Meet Ines Alvidres | Artist

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

Hi Ines, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in the land of the “inexhaustible runners,” The Tarahumaras. I remember seeing them for the first time as a child in the markets of downtown Chihuahua and immediately felt a connection. When they came together in the markets, they stood out and became a composition of color. They truly embodied every element of art, and it moved me. My upbringing was a humble one surrounded by community, friendships, and education. My family and I are very close, and our relationships are full of love and memories. My father taught me what hard-work and dedication are. He started a business from nothing and showed me what it is to be resourceful on the path of achieving your dreams. I remember walking to school at a young age. My mother walked with me until I was old enough to go alone when the journey became my own. The distances varied; the backpacks got heavier, but the weather never changed. It was always extreme, either too hot or too cold. I was developing an endurance that was preparing me to tackle future challenges with a positive perspective. When I decided to become an artist, I asked myself, ‘are you willing to do this or not?’ Either answer was fine, but saying ‘yes’ meant hard-work and challenges. I felt that I had a solid foundation to follow my dreams. When I decided to do more research on The Tarahumaras, I found that they are so much more than just the colorful impression I had of them as a child. They are mainly known for their endurance, and I then understood why I was drawn to them on a deeper level. Growing up, we do not realize what is preparing us for the stages of our life. When I look back on the challenges, experiences, and connections, these impactful moments inspire me to share the power of art anywhere life takes me.

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way? What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Since the beginning, the main ingredients for my artwork have been the variety and combination of bright colors that I use in my paintings. I always trusted that my artwork and I were going to evolve with the years and with experience. My inspiration mainly comes from my surroundings especially nature. The best part of being an artist, I believe, is the fact that there are no limits. I can be creating a series of birds and flowers, but there will be a need to use my leftover paint on my brush to create a new raw and abstract piece. At the beginning of my career, my friend and I were looking at a piece of artwork at a museum, and he asked what I thought about a specific piece. Before I could answer the question, he said, “I don’t want you to tell me if you like it or not, but what emotion does it make you feel?” After that experience, everything changed. Every time I saw a painting, a sculpture or even listened to a song, it was never about what I thought, but how it made me feel. I also started to create with the same intention. My hope is that I can create a positive emotion in you. Any time someone asks me what kind of artwork I create, my answer is the same – I create friendly abstract straight from the heart, always with a hope to put a smile on your face. It might be a bit cheesy, but I mean it.

The power of art is real. It can improve the lives of many. That’s why “Friendly Abstract” was a term that felt right to me. I want to be able to use my art to communicate with as many people as possible. Abstract art can be loved by many, but it’s not for everybody. I also know that figurative art is more traditional and understood, but there was still a division between these two groups. The idea of capturing the attention of both sides excited me! Why not create art that would be abstract enough for those that love abstraction and friendly enough to those that don’t like abstract. It works! I have had people approach me and say, “I really don’t like abstract, but I love your piece.” I have also witnessed a complete stranger from afar looking at one of my pieces in a group show, she observed my piece for a few seconds, and a giant smile formed on her face. The feed back of feeling happy when people see my artwork comes from dear friends, but also from new people I meet at different shows.

I don’t think any profession is easy especially if you want to be the best. Speaking from an artist perspective, as glamorous as it might seem, it is not. It can be extremely hard at times. I have learned with experience that the struggles and challenges are going to come, no matter what profession I have chosen. I know that the reason I’m willing to overcome challenges as an artist is because I love what I do. I know that that is the same for many other professionals out there!

There is a quote from Dr. Tererai Trent that I love, “The universe has a way to honor our dreams if only we believe. We become determined and work hard toward our goals.” This is the best reminder when things get difficult that everything starts from dreaming. The next step requires determination. Those two will not be enough if we don’t work hard. I have big dreams that make my stomach hurt a little. I have been determined since the first day, and I’m not afraid of work.

Amarte Art Studio is what I decided to name my studio.  AMA means to love in Spanish, and ARTE is art in English. AMARTE is a play on words that together means to love art but also and most important to love yourself. For those that work from home and wish for a studio space, don’t worry. I experienced a great art studio in a fabulous art deco building, and now I’m working from a humble small space in my home. To be real and honest, it’s the same. The work is not better or worse. I don’t produce more or less. You are the one that makes the art, not your circumstances.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a simple girl. I am happy if I have yoga, food and art. So my day would start at Big Power Yoga with a hot yoga class and hopefully live music. Then I would go to the Phoenicia Market and just walk in the aisles and check every option to eat and indulge. Next I would walk around the Fine Art Museum and enjoy being surrounded by the masters and people watch. The most interesting people go there. Who am I kidding? I also need salsa in my life. Gloria’s is always ready to feed me, has a wonderful bar and live music to dance the night away. If you want a peaceful day in Houston, the first stop is the Rothko Chapel. Sit, breathe and take some time for yourself to reflect. Then go outside and walk straight to the Menil Bistro and order wine and delicious food. Then enjoy the artwork at the Menil. It is the perfect triangle.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, the unconditional love and help from my family. They never put any expectations on me or cared if I got paint on their dining tables or living room floors while growing up. They support me in their own way. They are always there for me. The community I found in Beaumont. It is what I like to call a small town full of quality people. All my teachers that I have had from the beginning saw my passion for art and have shown their belief in me by challenging me to create projects bigger than me. Now the city of Beaumont has done the same by trusting me with projects that are making people more aware of art.

Organizations that have opened their doors to me are the Southeast Texas Art Museum, The Art Studio Inc., the Beaumont Art League and as well as many other Beaumont establishments. None of what I have done would be possible without the help of my closest friends. They have carried artwork, held ladders, helped me write articles and also told me that – yes you can! They see a strength that sometimes I don’t feel.

Gracias a desde el fondo de mi Corazon!!!

Website: https://www.amarteartstudio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inesalvidres.art/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?=100008849563677

Image Credits
Kenyan Guidry (Great blue heron and bicycle murals)