Today we’d like to introduce you to Nani MONTOYA.
Hi Nani, 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?
My name is Xiadani which means a flower has arrived, but I go by my nickname as Nani. I was born and raised in Orange County, California, where I currently reside. Growing up, my outlet was drawing, and I could look at an image and draw it as if I had been doing it for years. It was a gift that came naturally. In my mid-twenties, I hit a tough time that came with a lot of anxiety and uncertainty, and that is when I picked up a brush and taught myself how to paint in acrylic. It became my source of therapy, and art healed me in so many ways. Later on, I wanted to learn how to paint in oils and took a class in Athens, Georgia, and fell in love with oil painting. I found what was missing and realized art was a bigger part of my life than I realized, and being surrounded by other artists and learning their accomplishments helped me see another world where art can be more than just a hobby. Eventually, I found my art style, which was portrait painting, and led me to incorporate my culture into my art. My uncle once said, “Never forget where you came from.” I went back to my roots and became even more proud of my Mexican culture. I can honestly say my art saved me, and it shaped me, and it helped me become who I am today.
I paint with vibrant colors because I love to show happiness in my art. My dreams dictate a lot of what I paint. If I see a Tiger in my dream, I like to look up the meaning behind it and incorporate it in my painting. I enjoy telling backstories in my art, and every color down to an image has its own meaning and reference. I tend to paint with what I am feeling at that time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
At the beginning of my art career, it was smooth only because I wasn’t sure what direction I was heading. I just wanted to paint. Of course, it gets harder because you’re competing with other artists. One of my goals was to have murals in public so people can see my art. I started small, with utility boxes and painting murals for my family to show that I was able to do that type of work, and a few years later, with hard work, I was able to reach my goal and paint a mural for a Mexican Cuisine restaurant called Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill in Anaheim.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in Portrait painting in oils and incorporate my Mexican culture into my paintings. A lot of my ideas come from seeing photography from Mexico. That can be the traditional Mexican dresses or even events that happen in Mexico, such as Dia De Los Muertos, that draw inspiration. My dreams play a very big part in what I paint. If I see an animal, I like to look it up and see what it means spiritually, then add it to my work. The colors I pick are what make my work stand out the most. I like bold, bright colors because I feel they set the tone when you look at my paintings, and I want it to bring happiness.
How do you think about luck?
I have been fairly lucky! It helps to surround yourself with a community of artists who want to help other artists win! It might take some time to get what you want, but as long as you don’t give up, dreams can really come true.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://xiadanimon8.wixsite.com/nanipaints
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/she.is.nani/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@xiadanimontoya9532
- Other: https://linktr.ee/she.is.nani?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafMoLOPJDqjaNddldcCW7XxRDoEkueekFYHJhztCSNJNFzBFRWeYkdOofjx4w_aem__jGbQaxqFla2Wc8wko8Few
