Artsy Mondays: Artist Interview with Ana Sneeringer

Artsy Mondays

Today’s Artsy Mondays feature artist is a woman I’ve never met before, but whom I’ve followed on Instagram for years and whom I’ve curated into a fashion-focused art exhibition – and whom I’ve assisted in the sale of one of her pieces from that art exhibit.

As annoying, addictive, and depressing social media can be sometimes, it is the way I discover many amazing humans. Like today’s guest artist. I’m excited to introduce:

Ana Sneeringer

This train of thought reminds me of the exact day I joined Instagram. I was a late adopter…

I was at a dinner party where my art was displayed – why I was invited – and the host asked for my insta handle and then proceeded to be socked when I said I did not have an account. She said, as an artist, I would love Instagram, not to mention the fact that it would be good for me to be on the platform for work purposes. So, I signed up right then and there. My first insta post was a selfie at that party. I was hooked from that moment on.

It was on Instagram that I first connected with Ana Sneeringer, and continues to be a place where I love to fall down the rabbit hole of visual imagery.

And on that note, let’s hear from Ana…

Artist Interview

Ana Sneeringer

When did you know you wanted to be an artist?

I’ve never specially called for this profession. I’ve started painting when I moved to The Dominican Republic, 8 years ago. My first project was to paint my daughters’ room. I have never imagined this will lead me to be a portrait artist in these days. When I was a small girl, I used to paint in school on art projects and achieved some awards, but I have suppressed this “talent” for many years. Because next time I started painting again I was 31 years old.

Who are the artists that have had the greatest influence on you and why?

I enjoy different styles of art. The world is my home and the world offer such a cocktail of art made by wonderful artists. I move a lot around the world, and each country has such a rich culture and there is where I find an inspiration. I really cannot put a single artist out. I love art and I can like it or not. I am amazed by sculptures I come across, but no name is the one that stays deep in me. I focus more on how piece of art speaks to me.

What is the inspiration behind your artwork?

My inspiration is daily life I go through. Living around the world with different cultures brings such a colorful life. There are also present strong emotions. I get inspiration anywhere, even on the road. Sometimes I see random person that brings out inspiration in me. I don’t know how to verbalize emotions in a sense to not sound like I am offending people, so I paint those emotions.

What is distinctive about your art that sets it apart from others?

Bold colors and an attitude in the portraits.

What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

That fear could be your best friend if you accept it. And to never stop pushing forward.

Describe the environment or your studio in which you create. Do you have any artmaking rituals?

Ha. That is tough one. I mainly draw digital. And to do that I can use any space. It doesn’t stain the floor. I first resorted to this technique for lack of time, but it has grown a lot to my heart, so my studio is anywhere I can take my iPad with me. Saying that I did develop as well my studio where I have many painted artworks and where I teach. I just recently started coming back to the studio every night after all is settled in and the house becomes quiet. Before I got into digital art, I was painting with watercolors but now I find myself often exploring acrylic paints and using digital art more as a sketch tool.

What destination around the world most inspires your work?

I am not so focused on destination as I am on people at the destination. They are the ones that inspire me. Mostly. I paint my personal experiences. Sometimes I paint other people emotions, those are people I am socializing with. Often, they are women from different cultures around the world. Through art, I reflect my attitude towards them and portray them as powerful character portraits. All of them are wonderful and unique women who, like everyone, are caught up in their daily obligations and wander through the present without thinking about the past or the future.

Did you go to art school or are you self-taught? What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned along the way?

I am self-thought artist. I take a life as one big lesson. I am super stubborn persona, which helps me when I am picking the lessons that are teaching me. I have not come far in art yet because I chose not to. I am just slowly pushing trough to present my art to the world. I was painting a lot for myself until one day after many people said go on and put yourself out, I did.

If you could have any superpower, which would you choose?

We all have superpowers in ourselves. We just need to know how to use them. I am already using superpower by being a mom and a role model to my children.