The Power of Female Figures in Yvonne Rojas-Cowan’s Figurative Paintings
Yvonne Rojas-Cowan is a multidisciplinary artist based in New York who traded the high-pressure world of Wall Street for a life of creativity. In this interview, Yvonne opens up about her transition from finance to art, the inspirations behind her dynamic and textured pieces, and how her past experiences shaped her creative style. She also shares insights into her creative process, the challenges she faced, and the role her hobbies play in her creative journey.
Yvonne Rojas-Cowan is a NY based multidisciplinary artist whose artistic journey led her to exchange Wall Street for creativity. As a self-taught artist, Yvonne’s work is characterized by its profound layers of depth, resonant and expressive marks, dynamic compositions, and an intriguing array of textures. Her work has been collected by discerning art enthusiasts worldwide, with collectors in France, Israel, Mexico, and Germany and has captured the attention of international publications.
In her artistic journey, Yvonne creates her work as a reflection of the human experience. Drawing inspiration from the complexity of emotions and life-altering encounters that shape our lives, she brings forth abstract figures that encapsulate the essence of the human form and the intangible aspects of our innermost thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. With a strong focus on empowering women, Yvonne prominently portrays formidable female figures, emphasizing the significance of faces and bodies in her creations. Employing a diverse range of mediums, such as acrylics, oils, and mixed media, Yvonne’s paintings display a bold utilization of color, dynamic compositions, and a fusion of figurative and abstract elements. Through the seamless blending of the physicality of the human body with gestural marks of abstraction, she crafts a visual language that conveys the complexity of the human condition.
1. Yvonne, can you share about your transition from Wall Street to the art world? What made you decide to make that big change, and how has it affected the way you create your art?
The whole 2007-2008 financial crisis was intense! I was in the eye of the storm at AIG, dealing with the fallout and all those late night meetings. Long hours, constant pressure – it definitely made me stop and think about what truly mattered. And guess what bubbled up besides family? This buried passion for art I’d tucked away for years! So, a few years later, I took a chance. I left AIG and joined forces with my husband in our recruiting firm. It was an immediate and total game-changer! No more three-hour commutes or killer hours. This newfound freedom was incredible, and it finally gave me the time to reconnect with my creative side.
Leaving the world of finance might seem like a leap into the unknown, but my corporate experience actually translates surprisingly well to art. It’s not just about passion for art anymore; it’s about approaching it strategically. My experience managing complex projects translates perfectly to tackling ambitious art pieces. The discipline I used to keep teams on track now helps me stick to a consistent creative schedule, making sure I carve out dedicated time to explore my ideas. And that analytical thinking that used to be applied to finding complex solutions? Now it fuels my research into artistic styles and techniques. It’s a unique blend that gives me a solid foundation on this artistic journey.
My artistic approach is mostly intuitive with selective editing towards the end. This allows me the freedom to experiment and then develop each work based on instinct and emotion during the process.
Yvonne Rojas-Cowan
2. Your art is all about freedom, expression, and individuality. How do you bring these ideas to life with your bold brush strokes and layered textures?
Freedom, expression, individuality – that’s the energy I try to capture with every stroke and layer. Dynamic brushstrokes are a favored technique. They let me break free from limitations, express raw emotion, and build layers that tell a story. It’s a rebellion against the structured life I left behind. The textures are like hidden stories woven into the canvas, each one adding a layer of meaning and emotion. It’s not about perfection; it’s about capturing the raw energy of the moment. Each stroke, bold and full of movement, becomes part of my artistic fingerprint. It’s like a visual language, unique to me, that captures the energy and freedom I strive for. The more I experiment, the more I discover about myself and my art. It’s a constant conversation, a way of pushing boundaries and celebrating the beauty of being unique.
3. You love photography, cooking, and interior design. How do these hobbies connect with your art and add to your creativity?
They aren’t just hobbies; they’re playgrounds for my creativity. They all tap into different creative veins, but they fuel each other in surprising ways. Through capturing the visual magic through a camera lens, artfully arranging a plated dish or thoughtfully designing a space, I hone my eye for composition, color, light and texture. Photography translates directly into my art, as I learn to see the world as a series of potential photographs, each a chance to capture beauty and tell a story through a single frame. Like the artistic process, cooking lets me experiment not just visually, but also with the creative exploration of flavors. Finally, interior design lets me tell stories through spaces, textures, color and composition, a skill that translates into creating any art piece. These pursuits allow me to see the world in a more creative way, constantly inspiring new ideas and approaches to my art. They’re also a great way to relax and unwind, which are essential for fostering creativity.
4. What challenges have you faced as an artist, and how did you overcome them?
Honestly, imposter syndrome was the biggest hurdle. Leaving the structured world of business, I felt like I lacked the artistic language everyone else seemed to speak. There were moments of doubt, where I questioned my ability and compared myself to artists with years of experience. But then I focused on what excited me – exploring new techniques, pushing boundaries, and finding my own voice. I embraced the freedom that came with not having a traditional background and started developing a unique style. My art might not look like everyone else’s, and that’s okay. It’s a reflection of my journey, my experiences, and that’s what makes it personal and authentic.
My art is a reflection of my journey, my experiences, and that’s what makes it personal and authentic.
Yvonne Rojas-Cowan
5. What is one piece of advice that you would give to aspiring artists?
Don’t let your background hold you back! Whether you come from art school or the corporate world, there’s a place for your unique voice in the art world. The key is to embrace the skills you already have. Art is a journey, and while there will be challenges (like imposter syndrome!), remember, your unique experiences and skills are your greatest assets. So dive in, embrace the freedom to create, and don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own artistic voice.
Yvonne Rojas-Cowan’s journey from Wall Street to becoming a successful artist shows the power of following your dreams. Her story is filled with resilience, creativity, and a deep connection to human experiences. Through her expressive art, Yvonne inspires others to pursue their passions and reminds us that it’s never too late to start something new. To learn more about Yvonne Rojas-Cowan, click the following links to visit her profile.
