Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Monica Medina Azpurua. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Monica Medina, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Growing up, my dad was my biggest cheerleader, constantly instilling in me the belief that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. His support and encouragement played a crucial role in shaping my self-esteem and belief in myself. From a young age, my dad emphasized the importance of determination, hard work, and perseverance. He would often remind me that success wasn’t just about talent or luck, but about the effort and dedication I put into achieving my goals. Whenever I faced challenges or setbacks, he was there to remind me that failure was just a stepping stone to success and that I had the strength and ability to overcome any obstacle.
One of the most profound lessons my parents taught me was that education was a powerful tool that could unlock endless opportunities. Despite English not being my first language, my parents encouraged me to embrace the challenge of learning it. They believed that fluency in English would open doors for me and broaden my horizons in ways I couldn’t even imagine.
At the age of 18, I had the privilege to move to the USA and embarked on the journey of learning English, as I wanted to attend and graduate from and American University. The thought of it was daunting at times, but at the same time, it was a beautiful goal to have. I think now that my dad’s unwavering belief in me kept me going. His words of encouragement became my mantra, driving me to push myself beyond my limits and never give up, no matter how difficult the road ahead seemed. “Never Give Up” was one of his favorite sayings, and the gift of telling your children they can accomplish anything they dream is priceless.
As I pursued my education, many times I encountered many challenges, so I had to work extra hard or double to sustain academic achievement. From the beginning I set up a goal not just to graduate, but do it with honors. I am proud to say that the lessons of “never give up” and “you can accomplish anything” stay with me. When I graduated Magna Cum Laude, it wasn’t just my achievement—it was a testament to the belief my dad had instilled in me from the very beginning.
Today, as I look back on my journey, I realize that my dad’s influence has been the guiding force behind my success. His unwavering support, belief in my abilities, and encouragement to chase my dreams have shaped me into the determined individual I am today. I’ve come to understand that indeed, anything is possible if you’re willing to put in the time and effort to make it happen, and that truly you can do anything you aspire and dream! Determination, hard work and often more important than talent.
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Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
From the moment I witnessed an artist capturing the essence of my mother in a portrait during my childhood, I knew that art was more than just a hobby. I was mesmerized by the beauty of creating something so unique from a blank canvas. Although I didn’t have formal training, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and self-teaching to fulfill my dream of becoming a visual artist at a later time in life. To be exact during a trip to Mauii, where I was completely fascinated by the many bold colors of nature.
My artistic style is a reflection of my inner world—a world where I wish to bring harmony, peace, and a longing to offer joy to others. In a chaotic and tumultuous world, I use my art as a tool to create moments of tranquility and serenity. Bold colors dance across my canvas, weaving a tapestry of emotions that invite viewers to immerse themselves in a realm of happiness and positivity.
Each piece of artwork I create is a unique expression of my soul, infused with my deepest desires to spread love and happiness. Whether it’s a vibrant landscape, a whimsical portrait, or an abstract composition, my goal is always the same: to transmit a sense of joy and contentment to those who behold it.
Through my art, I strive to make a difference—to touch hearts, inspire minds, and uplift spirits. In a world often overshadowed by darkness, I believe that art has the power to be a beacon of light, guiding us towards a brighter and more hopeful tomorrow.
As a self-taught visual artist, my journey has been one of determination, passion, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of creativity. And with each brushstroke, I continue to pour my heart and soul into my artwork, spreading happiness one masterpiece at a time.
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?
I think without a doubt that the first impression into the fascinating world of art was when I spent time every afternoon observing a professional artist create a portrait of my mother Olga. This allowed me to you to observe the creative process firsthand. As mentioned before, as a child I found it incredible that some people made a living painting and creating artworks. I would also say that a magical trip to beautiful Maui also opened up my heart to finally start painting, and start learning on my own little by little. I knew that I had to express using a blank canvas and some oils what I had inside my soul.
For those early in their journey, I would recommend they immerse themselves in the world of art by observing other artists, studying their techniques, and practicing the art of observation. Attend workshops, watch tutorials, visit galleries, and take in as much as you can to broaden your artistic perspective. That’s exactly what I did and still do. Once all this knowledge is learned, you will develop your own unique style.
Patience and Persistence also play a role in anything we do. Learning any skill, especially painting, requires patience and persistence. It’s through consistent practice and dedication that you refine your techniques and develop your unique style over time. Just be patient with yourself and embrace the journey of learning and growth. Try to set aside regular time for practice, experiment with different techniques and mediums, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Keep pushing forward, and you’ll see progress with persistence.
The emotional component is also key. Your desire to create artwork that reflects harmony and transmits happiness stems from an emotional connection to your art. Channeling emotions into your work allows you to create pieces that resonate with viewers on a deeper level. Cultivate a strong emotional connection to your art by exploring your own feelings, experiences, and inspirations. Use your art as a means of self-expression and convey your unique perspective to evoke emotions in others. Always, stay true to yourself and let your passion drive your creative journey.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
I am facing the challenge of my Father’s recent passing. This is undoubtedly one of the most difficult experiences I have ever endured . However, I have decided to continue painting as a tribute to his memory and exhibit my artwork as a way to honor his lessons of “Never Give Up” My next collective exhibition will be in May at the Deerfield Beach Historical Museum. I am working on a brand new large piece of artwork that will reflect my feelings and hopes. I think this will be a beautiful tribute to the special bond we shared as Father and daughter. In the midst of grief, painting can be a source of solace, healing, and connection to my Dad’s spirit.
As I pick up my brushes and canvases again, I remember the countless times my father bought art supplies for me as a child. I remember the joy in his eyes as he watched me create. He was even my first art collector, as he would buy my paintings…
I believe that the soul never dies, so I know that my father is with me, cheering me on from beyond the veil. I would like my paintings to continue to be a celebration of life. In honoring my Dad’s memory through my art, I will keep his spirit alive, find healing and renewal in the creative process. I hope each stroke of my brush be a testament to the beauty of love, loss, faith, hope and the eternal legacy of those we hold dear.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ModernartbyMonica.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Monicasartgallery
- Facebook: Monica Azpurua Art Gallery
Image Credits
Alexandra Azpurua, Photographer IG: @alexandra.azp
