dive into the history and theory behind your craft. Every new skill or piece of knowledge becomes another color in your palette, allowing you to create more vibrant and meaningful work.
Self-Belief: The Foundation of Every Dream
If there’s one piece of advice I would give to anyone, it’s this: Keep believing in yourself, no matter what. The journey of an artist is not always easy, and there will be times when doubt creeps in, or others might tell you that you can’t make it. But I’ve learned that if you can imagine it, you can create it.
Self-belief is the foundation of every dream. It’s what keeps you going when challenges arise and what gives you the courage to take risks and share your work with the world. For those just starting, remember that your unique vision is your strength. Don’t let anyone dim your light or make you feel like your dreams are out of reach. Trust yourself, embrace your journey, and keep creating from the heart.
These three qualities—collaboration, curiosity, and self-belief—have been my guiding lights. They’ve helped me overcome challenges, explore new possibilities, and continue to grow both personally and professionally. To anyone beginning their own journey, I encourage you to nurture these traits within yourself. They will not only help you achieve your goals but also make the journey itself richer and more fulfilling.
And always remember: If you can imagine it, you can create it.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Overcoming the Challenge of Breaking Into Public Art
The number one challenge I am currently facing is getting opportunities to create more public art. Unfortunately, many agencies and organizations tend to select artists they already know or those with extensive portfolios of previous public art projects. While I deeply respect the accomplishments of established artists, this practice often makes it difficult for newer voices to rise and be recognized.
As a self-taught artist with a vibrant and diverse body of work, I know I have the skills, passion, and vision to create meaningful public art. However, without a long list of public art projects under my belt, breaking into this space can feel like an uphill battle.
To overcome this challenge, I’ve been proactive and persistent. Here’s how I’m working toward my goal:
Building Connections and Networks
I’ve joined artist collectives and organizations like MIFA (Miami International Fine Arts), where I collaborate with other talented artists to submit proposals for public art projects. By working together, we amplify our voices and increase our visibility. Networking with other artists and professionals in the industry has opened doors to potential opportunities and allowed me to learn from those who’ve navigated similar challenges.
Expanding My Portfolio
While I may not have a long list of public art projects yet, I’ve been focusing on creating large-scale murals, sculptures, and mixed-media works that demonstrate my ability to execute ambitious projects. Pieces like my mural Thinking About Life and public art sculptures, such as the aluminum cat for Maurice Ferré Park, showcase my capability to bring vibrant, impactful art to public spaces. I’m actively seeking opportunities to add more such works to my portfolio.
Advocating for Emerging Artists
I’m passionate about creating change in the public art world. Through my artistic collective, I’m advocating for more opportunities for emerging artists to showcase their talent. I believe that public art should reflect a diversity of voices and styles, and I’m committed to helping shift the narrative to make space for artists who bring fresh perspectives.
Persistence and Positivity
Despite the challenges, I remain determined and optimistic. Each rejection is an opportunity to refine my proposals and learn more about what public art agencies are looking for. I also keep reaching out to companies, developers, and municipalities, emphasizing the value I can bring to their projects.
My ultimate goal is to leave a legacy of color and inspiration in public spaces—transforming blank walls, structures, and buildings into vibrant works of art that resonate with the community. I believe that persistence, collaboration, and staying true to my vision will eventually open the doors I’m striving for.
To those in similar positions, my advice is simple: Keep believing in your vision, keep pushing forward, and don’t be afraid to create opportunities for yourself. If we imagine it, we can create it—together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.danielasvart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielasvart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielasvart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-sanchez-vegas-20704919a/
- Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yeR1xmfXZWuT4rma9
Image Credits
My and myself
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
