Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Zamora.
Hi Claudia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I always was pretty creative and artistic during High School and dabbed in oils, pastels and watercolors, I went to Texas Tech University for my Bach. of Architecture, and worked for some local firms when I graduated.
After the birth of my daughter, I started taking watercolor classes to get adult interaction. I always kept my artist spirit going whether I was painting, photography, digital scrapbooking, or video editing. Being a huge dog lover, I loved capturing their spirit with acrylic paint or watercolors. In 2018, our dog Frida passed away and after painting her, I felt such a relief and healing power that I started to think everyone deserves a memory of their fur baby.
I started teaching at a local sip and Paint studio. I volunteered for several years at my kid’s school and was in charge of the library, until the pandemic. I concentrated more in my art business. I love doing pet portraits and I also love to express my journey and experiences through art.
In 2024, I wanted to brand my art and have a unique idea to tell more of my story. This is where Gerda, The Fahrtz Art Bus comes in. I wanted to promote others into art, and be inspired to create. Gerda, is a 1969 VW bus that we painted with chalk paint for it to become a canvas for other to write on through my travels and market days. It is a great connection to all generations, kids of all ages. And this is how I travel to my weekly markets.
I submitted a painting for a locally famous festival called ” Lavender Fest in the Village” in the Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM. and actually won. My painting was chosen for that year’s poster. I’ve been painting many lavender paintings and other flowers, along with cute and funny animals that inspire me.
After two years of going to local markets, I met Sarai, a friend that also works with watercolors. Rather than being competitive and seeing her as competition, we went out for coffee and had Talked about techniques, issues that artists face, and just the importance of making a connection with our art. And that is how our podcast , Coffee Chat Creatives, got started. We go to local coffee shops, and interview local artists of different mediums, and chat with them about their inspirations, and other topics that pertain to artists. It is a way to create community by supporting local businesses.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Many struggles that I encounter are my own monsters. Am I good enough? Is that really considered art?
Being rejected into art shows is a challenge. Art is subjective, and understanding why someone doesn’t think it is great, is hard to see at first.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love to paint pets. Dogs are my specialty. I do take orders for commissions, and they make me happy to see the reaction of the owners when they see their fur babies on canvas or paper. It started when I painted Frida, our miniature Schnauzer who had passed away 6 months prior. I painted her, and felt that she was always with me. I see her sweet glance and she is here. I think everyone deserves to remember their family member in that same way. Whether I paint a portrait, or I teach them how to paint. During my low season, I take pictures from people or market go-ers that text me or email me a picture of their pet, and I will paint a simple sketch for free. The reaction is priceless and that is why I do this.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I don’t consider myself much of a risk taker, but I can say every time I am headed to a new market or area, I am scared to be rejected. There’s always a possibility for failure. Putting my art out into the world is very risky for an artist at any level.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.citzadesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citzadesigns/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citzadesigns
- Youtube: UCBzirb-tsYlKNUH2JhBTwEw
