We asked three artists how they embarked on their journey of being an artist. And this is what they have to share.

In the world of art, every painting, sculpture, and photograph tells a story. But have you ever wondered about the people behind these creations? How did they become artists? Well, get ready to find out! In this article, we’re going to explore the amazing journeys of individuals who followed their dreams and became artists. From the first spark of inspiration to the challenges they faced along the way, their stories are full of excitement, determination, and success. So, let’s dive in and discover what it takes to turn a dream into reality in the world of art!

1. Alice d’Apolito

Alice d’Apolito is an Italian illustrator, animator, and oil painter who lives, works, and studies the Japanese language in Leeds. In her paintings, she creates a new image of herself every time, embracing the idea that creation is a process that never ends. Most of her works are autobiographical, describing feelings, dreams, childhood memories, and concepts inspired by current affairs. She tried to connect her real world with her oneiric one by giving substance to her dreams and representing memories long gone. Inspired by Japanese culture and surrealistic paintings she creates her work using oil paint on wood panels. Alice sharing reminiscing on her journey-

My journey, like art, was a process that gradually evolved into what I’m creating now and who I am now. It emerged further when I moved to England, more than 10 years ago. In England, I found myself again and I started to fight for things that gave me joy. Japanese culture was just one thing amongst others that inspired me in this journey, without limits.

2. Robin Raznick

Robin Raznick is a versatile artist who works in oil, acrylics, mixed materials, and clay. She explores the colors, and textures of the natural world, translating them into thickly impasto’ed paintings and ornate ceramic vessels. Raznick’s paintings are influenced by Impressionist and Expressionist artists like Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Joan Mitchell, Anselm Kiefer, Allision Schulnik, as well as contemporary painter/ sculptors Jennifer Bartlett, David Hockney, and Andrew Goldsworthy. Raznick’s unique style is articulated in the undulating surfaces, dynamic mark-making, unabashed use of color, and distinctive materials selections. Robin sharing her journey-

Well, art-making is woven into my DNA, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t a maker. I come from a family of creatives, painters, writers, and interior designers; these professions are highly valued in my circle. My Dad was a visual artist and had a small studio off our garage. I have very early, fond memories of being in there with him. He never practiced professionally but was quite brilliant. As a teen and in my early 20’s I worked with kids in camps as the art specialist. I loved it so it was sort of an organic pathway for me..

3. Alexandra Saunder

Alexandra Saunders is a contemporary wildlife artist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her work is drawn from her love of the natural world and intimate portraits of animals she has encountered as a lifelong wildlife conservationist. Since childhood, she has sought refuge and sanctuary in nature by communing with and surrounding herself with animals. Alexandra started her career as an artist in 2020 after a life-changing event in the pandemic and ever since has not looked back. Alexandra made a major career switch in her seventies. She showcases animals and helps raise funds for conservation and sanctuaries. Then she painted portraits of chimpanzees rescued by conservationists and living in chimpanzee sanctuaries in Africa. And now she is working with 6 different sanctuaries in Africa, Asia, and the United States. Alexandra shares how she embarked on her journey-

I have loved animals ever since I was a little girl growing up in Tennessee where my father worked as a physicist in The Atomic Energy Commission. I had about 30 guinea pigs, and probably as many mice, a turtle, a duck, and a dog. Rather than playing with other kids, I loved to go into the woods, play in the streams, and collect frogs to bring home. In college, I studied wildlife conservation and worked at Lawrence Berkeley Lab, in energy as a research scientist. I would have loved to learn scientific illustration but I never got the chance —- though looking back that would have been a logical step for me. But I ended up putting all of that away in my late 20s and pursued a business career. (Which was strange as I always felt like a fish out of water) It wasn’t until the pandemic that I retired after 45 years and picked up a pencil to learn how to draw and illustrate wildlife just to express my love and passion for them and all of nature.

Each story we’ve uncovered is a testament to the power of chasing your dreams and turning them into reality. Whether it’s through paintbrushes, clay, or the lens of a camera, these artists have shown us that with dedication and determination, anything is possible. So, the next time you look at a piece of art, remember the incredible journey behind it, and perhaps it will inspire you to embark on your own creative adventure. Read the full interviews of the artists here.