Today we’d like to introduce you to Ines Nefzi.
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?
I began my artistic journey as a child playing with art supplies. Encouraged by my family members, I began experimenting with professional acrylic paints after the box sets of paints, colored pencils, and markers. At around age 15, I joined a group of young artists in Imperial Beach called “The Art Kids of San Diego County.” It was a non-profit run by a man named Howard Woodward. Through his program, I was introduced to professional materials and artistic opportunities. There, I learned basic art skills with many talented young artists. In my early 20s, I joined the thriving art scene in Barrio Logan, displaying my work for the first time in galleries and surrounding myself with the incredible creative artists of San Diego. My artistic practice has been a means through which I process my life and a method of self-soothing. Creating gives me peace, fills me with energy, and connects me with others. My creative journey has led me to become a Teaching Artist in various non-profit and creative businesses. Today I continue to use art as a method of personal exploration expression, and a means of conveying complex messages with others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been eventful, bumpy, and worthwhile, just like life! As a child, I loved to create just for the joy of it. As I traveled along this road of creativity, I veered off my path sometimes when I would force myself to create something that I did not truly feel or to impress a buyer. There have been times when I questioned why I spent so much money on art supplies and what I would do with my collection of canvases. There have been times when I thought to myself: What is the point? Imagining my life without the special moments of solitude spent blissfully making, the feelings I’ve shared with fellow artists, and the impact my art has had on others would literally push me back to the drawing table. While I am still learning to balance the motivation behind my artmaking and making income, I feel I have finally accepted that being an Artist is a part of my identity. During the roughest times in my life, I made the most beautiful artwork, and it kept me alive.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My favorite medium is acrylic paint and canvas. This medium is a language that I can best express my ideas in, and I am most familiar with playing with paint. I gravitate towards bright colors and natural elements like flowers and butterflies. I make paintings that leave a positive, uplifting impression on viewers. I also love to do pen and ink line work and watercolor. I am known for my brilliant, colorful floral paintings and most recently, my portrait work. I am most proud of the meaningful paintings that I know bring joy and hope to others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @nomadicartista
Image Credits
Fedella Lizeth
