We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anilly Cona . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anilly below.
Hi Anilly , so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
Self care is everything!! To me, it’s praying & working on my home studio to make sure it is comfy & inviting. I have my art area organized in a way that allows me to quickly grab colors, my easel & palettes the moment I get inspired.
After the pandemic, I have definitely spent more time inside working on my artwork & the meaning behind each piece. I always make sure to not force the process.
This alone has had an impact on my effectiveness & it has allowed me to focus on creating more.
I also feel my artwork evolving & I see improvements on my use of colors, brush techniques
& the mediums I use.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I always say life is this beautifully kaleidoscope of experiences, they shape us, mold us & teach us so much about ourselves. I paint to portray these moments, through my selection of various mediums and colors. Art is such a liberating act to me & I have seen that after about 15 years of painting, it’s been my constant through out life. It’s a form of therapy that is available to everyone because it can be done with ANYTHING.
I am an artist, not in competition-I encourage everyone around me to create art out of what they love. For example these are something I would say: If you are a photographer, go after that effortless moment to capture that sparkle in the grooms eye. If you are a writer, write in a way that paints a movie in our minds to experience the emotions you are feeling as you write. If you are a podcaster, start an idea jar- you may not be able to record all the episodes in one day but create that space for you to easily sit in your studio, grab a topic, grab that mic & go for it! If you love to paint, & you need canvases- go thrift some cool shaped- framed canvases! Whatever it may be, I encourage all to go after their passions- this alone unlocks a fulfilling way of life.
That is how I found purpose in my art, to help & motivate others to do the same. This is how you find the job that you wake up everyday to love- the job everyone wants in order to “never work a day in your life.”
This is how you do it!
My brand is a platform to explore my pieces, if you are a collector & explore your own passions. I can also help bring your creative visions to life!
Recent works & current projects:
In October 2022, I had my first show in Wynwood ( a super fun collaboration with the ARTbox organization – so thankful for them for giving me the opportunity ) & on March 5th I exhibited a new piece for “The Genius” series at my church; (@Miami_Church). Where a group of amazing artists; friends of mine, will portray the different geniuses of Jesus. My Topic was “Vulnerability”- that piece is now live on my instagram: (@CreativeSoulMiami) go show that reel some love!
I also recently launched my website, (www.creativesoulmiami.com) for art collectors looking to commission a piece & for an easy gallery show bookings process. Also in the works is a branding photoshoot by my amazingly talented friend, Dee Garone from Dee Garone Photography (@deegaronephotography). So excited for that!
The future is looking bright & exciting- can’t wait to share more art & events with you all. You are also able to sign up for update on my new website now!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Consistency- If you want to improve any craft; you have to nurture it & give it your time. The journey & evolution of your art is how you find your purpose to create & your style!
2. Spend time disconnected from electronics; take a walk, go outside & use nature to inspire you. I do this to create a clear mental space the moment I am ready to start a new piece.
3. Have a calendar, balance your day job & solid times through out the week to only create.
For example: Do you work a 9-5 (like me?)
Set up 1 hour, 2 to 3 times a week after you get home. Rest & have your supplies ready to create during that hour. Leave your work in an area where you always see it. Don’t force yourself to finish it on one day- work gradually. Try creating when you are NOT on a time crunch.
4. Listen to motivational topics, read & create your “Art-Making” playlist. I personally enjoy lo-fi, ocean & rain sounds & Christian worship music; some of my favorite artists right now are Jonathan Traylor, Housefires, Lauren Daigle, I AM THEY, Madison Ryann Ward, Joseph Solomon- look them up if you are also a RnB, soul & gospel lover like me!
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My family and I are from Venezuela and when my parents were just 19 & 23 they made the biggest decision in their lives to move to NY in 1993. After a massacre occurred in Venezuela’s capital…..when Miraflores was attacked my parents fled, to give me a future. Leaving everything behind.
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was bringing me to a country that wouldn’t limit my dreams. Where I would have all the tools I would need to grow into the professional woman I am today. I think of this everyday, everyday I hustle to my day job & come home to grab my paint brushes thinking of them & how grateful I am to be here.
One day I would like to hand my parents a key to their own house, as a thank you for all they have done for me.
God really blessed me with incredibly parents.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.creativesoulmiami.com
- Instagram: Creativesoulmiami
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/Anilly
- Twitter: ianilly
- Other: Lifestyle: @AnillyC
Image Credits:
Pictures 1-9 taken by @Deegaronephotography
The last two pictures were taken by Anilly Cona
The last picture was taken by Kiki Valdes
