Conversations with Anna-Marie Veloz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna-Marie Veloz.

Hi Anna-Marie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I remember every summer during my childhood, I would spend countless of hours creating miniature theme parks in the backyard. I mainly used natural materials found from scraps of old wood. I then adorned my park with little figurines. The inspiration behind these miniature parks was a way of recreating a memory from our family trips to theme parks. I remember those were some of my most favorite times. I appreciated how the beautiful execution of craftsmanship in the buildings and rides could psychologically transform you into another place and time. I was very fortunate to have parents that nurtured my interest in art. When I was five years old, I won a drawing contest hosted by a local VHS Rental Store. It was the first time seeing my little artwork displayed in a public space; from there I knew I wanted to pursue art throughout my life. I carried my passion for art into a variety of media from drawing to sculpture. It was not until college that I really began my journey in developing my education in the arts.

When I graduated with my MFA, Master of Fine Arts in Visual Art, I began teaching art at Victor Valley College, who I am forever grateful that they gave me my first opportunity to teach. In addition to teaching, I pursue my own passion in art. I was born and raised in the High Desert of Southern California and was inspired by the landscape and rich history surrounding me. I explored places that were forgotten by the progress of society. I began going to places off the common map; from mining towns, military bases, train stations, theme parks, and recreational communities left to disintegrate and become one with the surrounding landscape. These past utopias served a purpose for a time and still serve us today as a landmark in history. I found these dilapidated structures as hidden treasures. I document the sites by drawing, painting, photographing, and journaling; in addition to researching each locations’ unique history. I chose to depict these spaces in minute scale, where the audience is invited into the space only through their eyes, as they have to peek through the windows and doors to see within the sculptures. I used the experiences that I honed from childhood miniatures to inspire me to create these pieces. I commonly use natural material found near the sites. It was important for me to make realistic representations of the locations and execute with a clear presentation.

As I enjoyed getting lost in my imagination as a child when I created my theme parks, I wanted to invite the viewer to have a similar experience even for a moment. The sculptures were inspired by site-specific locations in the high and low desert of Southern California. These works have been displayed in galleries where I hoped to bring awareness to the community about the forgotten history contained in the artifacts we leave behind. Many of these structures were here before us and will outlive us and it is a privilege to learn about them. Through researching abandoned regions, I saw the ever-present human footprint, desire to make an American utopia. These locations take on the role of a storyteller in the quest for humankind’s cycle of progress. As an educator and artist, my goal is to have individuals process their thoughts and document their experiences through their creations. I am honored to witness the birth and inevitable growth of my students’ artistic journey.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a first-generation college graduate and second-generation US Citizen, I have an appreciation of where I am today. I come from a very hard-working family, where my father often took several jobs to support us. Through his drive and determination, my siblings and I were able to understand the value and importance of a strong work ethic. During my childhood, certain aspects of my educational journey were challenging. I was told that my reading comprehension was substandard, and I believe it significantly affected my self-confidence throughout my early academic years. Despite being told these words, I persevered and continued to graduate at the top of my class. My older siblings helped pave the way for my outlook on higher education. Witnessing their determination to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals inspired me to continue my education regardless of the hurdles that were in front of me.

Even though I had financial challenges to overcome to complete my education. Like many others, I had student loans and had to secure part-time employment to achieve my goal of obtaining an MFA, which would enable me to share my passion of art with others. With the unwavering support of my loving family, and my desire not to become a statistic, I overcame my lack of self-confidence and earned the honor of being Valedictorian of my college. These prior events are contributing factors as to why I became a college art professor and why I consistently encourage students to set goals and strive to achieve them regardless of their surrounding circumstances or preconceived mindsets.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When I am not teaching, I love to spend my time painting, drawing, and working in sculpture. My personal aesthetic is representational art, which depicts a realistic perspective of the actual reference. I enjoy working with the naturalistic form of an object. Some of my most cherished pieces focus on sculpture in minute scale, which allows me to construct an illusionistic perspective on our physical and psychological experiences within a space. I am interested in working from the human condition of strength and fragility. For example, the abandoned structure is dilapidated in its appearance but still stands through years of neglect. I believe it is important to document our history and help understand where we come from. Some of the structures I work from are in their final stages of decay, so I feel a privilege to depict them before they breakdown into the landscape. My work reflects my homeland and commonly overlooked places within society. I choose to create sculptures from places that are undocumented in our local history.

Recently, I am most known for developing and shaping the artists of the next generation. Similarly, the most recent creations I am most proud of are the art pieces I have witnessed my students create. What sets me apart from others is my ability to see art in everything. Today I can see that without my experiences as a young child creating sculptures that harmoniously coexisted with the natural landscape, I would not have had the foundation to identify and understand my student’s palettes. I believe art is a living organism that interacts and resonates with each individual uniquely. An artist’s creation will touch each observer differently.

Through my experiences as an artist, I believe I can foster students to express their voice through their artistic creations. I remember where I came from and connect with the local student. As a practicing artist, I am able to bring my own experiences into the classroom.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Art in general is a competitive field for students and professionals alike. I believe hard work and perseverance pay off, but it is also about building relationships and networking throughout your local art community. As artists, we never know what doors will be opened by the connections we’ve made. I am very grateful and thank the Lord for the people who have and continue to mentor me along my artistic journey. It is important to create community and build a good support structure of people around you. As artists, our own individual drive and relentless perseverance can surpass luck and overcome any obstacle that ever could be imagined in achieving our ultimate goals.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: annamarieveloz.com
• Instagram: @annamarieveloz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Anna-Marie-Veloz-252368358278896
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq5fAxws4eSjo-3UFLjy0Uw