Featured Artist: Ana Eugenio from Wonderland Photography

This week's featured artist is Ana Eugenio from Wonderland, someone that I came to know from our Raining Umbrella class this Summer.  She has been one true artist that keeps challenging herself in every aspect of her creative world. Her photographs shows the simplest things of every day life that is captured through her unique perspective and layout composition.

I love her Earth Wonder Challenge, that I also listed on the right rail of this blog under 'Challenge Your Creativity"list. Each week you are challenge to take picture of different themes.

Interview with Ana from Wonderland. 

Please tell us more about yourself as an artist?
I feel I'm more a hobbyist photographer who loves to be creative. there is still so much to learn, so many things I haven't done. I've my Etsy shop but it's mostly because I really like my work and wish to share it with others. all I know for sure is that what I do makes me happy and it's all about having fun. I guess I'm an artist but I still don't feel comfy thinking of me that way.

Who and/or What inspire you as an artist?

Happiness inspires me. anything I find amusing, and many times it's the thrill of what I can do with a certain shot if I get it right. I've some health issues so I don't go out as much as I would like to and many days I find inspiration in our pets and every old little thing we have at home. but what I love the most is to go out with my camera and do some street photography. I didn't think I had it in me and surprised myself with my own boldness. I just love to photograph people! I'm even offering free sessions trying to find people who don't mind being photographed, so I can practice portraits. But you have to live in Porto (Portugal) to have a free session with me.

When did you first discover your creative talents?

When I was a little girl I used to write our family newspaper and I actually became a journalist. I'm retired since 2010 due to my health but writing was my first way of capturing images and feelings. I'm portuguese, so it comes more naturally when I write in my own language but having a blog in english has been a revealing experience. I guess I discovered my creative talents as soon as I learned how to write. Now I try to capture images and feelings through my photography.

How will you describe your style?

I think that is something only other people can answer. I know what motivates me and probably my style is about how I see life but since it's something that comes from my heart I find it hard to describe it in words.

How do you work/creative process?

Honestly! I go with the flow. When I'm outside I'm always thinking how I could tell the story of my day through photography. When I'm home I enter a few photo challenges online (I also have one in my blog that goes on every Wednesday and it's called 'Earth Wonders'). Each challenge usually have a theme, which makes me be more creative each day so it's truly exciting. I'm also learning how to use Photoshop and I love to play with textures and to make my pictures look like paintings or vintage photos. It's really fun. 

What is your dream project?

This is a long term dream but I believe I'll accomplish it: to publish a book with my photos and poetry. Oh! and buy a better lens! to be able to do macro photography, I think it's an amazing world to be discovered.

Do you have any words of wisdom for other artists out there?

Do what makes you happy. Have fun doing it. like that, whatever you do will always be worthwhile.


Resources:
Wonderland Blog // Wonderland's Earth Wonder Photo Challenge // Wonderland's Etsy Shop


Hope you have a wonderful day!


Live, Love and Be Creative,


Ira.

Surprise Gift from Portugal and Arizona!

Our last assignment from Raining Umbrella last Summer was gift exchange. I was so excited about this project and was looking forward to make something for my recipient, Sylvia Latham, a very creative gal who teaches art for living. As I sent along my gift, I received a surprise gift from Portugal!... Ana from Wonderland. Through taking Raining Umbrella, I got to know Ana a little bit more. Her blog has challenged me to be more creative everyday!.. Thanks Ana!

Here's her surprise gift, with a lovely note! :)

How personal is that? Love it, Ana!

And here is her beautiful photograph!... This photograph really reminds me of a vacation on a beach. Just a day of relaxation and enjoying the sun! I think I'm going to put this on a shadow box filled with some beautiful shells from the beach!.. What do you think?.. What would you do with this beautiful photograph? Suggestions welcome! :)

You can find some of her beautiful photograph pieces at her etsy shop.

Now, that same day, my sister also sent me a birthday gift. Made by her!... She is so talented!.. I love her jewelry design. She just started making her own jewelries, and oh my! I love all the things that she made. Check out my birthday gift:

She also has another set of these if you are interested in getting them for a gift at this link. Here's her listing. This one is in really pretty purple! :)

I hope you enjoyed my story monday this week!... Tune in for more Story Monday every week.

Live, Love and Be Creative,

Ira