Q:As a Cuban American Artist, please share with us your background and how you began your interest and passion in creating art and painting?

Thank you so much for having me! In 1968, my Mom, sister and I flew from Cuba to Florida to escape the Communist government – they gave us clothing and vaccinations when we arrived. I still have the coat the US authorities gave me. I was about 5 years old; we left, because my mom didn’t want us sent to the government work camps. I think when you turned 13; you had to work in the government camps. My mom was sick at this time and malnutritioned because she gave us her food rations.

As a little girl, I remember being in Cuba drawing — and having a plastic table cloth with flower patterns and texture to it (you know…I love flowers and nature) I was around 4 years old. I used to rub the flowered table cloth image onto paper with a pencil to kind of create a duplicate carbon copy of the flowers. And from there I started tracing the images. After that, I actually started sketching with pencil and colored pencils. I actually have sketches from when I was very, very young from this time in my life – I would like to share them with you because I saved them! They were important to me. No one else, but these drawings were important to me.
It’s interesting…One of my favorite things in life as a child was a Japanese Calendar. It was full of wonderful textured paper featuring birds, bamboo and leaves. I think I was in 3rd grade and I would free hand the image and copy it.
I remember…The Japanese Calendar had such beautiful paper and I loved the images! This Japanese Calendar meant so much to me…I looked at it with simplicity and such beauty. You know…I am so connected to nature and texture. It just did something to my spirit inside. I kept this Japanese Calendar for a long, long time. I will share with you some of my original drawings from way back when.

This is why; I believe that God gave me this very special gift of art. The problem was that, because of lack of money and the need of survival, no one ever encouraged me to draw. As a matter of fact, everyone around me–my entire life, for over 40 years, discouraged my creative spirit of drawing, painting, and creating wonderful art objects.
They almost killed my spirit. But, I fought from deep inside and prayed so that someday I could be the artist that I believe God created me to be. I can’t tell you how many times throughout my life, that I would create something beautiful – a painting, a craft object, a shadow box, an abstract, a purse, and then a family member would completely squash my creativity and spirit by saying, “What are doing that for? – – You should be washing dishes!”
This was so disheartening, that sometimes I would just stop. It took over 40 years, my children were now grown, I finally had the strength and courage to say – Now is my time!

I started a website in 2003 called “Wet Your Whistle”, whereby, I would do wine and paint parties. It was awesome to get together with others to paint! I would also do face painting at local events and festivals. From there… I really got encouraged to paint even more! And I was getting a chance to do commissioned work. It was amazing, because people were actually paying me to do art! I was finally doing what God put me here to do! I just want everyone to know it’s never too late to begin your true passion.

One thing I want to tell your readers and listeners is that, I have been diagnosed with extreme anxiety. And this is important for people to know. Anxiety is a very real illness. You can feel so bad about yourself. You want to be social, but you can’t. Art has become my saving grace! I do take medicine and it really helps, but…it is Art that has allowed my spirit to grow – – and it allows me to create with so many others in a social setting! I never thought, I could stand in front of so many people and teach art. My passion in art really came true!

Q:When you create your art, what inspires your design elements & ideas?

It’s my love of nature. When I look at things, I look at texture and layers. I also love recycled stuff like dryer sheets! I am always thinking about – – what can I re-use to create art! I am also very drawn to circles and wavy lines and things that are curved. I’m not that attracted to geometric lines. When you look around my home, you’ll see – – I love movement in objects. Overlapping circles and movement. I incorporate this style into my art. I am so attracted to wiggly lines…not those straight ones.

Q:What tips would you give to a beginner who wants to create art, but has never tried it before?

Whatever medium you choose, just start! Put it down on paper or paint what your spirit feels. A collage, for example, just put it on the paper!!! Don’t fear anything! Just start by putting a mark on a piece of paper. It’s the process and the journey of getting to create your piece. You have to enjoy the journey! I have been told by peers and teachers, NO – do it this way…Well that may be the right way to them…But, you are not like anybody else. You have to create art from YOU! What YOU want to express. I’ve been told – No… don’t use that sponge or No don’t use that brush, but…Now I’m like – – wait… This is what I want to use and this is what I like to create. So, I’m going to use what I want!

Q:What art tools do you recommend?

