Today we’d like to introduce you to Paula Luna.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born in Matamoros Tamaulipas, Mexico, a small town on the border with Texas, also known as The Rio Grande Valley. I was very blessed to have lived in an era where children could play safely outside almost all day, and that is where I got most of my creative energy out. I remember making “cakes” and all sorts of figurines with mud and leaves then put them in the sun do “bake” or wrapping cereal boxes with foil paper to put my pencils in. Anything that I could get my hands on, I did! My family on my mom’s and dad’s side are very creative therefore I think that’s where I get my itch for creating from. But it wasn’t until when I turned 30 yrs. old that I found my true passion which is working with paper and scrap/recycled materials. Transforming things and finding a different purpose for them has always fascinated me but for some reason all those years scratching that creative itch never really made sense in my head. I felt like my creativity was all over the place, I wanted something more structured and which felt right. In other words, I wanted it to feel like a journey I really enjoyed going to bed late for! So, I reached a point in my life where I had to concentrate on self-discovery and self-love.
After my divorce of a ten-year marriage and as a single mom, I knew I had to do something that sparked my inner fire again. So, I started saying yes to myself! Yes to that clay project, yes to that garland I saw on TV, yes on scrapbooking, pretty much tried many crafts until I finally discovered what I really enjoyed doing. My first big paper project was for my best friend’s twin girls 3rd birthday and I volunteered to make paper flowers for decorations. I had little time but I discovered that I really liked doing it! Even if I was tired, even if I had to stay up all night, even if I had no idea what I was doing… I loved it! But most importantly, they all loved it as well! From that event, I received many inquiries and compliments, so I started booking dates to decorate parties and small events. I am very blessed to be surrounded by such supporting friends and family which has helped me spread my work and who have believed in me since the beginning. Thanks to them, I can spread my creativity and make people happy with my creations.
Please tell us about your art.
I make backdrops and paper decorations for events and home décor. Paper is one of my favorite elements to work with due to its flexibility and endless possibilities. I love re-creating images that I come across with on a daily basis such as flowers, patterns, and fabrics by adding my own personal touch and dimension. For instance, if I see a delicate flower arrangement on a cake, I ask myself how would it look on a large scale? What materials could make it possible? And the most important one, what other possibilities does this image offer? POSSIBILITIES! That is what my work is about. Bringing out the best in every piece of paper, or scrap material by combining them to make something unique and beautiful is what sparks my fire. When people look at my work and say “Wow, I would’ve never thought of that”, it feels me with joy to know that I have shared some of that spark with them, a spark that allows them to feel inspired by looking beyond what’s in front of them.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
Listen to your true calling. Ask yourself questions about what you like experiencing and paying attention to. Why do you feel inspired by such and such image, person or place. What part of the creative process makes your heart raise a bit faster? This questions will provide you with a path that will help you find your true style and passion. Everyone has a unique talent and even if you find someone else that makes similar art like yours, just remember, they are not you! and the world is waiting for YOU. Something that I wish I’d discovered earlier in life is to find inspiration in others rather than compare myself to them. I know it’s so easy nowadays with so much information on social media to distract yourself from your true calling and wonder if your work is even worth sharing for people to appreciate. But I’ve learned that the more you support other artists and admire their work, the more inspiration you will find within yourself. Next thing you know, you will be so focused on your true creative potential that the need to compare yourself with others will no longer exist and your true natural talent, will be exposed.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work is usually displayed at small events such as baby and bridal showers, kid’s birthday parties, and most people also use it to decorate their home, especially their kid’s rooms. I love making pieces with that intention in mind. When people stop by my social media pages and show some hands up, my heart feels with joy and excitement! Knowing that someone out there likes my work and believes in my creativity means the whole world to me and it helps me to stay motivated to keep creating. Inspiring others to find their inner creative, is my mission in everything I do, therefore when someone compliments me or hires me to decorate their party, my creative journey opens wider and brighter leading me to find ways to serve people better each time.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 2813019855
- Email: paula.monicaluna@gmail.com
- Instagram: @paulaluna_designs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulalunadesigns/
Image Credit:
Paula Luna Designs
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