What Drives Ana Violeta Horta’s Passion for Art and Sustainability

Ana Violeta Horta is a talented eco-artist from San Diego. In this interview, she shares her journey as an artist and the deeper meaning behind her work. Ana talks about how she turned her lifelong passion for art into a full-time career and how personal experiences, like the loss of her father, have shaped her creative path. She explains her commitment to using natural materials and sustainable practices, showing that art can be both meaningful and environmentally conscious. Ana’s art shows life’s transitions, resilience, and the connection between humanity and nature.

Ana Violeta Horta is an eco-artist based in San Diego, California. Her work explores personal pain, transitions, and uncertainties, transforming these themes into thought-provoking visual narratives. She incorporates natural pigments and sustainable materials, reinforcing her commitment to environmental consciousness.

Originally from Tijuana, and has lived in Monterrey, Saltillo, Austin, Boston, London (UK), Ensenada, and San Diego. She has spent years working in the renewable energy industry, where she found a deep sense of purpose in contributing to the planet. Her art has been exhibited internationally, including at the Canvas International Art Fair in Venice and Art Expo Paris. She actively seeks to engage in exhibitions aligning with her sustainability and social reflection mission. With a passion for storytelling through textures and organic materials, her work is a testament to the resilience of both nature and human experience.

1. What inspired you to become an artist?

I have always been an artist—it was never a question of whether I was one, but rather whether I had the courage to do it full-time and professionally. For years, art was a private part of my life. I was constantly sketching, carrying a drawing pen wherever I went, taking courses, and practicing whenever I had the chance. It was something that always called to me, but I kept it to myself. Eventually, in 2021, I fully embraced my artistic path and shared my work with the world. It was a turning point where I recognized that art wasn’t just a passion but an essential part of who I am. Taking that step allowed me to align my creativity with my values, especially in using natural elements and sustainable materials, making my practice personal and purposeful.

My art is a dialogue between the Earth and Humanity—a visual exploration of the struggles, transitions, and choices that define our existence.

Ana Violeta Horta

2. Can you tell us about a particular piece of art that holds special meaning for you?

One of the most meaningful pieces I have created is “Alive Vs. Dead (Eventually We All Become Dust) “. This artwork is deeply personal, reflecting on life, death, and the inevitable return to dust. It was born from a profound moment on the day my father passed away. That same day, I took a rock from a remote property in Mexico that my father once owned in the countryside. I began grinding the rock, exposing its different textures, and breaking it down until it became dust.

This process paralleled the transformation we all go through—what once was solid and whole eventually returns to the earth. I used this dust to create paint, embedding the essence of that place, that moment, and my father’s memory into the artwork. This piece was a crucial part of my grieving process. While my father was not perfect, I chose to focus on the good he did and the lessons he left behind. Painting with that dust became a way to process loss, a reminder that physically we may fade, but our impact, essence, and stories live on.

3. How do you handle creative blocks or periods of low inspiration?

I reconnect with nature when I experience creative blocks or periods of low inspiration. I go to the beach, take a hike, or look at the sky—allowing myself to be fully present and aware of the natural world around me. These moments remind me of how deeply we depend on nature and how its force is far greater than anything we can control.

4. What do you hope people take away from experiencing your art?

People who experience my art take away an understanding of how sustainable and archival art can be created using natural elements. My work demonstrates that art doesn’t have to rely on conventional, chemically processed materials; it can be made with pigments and textures derived from the earth itself. Through this approach, I invite viewers to reconsider their relationship with nature, recognizing that the materials we often overlook—minerals and plants—hold the potential for lasting beauty and storytelling.

I work with natural pigments and sustainable materials, honoring the earth and challenging conventional art practices that contribute to environmental harm.

Ana Violeta Horta

5. Are there any upcoming exhibitions or projects you’re particularly excited about?

I am thrilled to announce my participation in the upcoming Artexpo New York, which will take place from April 3 to April 6, 2025, at Pier 36 in Manhattan. This prestigious event, now in its 48th year, is renowned for transforming New York City into a vibrant hub of artistic expression, attracting galleries, artists, collectors, and enthusiasts from around the globe.

Ana Violeta Horta’s art reminds us that beauty can emerge from both pain and healing. Her use of natural materials reflects her commitment to sustainability and deepens her work’s emotional impact. By transforming personal experiences into meaningful art, Ana encourages viewers to reflect on life’s fragility, resilience, and the enduring connection between humanity and nature. To learn more about Ana, visit the links below.