Conversations with Andrea Pro

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Pro.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My artistic journey began in my hometown of Douglas, Arizona. It’s a small border town along the U.S./Mexico border and is the place that shaped me into the artist I am today. After taking art classes in high school, it felt like I found my life’s purpose and I was set on pursuing an artistic career. During those years, I began showing my artwork in local Art Walks, which really helped me become more confident in sharing my artwork with my community. After high school, I decided to pursue a BFA in Painting at Arizona State University, where I just graduated from this Spring 2021. Currently, I am exploring different career opportunities and working on developing a stronger body of work.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road for me. Like all artists, I’ve struggled with self confidence and believing in my goals but lucky for me, I’ve been blessed with very supportive parents and friends that I’ve made along the way. As I continue making art, I’ve grown more confident in what I’m doing and I trust my vision, voice, and instinct now more than ever. I think as an artist it can be discouraging when you have moments of slow progress while at the same time, you see other artists your age accomplishing huge things. It’s easy to compare yourself to them, but you have to remind yourself that you don’t know what happens behind the scenes and that you don’t see all the work that they put in. It’s not always going to be a fair playing field, but everyone’s journey is their own and it does you no good to harbor envy or resentment.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
There are so many different ways to describe what I do, but to keep it short, I’m a Mexican-American Painter/Illustrator. My cultural identity/background gives context to my art and I’m proud of where I come from, so it’s important for me to let my audience know that I’m from the U.S./Mexican border. I mainly work with traditional mediums such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, and gouache on surfaces like canvas and paper. More recently, I’ve started exploring 3D mediums and digital art, which I’ve grown to love. I make figurative paintings/illustrations that I combine with abstract elements.

I’m proud of how much I’ve grown not only as an artist, but in my personal life as well. I’m proud to represent my hometown and to show younger kids that they don’t have to go the same route that most people in our hometown do. They can be artists and they can be successful at it too. It means so much to me when people from my hometown reach out to me and let me know how much they’re rooting for me or support me from afar. A lot of Mexican Americans or Chicanos resonate with the saying “No soy de aqui, ni de alla” which means “I’m not from here, or from there” (in regards to our cultural identity), but I like to say “Yo soy de aqui, Y de alla” which means “I’m from here, AND from there”.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Don’t limit yourself. Don’t be afraid to try out different ideas, mediums, and venture out into other areas in art. It’s only when you work outside of your comfort zone that you discover what does and doesn’t speak to you. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask all the questions you can and take advantage of your resources. As artists, most of us are used to working and figuring things out on our own, but it doesn’t always have to be this way. Seeking out feedback and help from others will save you so much time and self doubt. Another piece of advice is to support others the way that you want to be supported. You can’t expect others to show out for you when you don’t do the same for them. It doesn’t have to be forced either, just support artists that you genuinely connect with and let them know that they’re appreciated.

Contact Info:

• Email: andreapbdz@gmail.com
• Website: 4proart.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/4.pro.art