“I love sharing that anyone can be an artist if there’s a passion to follow. No matter if you studied or worked in a different field and no matter if you have a small space with low budget first.”
Alai Ganuza: A Journey from Physics to Artistry
Alai Ganuza‘s journey to becoming an artist is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Born in Bilbao, Alai initially pursued a career in Physics, believing that art could not sustain her financially. This choice was influenced by her upbringing in a modest home and her unique family situation, which instilled in her a practical mindset. However, a personal low point became a turning point in her life when her partner encouraged her to follow her passion for art. This leap of faith not only led her to a career in the arts but also allowed her to incorporate her scientific background into her creative process. Alai’s fascination with optics, a branch of physics, profoundly influences how she perceives and enhances reality in her paintings. This integration of science and art forms the bedrock of her unique artistic style.
In her mid 20s, Alai made the bold decision to study arts, entering a field where most of her peers were younger. This experience, far from being a hindrance, enriched her perspective. Alai is a firm believer in the idea that anyone can become an artist, regardless of their previous career path or the limitations of their environment. Her own path, marked by late entry into the art world and a background in a seemingly unrelated field, highlights the limitless possibilities within the realm of artistic expression. Her style and mindset, shaped by these diverse experiences, stand as a testament to the fact that non-traditional paths can lead to extraordinary artistic destinations.
The Emergence of a Social Media Art Sensation
Alai Ganuza’s artistic career took a significant turn just as she was about to graduate from Fine Arts. At a point where she felt lost and disconnected from her art style, she decided to paint purely for herself, a decision that coincided with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. This period of isolation and introspection became a crucible for her creativity. She began painting daily, sharing her work with a small group of followers on social media. This practice was not just about productivity; it was a commitment to explore her artistic voice without judgment or external pressure. Influenced by artists like @not_sorry_art, @teddiparker, @erikaleesears, and @heatherihn, Alai adopted a fast, spontaneous approach to painting, a stark contrast to the methodical pace of university projects.
This period of exploration and growth on social media platforms, primarily Instagram, marked a dramatic change in Alai’s career. From painting daily and sharing her work with just 50 followers, she grew to half a million followers. This explosive growth on social media was more than just a numerical increase; it represented a growing appreciation for her unique style and approach to art. The artist not only sells her works now but also teaches her painting methods, organizes courses, retreats, and events. Her journey from an unsure art student to a social media sensation underscores the power of digital platforms in shaping modern artistic careers and highlights the importance of authenticity and persistence in an artist’s journey.
Alai Ganuza: Capturing the Mundane with a Vibrant Palette
Alai Ganuza’s artistic style is characterized by a vibrant, spontaneous approach that finds beauty in everyday scenes. Initially, her method focused on painting quickly, without dwelling on mistakes, which allowed her to discover what resonated with her as an artist. This process-oriented approach led her to appreciate the act of painting itself, where spontaneity and color exploration became key elements of her work. Alai also incorporates colorful imprimaturas, a technique that significantly influences how she perceives colors on the canvas. This combination of rapid execution and color theory is not just a stylistic choice; it reflects her background in Physics, where understanding light and optics plays a crucial role.
The themes Alai explores in her artwork are deeply relatable, stemming from everyday life and common experiences. During quarantine, she turned to painting still life scenes of ordinary objects and activities, like frying eggs or sinks filled with dirty dishes. These mundane subjects, often overlooked in the grand narrative of art, become canvases for exploring complex interplays of light, shadow, and color. Alai’s ability to transform ordinary scenes into captivating art pieces resonates with a wide audience, providing a fresh perspective on the beauty inherent in everyday life. Her work invites viewers to find wonder in the familiar, challenging the notion that art must always depict the grandiose or the extraordinary.
The Artist’s Sanctuary: A Space for Creativity and Focus
For Alai Ganuza, the ideal workspace is less about size and more about organization and accessibility. Her requirements are straightforward yet essential: her paints, glass palette, and brushes. While she can adapt to painting in smaller spaces or even with her iPad, her preference lies in the comfort of her studio. The key to her productivity, however, is a tidy and organized environment. She emphasizes the importance of having her materials arranged neatly and readily available, ensuring they are clean and free from the residue of previous painting sessions. This organized approach reflects her scientific background, where precision and order are paramount.
Handling distractions is an integral part of Alai’s creative process. Her ability to focus in a controlled environment allows for the unexpected and serendipitous moments in her art to emerge more naturally. She believes in the importance of being in command of her workspace, allowing the creative process to unfold with both discipline and spontaneity. This balance between a structured environment and creative freedom is a recurring theme in Alai’s approach to art, mirroring the balance she maintains between her scientific understanding and artistic expression. Her workspace is not just a physical location; it’s a manifestation of her mindset, where order and creativity coexist to foster artistic exploration and innovation.
