Ya'el Pedroza
https://www.instagram.com/goodvibesartiststudio/
www.yaelpedroza.com
ArtRoom Collective Studio #4
For Ya'el Pedroza, creating art is as natural as breathing. Inspired by landscapes, geology, plants, and every living creature in between, her work invites us to slow down and reconnect with the world around us. We asked Ya'el about her artistic journey, biggest adventures, and what keeps her creating.
What kind of art do you create?
I create art that reminds us of our connection to nature.
Can you share your journey as an artist? What inspired you to pursue this path?
I have always made art, so I decided to get my degree in it. I went to Sierra Nevada University to get my undergraduate degree in Printmaking, then I went to California State University in Long Beach to get my masters degree.
I honestly don’t know any other way to live. To live a life without creating art, would be to miss a part of myself. Making art is to speak and to breath. I have to do it.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by our natural world. All the living creatures from the microscopic to the very large. Our landscape and its colors, plants, and geology amaze me. They are all so full of character and a sublime feeling that is hard to put into words. The way I feel while in nature is the way I like to interpret what I see.
How long have you been producing art?
I have been making art as long as I can remember.
As soon as I could hold a crayon and paintbrush I have been creating art.
What do you enjoy doing outside of creating art?
I also am an adjunct instructor at Fort Lewis College. When I am not creating art or teaching, I am hanging out with my family and friends, outside playing on my bike, camping, snowboarding, hiking, playing with my dogs, or gardening.
Can you share any upcoming projects or exhibitions we should look out for?
Coming up I have a lot of fun things going on. In August I will by in the Tryst Art Fair in Torrance, California with a group of artists called Art Is Travel.
In November I will be in the annual juried group show at Blue Rain Gallery.
Then, I will be in another group show coming up that is still in the beginning phase with some amazing artists, but it’s still in the works and I cannot talk about that one just yet.
When is your favorite time of day to create and why?
My favorite time of day to create work is whenever I have time. I am in the studio
often later in the day into the night.
Most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?
There are so many fun things to do that are adventurous. I love to push myself and see what happens. I used to rock climb a lot. One of my biggest fears is the ocean, and so I learned to surf and did that a lot when I lived in Southern California. I have gone on a couple solo backpacking trips. Being a parent is pretty adventurous, as you never know what will be. I think of life as an adventure where I am learning new things all the time.
Favorite piece you've created (and if you have a photo of it, attach in this email)?
My favorite piece of artwork is the one I am working on in that moment.
What's something not many people know about you?
I have had many jobs: worked at REI as my first job, vet technician, call center,
house painter, Garden centers for 10 years, maintenance and landscaping,
pet store, and as a budtender. Other things will remain secret and I will only tell
you once we get to know each other more:)
What are you selling in your studio right now?
Things that you can find in my studio are my paintings, and hand made relief prints.
I have cards and T-shirts available as well.
Anything else you'd like to add...
I love art and I believe it is detrimental to our well being. It is what brings a community and our society to life. Art is joy, beauty, a way for our voices to be heard, a way to make change, a way to relax, a way to inform, a way to communicate with one another when words won’t do. I cannot imagine life without it.