Meet Ana Soto: Artist

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

Hi Ana, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
If you have a true passion for what you do then it will always be something that you keep coming back to. As an artist, painting, drawing, and doodling come fairly easy to me most of the time. It is the business aspect I tend to have trouble with. If there is something that is driving you to do what you do, that is what you need to harness and put to its full potential. Of course it’s OK to take breaks if you need to take some time to think about where you are in your business and where you want to be. Every business fails once whether it’s in the beginning or in the middle or in the end and you just have to decide whether you’re up for the challenge. I think the one piece of advice that I’ve really taken to heart is to ask yourself when you’re thinking of giving up whether you’re giving up because it is the right thing to do or the easiest one.

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.
I’m a painter and illustrator working out of North Houston. Much of my work is ink on natural wood but I also do a lot of digital art. I have specific recurring horned characters in my art that represent different moods and themes. These figures look cute at first but there is a creepy aspect as you look closer and discover their faces have been removed. They are often completely alone in the work whether they are lost in the woods, casting a fishing line, or dancing in darkness. These characters come from years of soul searching and refinement. They are very dear to my heart. I’ve shown at many different art galleries around Houston and I am currently navigating the virtual shop scene due to the pandemic. I’ve built a small but amazing and loyal following through the years and I am truly grateful for the people who have so openly and positively accepted my art.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am an introvert so the smaller the place and the less crowded the place the better! Back in 2019 I did go on a brewery kick around Houston and I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of good beer that we have right here in the greater Houston area. I think one of my favorite places is 11 Below even though it’s a bit of a drive it has The best quality beer and of course there’s Buffalo Bayou brewing and Saint Arnold’s they are musts for the beer aficionado. As an artist I feel obligated to also put in a few coffee shops. For sure I recommend Catalina’s if you’re a purist in your coffee pursuits but if you want the perfect place to sit and draw for a while Antidote and Slowpokes are hands-down the best, of course, if you can find a chair at Agora count yourself lucky! I really can’t remember the last time I went to a restaurant so my memory is a little fuzzy but one that I always enjoyed was the Hobbit café and it’s a Houston landmark practically. For entertainment I recommend a stroll through the MFAH, it’s got a café attached so it’s the perfect date but make time to visit the Menil as well. The Rothko chapel is breathtaking and you’re forced to not talk so it’s heaven for an introvert.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to the North Houston Drink and Draw Club (currently virtual but still rocking) and Mom cause moms are great.

Website: www.anasotoart.com
Instagram: @anasotoart
Facebook: @anasotoart
Other: Redbubble https://www.redbubble.com/people/AnaSotoArt/shop?asc=u