An Interview with Aida Ebeling, Abstract Artist
One of the best things about attending workshops is meeting artists from all corners of the globe. In Betty Krause’s workshop alone, there were artists from Southern California, Fresno, Atlanta, Los Gatos, Chicago (me), Seattle, and Canada! We’ve all managed to keep in touch through Instagram and follow up on our progress. One up-and-coming artist I met who is just EXPLODING with talent is Aida Ebeling. I had a chance to chat with her about what’s inspiring her art these days and her artistic journey here. Follow her here on Instagram and feast your eyes on her florals!
Aida Ebeling, Abstract Artist
Image courtesy of @aidastudio2018
Who/What is/are Greatest influence(s)?
I would say my first two greatest influences were Friday Khalo and Paul Gaugan. I discovered Frida when I was doing my undergrad, around 1993. Back then, she wasn’t even that famous. I loved how she was able to capture so much emotion and pour her own suffering into her paintings. I was so drawn to her self-portraits, at time, I felt like I was looking into a mirror! I am also drawn to Paul Gaugan and the Fauvists for their incredible and innovative use of color, it feels intuitive, fresh and unexpected. I use lots of color in my work, even when I try to tone it down, it’s still very colorful.
Currently, I am a huge fan of Janet Skates, Betty Kraus, Rina Patel, Laura Horn, Theresa Benavidez and Lisa Barker. That’s my TOP list!
Image courtesy of @aidastudio2018
Tell Me About Your Art Journey…
I was born in Caracas, Venezuela and graduated with a degree in Illustration from El Instituto de Diseño de Caracas. I moved to New York in 1998 and graduated from the Pratt Institute with an MFA in Art Education and a Minor in Painting . While in New York I had my Thesis show at Pratt, as well as participated in a group show at the Venezuelan Consulate in New York. I was an award recipient of a Summer Residency for Art Educators from Cooper Union. I participated in a group exhibit at the end of the residency.
I taught At The Buckley School in NYC and was the Lower School art teacher for 7 years. While at Buckley, I started my own after-school art program.
In 2018, my husband was offered an opportunity to work in Seattle, so we moved with my family to Kirkland.
I worked part-time at The Kirkland Art Center, where I taught the Preschool Picassos class for two years. I also worked at various after-school programs in Seattle and the surrounding area. I taught with Smart with Art for a few years.
I’m busy raising my two daughters, Anna-Sofia and Isabella. Now that they are older, I’ve decided to follow my heart and paint part time in my home studio.
In the Spring of 2019, I was invited to participate in a group show entitled “Latin Women Brushstrokes” and was 1 of 5 Latin women living in the Seattle area who are artists. It was a wonderful experience. I recently also started teaching art workshops for women at my house in Kirkland, WA and have found that experience enriching and rewarding.
Image courtesy of @aidastudio2018
What’s Your Biggest Challenge?
By far and hands down, it’s time management. I’m a stay-at-home mom and with that job, comes a lot of responsibilities. I spend a lot of time in the car, sometimes up to 4 hours. I have a set of watercolors, sketchbook, markers and other materials I have in my car at all times. Some days there’s a lot of waiting in the car involved, and I do art every minute and at every place I can. When I’m alone, weather I’m in the car or at home, I try to listen to art related podcasts, they just inspire me and I always find them helpful and motivating.
Image courtesy of @aidastudio2018
What’s been your ‘Aha’ moment?
I’ve had a few! First discovering Instagram!!! Had I been hiding under a rock? I just didn’t understand why people needed another online platform. I mean, Facebook was already too much for me. It just opened up an art universe I did not know existed. I know, I sound like a 12-year old who just got a phone, and that’s exactly how I felt!
Through Instagram I discovered Laura Horn, and the new concept of online classes. I love them. I can do them any time, in my pajamas, I mean, how cool is that? Her online classes lead me to find amazing art related podcasts and that was when I felt like I was on fire! That was my jumping off point. I was very nervous and hesitant to start posting my own work on IG, but eventually I did. One of the things that have surprised me the most about Instagram is the support from other artists and the sense of community that I have found. It’s been difficult to meet other artists in my area in person, so having that online support has been wonderful.
Aida and family. Photo courtesy of Aida Ebeling.
What’s Your Favorite Medium?
I love acrylic, and it is what I primarily use. I had no idea there were so many variations of acrylic, so I have had fun experimenting with those. I love working in layers, so I love using the water soluble Stabillo pencils and woodies!!! And for mark making I love the Posca paint pens. I also love watercolors and I occasionally use acrylic inks.
Image courtesy of @aidastudio2018
What’s Your Favorite Medium?
I love acrylic, and it is what I primarily use. I had no idea there were so many variations of acrylic, so I have had fun experimenting with those. I love working in layers, so I love using the water soluble Stabillo pencils and woodies!!! And for mark making I love the Posca paint pens. I also love watercolors and I occasionally use acrylic inks.
What’s Your Style?
TBD, a work in progress… Hopefully this year I will find it. I love abstract, it is what I gravitate towards the most. However, I also am enjoying painting flowers.
Image courtesy of Aida Ebeling
Other things I love – other than art and my family
Traveling!!! Wine, reading, listening to podcasts, hanging out with friends, movies, trying new restaurants, walking my dog, taking pictures.
A HUGE THANKS to Aida for sharing her story here. I’m so grateful for her taking the time to chat with me. Like I said, keep an eye out for her. She’s go so much talent that she can’t help but be successful!