You can use a sponge, a hair brush, you can use your fingers, you can even use your body! Use what you have available to create. Just get started and put something down on paper or canvas or fabric or whatever! Don’t ever limit yourself!
I did want to mention that I create art shadow boxes and that one of the best scissors on the market that I use are Sewline Scissors. They are so sharp and cut so easily with precision. I love them! Another item that I use regularly, not only in my art, but for other craft uses is the Sewline glue sticks! They work great!

Well…thank you for that!
What role do you believe, you as the artist, has in our society?

My artistic spirit says – – You have to stay true to yourself, ask yourself – – who are you…keep building upon who you are, as your ‘true self.” You can lose yourself by being a people pleaser. If you can really hone in on yourself, you go through life’s challenges – – both good and bad. If you can stay true to yourself and learn – you will save yourself in the long run. You can’t be happy by making others happy all the time. You have to be happy inside and have peace inside – you have to be the most important person first – – so that you can go out into the world and be your best, representing your best self by giving to others!

I think…especially women…We don’t love ourselves enough; we don’t stick up for ourselves enough. If you don’t love yourself, you can’t go out into the world and represent love. In order to be in good relationships and develop, you have to love yourself first- – to give that love to others…
Art has given me a new way of looking at and perceiving love. Art can help you to discover true self. Art can help you to love yourself and others better. Art gives me a self esteem that was almost completely gone… by all those people in my life that discouraged me.

Isn’t it strange, that the people that are the closest to you and that say they love you – – those are the ones that bring you down and don’t believe in you or your art or your passion. But, thank God for the strangers that come up to you and say, “I love your art!” or “What a beautiful piece!” I get more appreciation from strangers…
Abstract art has given me the freedom to let go! It doesn’t have to be perfection. It is okay to splatter paint, use your fingers…so what if they get dirty! Listen to your inner spirit; don’t let society dictate your artistic abilities! You sometimes have to go through bad things, in order to get that fire inside of you to do good! Don’t take things for granted and know that we are all connected. Don’t let anyone kill your spirit. Block them out!

One of my sincere inspirations is the fabulous Japanese artist “Yayoi Kusama” and her story. Her parents took away her art supplies, and she fell into great depression. The male artists in her life would steal her tremendous ideas. Back then, it was all about the work of male artists. She spiraled downhill… She was not recognized for her greatness. But, she persevered and she never gave up on herself as an artist! Now, after many years, she is finally recognized for her true artistic greatness and incredible creativity. And…we too can overcome – – just like her!

Q:What are your new goals for 2023 and/or what would be your dream work for the future?

Even though I am a self taught artist, I have been teaching art, holding wine & paint parties, face painting events, and even producing commissioned art pieces – – my goal for the future is a focus on independent art study involving new techniques and colors. I am going to journal and keep lots of notes from all of the online videos that inspire me. I am also creating my special “at home studio” for larger projects.

My goal is – – I want to really, really find and develop my unique style of painting and that will come by me discovering my truest self. I am blocking out any voice that is not positive! No negativity for me – only good vibes!
My dream is to bring happiness through art, and to bring joy to those who view my work! I want people to have an emotional reaction to my art. Whether good or bad, I want an emotional reaction.

Please give us an update of any future events, classes, new designs or works, or exhibitions that you have scheduled for 2023.

I have wine & paint events scheduled for the near future, and I also have private basic art instruction that I teach to children & adults. It is my hope that I will have a gallery exhibition of my work in San Diego, California in the art district in 2023. I am so excited to create new pieces for this potential fabulous opportunity.
I am finally transitioning deeply into the Artist that I was meant to be and I hope all of you, also, fill your spirit with the desire to follow your passions in art or whatever they may be! Stand up for yourself and your art! Thank you so much for this interview!

And that concludes another exciting episode of “Les Mains Passionnes.” On behalf of Westek, Sewline and Karen Shibata we thank our special guest:
Artist, Artisan, Art Teacher – Alina Mata
And…For more information on Alina see: www.AlinaMata.com
And…Always remember…TO GET INSPIRED AND CREATE!

Future Exhibition 2023 – to be determined:
Mi Gallery Tu Gallery
The Arts District at Liberty Station – Barrack 19, Suite 205
2690 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego, CA 92106