Today we’d like to introduce you to Wanda Acosta.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My love for art and painting started at a young age. My mother was a soprano singer as well as a very creative individual. She would refinish furniture, decoupage, sew and design our home furnishings and our clothes growing up. Partly because of economics, but also because she really enjoyed the process.
My first art practice was photography after I received a polaroid camera for my 12th birthday. After high school I enrolled at The School of Visual Arts in NYC and majored in Photography along with Advertising Design. Photography became a big part of my early career, along with graphic design. Now many years later, I have been painting and drawing in a variety of mediums, from acrylics, oil stick, watercolor, collage to sculpture, it has become an almost daily part of my life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being an artist has many challenges, primarily if it is the sole source of income. It can be competitive and difficult to get your artwork scene. However, the need to create and the satisfaction of finishing a piece outweighs the challenges. I have had to hold many different work positions which sometimes doesn’t allow time to make art, At this juncture, I have found a balance between the two.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I enjoy experimenting and challenging myself with new ideas. Lately my work has been leaning towards a more abstract, cubist style, working in acrylics and watercolor. I have created some paintings inspired by torn collage paper and sculpture from wood and wire remnants.
One of the most fun projects have been the pet portraits which evolved during covid, while I was living in Puerto Rico. I started by painting our dog and cat and slowly started getting commissions. I have painted nearly 100 portraits since then. You can see them on my instagram page: @petportraitsbywanda
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think to be successful as an artist, you have to believe in yourself and your work. There are many critics out there that can dissuade you from doing what you love. Of course most artists want to receive recognition for their efforts and ideally be able to sell their artwork and make a living. But sometimes success can be just having the time and resources to be able to create. This is not necessarily afforded to everyone. It brings me great joy to create and it is also a much needed form of expression during these complicated times. It is a cathartic way to release emotions or get lost in a project. I am grateful to be able to have time to continue making and sharing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://queerartcollective.com/wanda-acosta
- Instagram: @petportraitsbywanda / @wandafoto.art
