We had the good fortune of connecting with Art by Ayala and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Art by, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
My business helps the community or the world by an awareness of sustainability and the importance of Indigenous representation in Fine Art.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Please tell us more about your art: My art is an observation of culture and popular iconography. I am fascinated that an image can capture the attention of the masses. It connects us regardless of race, ethnicity, age or socioeconomic status.

What sets my art apart from others is Indigenous representation, a sharp eye for detail and vibrant use of color. I am most proud of my work featured on New York’s Telemundo 47, Acceso Total and online including PopSugar, Latina Magazine. Celebrities and influencers have reposted my art on their social media platforms. As a full time artist & entrepreneur I have amassed a growing following of over 50K+ across Instagram and TikTok @artbyayala.

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.
Classically trained in Fine Art, I graduated with a BFA from San Francisco’s California College of Art. Before that I graduated from an inner city Performing Arts highschool, where I met an incredible teacher and mentor who practically filled out my college application for me. Being 1st generation, my parents did not discuss college with me and I had no real plans of higher education. After college I became discouraged as an artist and abandoned it for several years. My life completely transformed when I read the book “The Power of Positive Thinking”. I learned to follow my passion for art and so many amazing doors have opened for me since then.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I explore inclusive beauty through vibrant portraits to empower women. I draw inspiration from a combination of my Native ancestry and representation. I am proud to be Indigenous owned.

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.
If my best friend was visiting the area and I wanted to show them the best time ever we would most likely spend the entire day at the beach with drinks and empanadas and a night out dancing.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The people and book that I would like to dedicate a shoutout to who else deserves recognition in my story is my family and the book “The Power of Positive Thinking”. As a 1st generation Colombian American of Indigenous ancestry, my family comes from very humble beginnings. They have taught me how to work hard and appreciate everything I have. The book made a huge impact on me, influencing me to follow my passion for art.

Website: www.byayala.com

Instagram: @artbyayala

Twitter: @artbyayala

Facebook: @artbyayala

Other: Follow my TikTok @artbyayala

Image Credits
1st cover photo submitted (white sands) credit: @photobyayala

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