Yosi Anaya has been creative from a young age. She considers herself as a constant student, always learning new techniques and processes to grow and evolve her art.
How would you describe yourself as an artist?
Throughout my whole life, I have considered myself as a constant student. I never stop learning or listening, seeing, learning other processes, yet I am not a dilettante, keeping to my lines of work or incorporating, assimilating, and transmuting what is new into my projects
When did you first realize you are a creative person? Do you feel that you chose your “passion,” or did it choose you?
Oh gosh, ever since I could stand and walk, I was drawing on our patio walls with bits of lime or chalk. Those figures had names, and I would detail their particular characteristics. Even then, I knew, and later would communicate to my mother that I would grow up to be a painter. Without any doubt.
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So it could be said that the passion did not choose me, nor I, it. Somehow it was symbiotic – I seem to have tuned into it.
Perhaps part of my initial creativity could be seen in melting my wax crayons under the hot sun – atop of the pavement. I would break them into bits, and arrange them into compositions…
What different creative media do you use in your work? Do you have a favorite?
Although I have been trained in fine arts, mostly painting and graphics, my path has taken me through various media. A certain idea sometimes deserves to be worked through photography, sometimes as a video, sometimes as a mixed media, and often as an installation or a serial work. When it comes to favorites – of course working with textile takes preponderance. It is close to my heart and hands.
When it comes to creating, are you more of a planner or an improviser?
On this point, I do think it is about intuition. Sketches may be drawn up. Other times, the idea is so strong that this is not necessary. And still at other times, I feel my way through a work. But always, always, I do have to visualize it in space, how it would set up. Thus I often design my exhibitions or works taking into account possible or given exhibition displays.
Describe your creative space.
Physical: a bit chaotic, although I love order.
Mental: Constant and continuous. Sometimes rest is necessary.
Working across many different media, how do you organize all of your creative supplies?
Mmm, human contact is most important, and well could be the most creative supply. Material supplies, sometimes there is shortage and I often improvise alternatives and make them work too.
Do you use a sketchbook, journal, or technology to plan or keep track of ideas? How does that help your work develop?
For years I have carried with me a journal-sketchbook. But somehow my practice has changed. I jot down my ideas wherever I can and when they occur, whether it’s on a sales receipt, a paper napkin, or recycled paper.
More often I think and dream continuously of the paths of the work and their outcomes. Yet, as time progresses, I have found that I take quite a while to execute a series of works: the theme or issue has to predominate so that I may et aside minor ideas and focus on that prime project.
How often do you start a new project? Do you work actively on more than one project at a time?
Often, my ‘lines of work’ are varied. Themes from the past or line of work return and I develop that series further. Thus some are pulled from the past into the present, while new work takes place. Not completely simultaneously, for each takes their turn, but the ideas are present, accompanying me in bits of the process of other works.
Can you tell us about the inspiration and process of one of your works? How does a new work come about?
I am close to Nature, living in the countryside. I identify with the hills, with the layered forests and the elements. Water is a prime source as is wind. Somehow these are binding aspects of identity. Yet there are other components, my deep ties to traditional arts mostly of Mexico. but also of other cultures I have visited and studied directly. However, it is with the Mexican artisans that I have worked with closely, both as a facilitator in their new craft projects or as joint collaborators in my own practice.
Without them, it would not have been possible to realize, and benefiting both parties.
Which part of the design process is your favorite?
The excitement of when a new idea surges – first as an inkling and then into a more fully imagined or projected idea.
Which part is a challenge for you?
Solving the structural aspects of a work – how it will be hung or staged.
Sometimes budgets can be defeating, as well as the transport of the work to and from the venue. I do love it when this is taken care of by the institution.
How has your work evolved over the years?
Through my PhD studies in Visual Arts in London, the concepts in my projects became more forefront, subject to deeper analysis over the intuitive aspects of my previous lines of work, which I can now also put in context.
Is there a common thread (pun intended!) in your work across the years?
Terribly difficult to answer this one. But yes there must be, and it is somewhat hidden given the diversity of the medium, sizes, materials and finishes used.
What was the biggest challenge that you encountered on your creative journey? What did you learn from it?
In this, I surely share experiences with many artists – how to penetrate the art scene? Particularly since I have chosen not to live in a large central city, but work from a marginal base in the countryside. It seems to be my nature to go against the current.
What advice would you give to emerging artists?
Believe in what you do, but do take into account discerning critical eyes toward your artistic intention, for it is the spectators who complete the artwork.
Where can people see your work?
For years I had evaded publishing in the internet. I wanted to remain cybernetically anonymous, believing that only in the presence of the work can the message be transmitted. Then, I found out that I was here and there throughout the internet. So, at this moment, I am putting together my website. Bear with me, hopefully within a month to be up and running: https://yosianaya.com
Interview posted July 2025
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