We had the good fortune of connecting with April Batista and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi April, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have always had an artistic soul since I was a child. I couldn’t wait for art class. There is something so satisfying about getting your hands dirty. Whether it be pottery, oil pastels, writing or acrylic. As a teenager, my mind was elsewhere and I no longer fed my artistic appetite. It wasn’t until I became a wife and mother that I found my way back to it. My son is non verbal and has autism. I’ve had to put jobs and careers on hold to do therapies, meetings and doctor visits. I started painting again just for my own mental health. As well as to have something for myself. To give me my sense of self back. Once I started posting my creations online, people started offering to purchase them and this is how my business got started. Out of the purity of doing something I’ve always loved.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It’s been about three years since I started creating and selling art. I really enjoy space surrealism art. I tend to use an array of textures and different medias in my creations. The more interactive the piece is, the funner it seems to me. It took attending a lot of art/vendor shows and events to create a small following. This created an organic following for me. It was not easy. I have learned a lot along the way and I am STILL learning today. Life is about growth, just like our business. Networking and supporting eachother is key.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In houston we are known for bbq, Mexican food and occasionally, seafood (being Louisiana’s neighbors). I would take my best friend to lotus seafood, turkey leg hut and delta blues. Places to visit and hangout are parks with trails and sight seeing. Nature calms my mind and makes me feel at ease. Hitting up the graffiti in downtown or vendor shows to support small businesses.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel desere additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people in my life that have given me some sort of inspiration. My mother always supported my artistic side as a child. My husband tells me how much he loves and respects my creative soul. And my son, who loves paint and glitter as much as his mama does.

Instagram: Www.instagram.com/_andromeda_art_

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.