Today we’d like to introduce you to Azul Isela Gutierrez.
Hi Azul, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Mexico City and spent most of my formative years in Venezuela and Costa Rica before moving to the US. I have always felt that I’ve left a part of me in different places. Azul Nomad Art was created about 12 years ago while traveling through Latin America. When people ask me where I’m from, I like to say from everywhere and from no particular place. I’m from right here right now, in the present moment. Sometimes I think that certain places choose you. That’s how I feel about Ocean Beach; I would have never imagined that this place would be home. The moment I arrived here, I was able to expand creatively and build a community around surfing, art and yoga. I have never known life without art. My mother is also an artist. Growing up in a home full of her own paintings and sculptures, I intuitively came to an understanding that creativity was my birthright. My creativity has always been my guide in life.
Before moving to OB in 2016, I was traveling on my own, teaching yoga in Colombia, selling hand-painted art in Costa Rica, and learning how to surf in Nicaragua. I immediately fell in love with surfing. It transformed me in a way I had never felt before. Surfing gave me internal confidence and mental strength, yet it humbled me relentlessly. I pushed through my comfort zones many times with the desire to learn how to surf. Through surfing, I met my husband Tim and a supportive and beautiful community of friends and family. Surfing is a way of life and the ocean is a powerful healer. When I first moved to OB, I had the opportunity to paint several murals for Kilowatt Brewery. This was a great opportunity to get introduced into the local art community. I also hosted several painting workshops for the brewery. I now work on various art projects from my home studio in Ocean Beach, including custom paintings, resin art and hats. I began hand-painting hats a few years ago. This idea began when I moved to OB and got immersed in the surf culture style. I create all my own designs and I also take custom orders. I figured it would be a great way to enhance them with unique designs and colors. Most recently, I’ve been creating various resin art pieces inspired by the ocean and open spaces. I enjoy working with this medium because it’s fluid and spontaneous. My passion is thriving while combining my love for surfing and art. I also enjoy volunteering with an all-women’s non-profit surf therapy organization called Groundswell Community Project, based out of San Diego. I feel passionate about empowering women of all walks of life through surfing and building community.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I spent most of my 20’s roaming around with no particular place to settle into. My home was always within me. Loving the nomadic life in all its magic and all its hardships as well, exposing myself to all kinds of life experiences, from childhood in Venezuela, a high school in Ohio, organic farming in California, painting murals in Costa Rica, an art school in Canada, creating art in the desert of Arizona. I felt as if I didn’t belong anywhere and had moments of much confusion. From a young age, I was taught to move from one place to the next and adapt quickly. Make new friends, leave the old behind and move forward. This sense of detachment allowed me to move from one experience to the next without becoming too attached to anyone or anything. Eventually yearning for a sense of community and a place to call home. I’ve always felt like I didn’t quite fit in anywhere. Sometimes this led me to sadness or feeling lost and isolated from the rest of the world. Yet, there I was, always creating art. However, I’m deeply grateful to be surrounded by people who believe and support me. I have found a community here in OB. I’m a student of life, always learning and growing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve always been a painter at heart. I’ve created murals in diverse settings, such as public parks, yoga studios, schools, private residences, businesses, and events. Themes have varied from mandalas, ocean-inspired, imaginative landscapes, decorative backdrops, nature imagery, and a variation of cultural concepts. I have also created custom paintings and hand-painted signs. I like to describe my style as a form of magical realism. When someone reaches out to me with an idea in mind, I like to work my imagination into it and create a unique interpretation of their vision. I also hand paint wearable items. The hand-painted hats I create are all water-resistant and are made to be worn in the outdoors. I encourage people to go on adventures with them. I love bright colors and fluid shapes and textures.
I’m most proud of my unique designs and imaginative ideas. Most of my inspiration comes from the environment that surrounds me. The ocean is a great source of inspiration for me. The exploration of resin art has allowed me to expand artistically in a more abstract way. With resin art, I can manipulate paint with air and heat to create water-like textures. I am very hands-on when it comes to creating. All my ideas begin with a sketch, and I hand-draw everything. This is a big part of my process. I think what sets me apart is that I’m not afraid to be myself. I’ll go out wearing my hand-painted hats and live to my most authentic expression of who I am.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I would have to say, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Trust in your creativity and be persistent in your practice. Experiment and be curious about your process. Fall in love with what inspires you and become one with it. Also, take time for self-care. Have fun with whatever it is that you are creating and don’t take yourself too seriously! Be around people who not only inspire you but perhaps challenge you to take things on another level. Find out what you are good at, and share it with others.
Contact Info:
- Email: azul.nomadart@gmail.com
- Website: www.azulnomadart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azulnomadart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Azulnomadart/
Image Credits:
www.marycarolfitzgerald.com and https://www.instagram.com/mcfitztography/
