Coca Astey
My artistic journey is woven with threads of heritage and a lifelong passion for creativity. As the granddaughter of Cuban and Italian immigrants, I grew up immersed in stories of sacrifice and determination, which instilled a deep appreciation for the arts.
From a young age, I felt a profound calling to create and achieve after winning 2nd Prize in a school-wide competition for a vibrant parrot painting in first grade. At seven, I embarked on a decade-long journey into the world of classical ballet at The Harkness House for Ballet Arts in NYC, where the beauty of Italian Renaissance architecture and the ambiance of classical music nurtured my love for art.
Despite my early artistic inclinations, my path took a different turn as I pursued a BS in Mathematics and enjoyed a successful 14-year career on Wall Street while raising a family. However, a pivotal moment came during a national Write & Illustrate Your Own Book contest with my children. Their innocent suggestion that I take art lessons sparked a revelation: I needed to explore and express my innate creativity.
One of my favorite quotes by Mark Twain resonates deeply with me: “The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you learned why.”
For me, that day came later in life. Taking personal advice from my young sons was unexpectedly enlightening. It was then that I began stepping out of my comfort zone and rediscovered art, my long-lost passion. I decided to waste no time, and returned to the artistic path I had started as a 7-year-old. I dove into the abundance of art classes available to local artists in Southern California. I purchased art books, watched instructional videos, visited art museums, and painted fervently.
Art fills my heart with a profound sense of peace and accomplishment. My artwork has been sought after at non-profit auctions, a testament to starting over at any age if we tap into our deep wells of courage. Opening my own art studio was something I hadn’t realized I was missing for so many years, a place to retreat, reorganize and reveal.
My favorite time to paint is in the late afternoon, and my studio has become my refuge from the hustle and bustle outside. I cherish my studio like an old friend, finding comfort and joy in the expression of colors, shapes, and the creative process.
Thank you for joining me on this inspiring journey. Together, let us continue to celebrate and share the joy of art, enriching lives and uplifting the human spirit.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My artistic journey began amidst the elegance and discipline of professional ballet training, where I discovered a deep connection to the arts. Throughout those formative years, I realized that each of us possesses myriad potential paths leading to our true passions in life. My own path meandered through various pursuits until it finally settled upon the canvas of oil painting.
For me, the creative process unfolds from a visceral reaction to scenes or emotions that carry palpable energy and evoke heartfelt emotions. I am irresistibly drawn to subjects that yearn to share their stories—whether through vibrant colors, captivating light, or the interplay of shapes.
My goal is to capture these essences and translate them onto canvas, breathing life into everyday scenes (landscapes, figurative works, portraits) by infusing them with a pulsating energy that reflects from within and dances on the music of light.
Painting what resonates deeply with me is my way of sharing a part of myself with those who support and appreciate my artistry. I am fortunate to be surrounded by a community of immensely talented artists who have become cherished friends. Our mutual appreciation and support for each other’s work inspires and enriches my artistic journey.
I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to pursue art and contribute to the world’s beauty through my creations. Thank you for joining me on this creative odyssey, where colors and emotions intertwine to evoke the essence of life’s beauty and grace. Together, let us continue to celebrate and share the transformative power of art.
