Ana Luisa Rincon
Biography
Updated 09/22/2012
Cats, drawings, Mafalda comic strips, and roller blades were my closest companions growing up as an only child, and with a single mother in Mexico City. In search of adventure, discovery, and independence, I started my first job at the age of 14, and studied English for one year at the Instituto Mexicano Norteamericano de Relaciones Culturales. 3 years later I moved to El Paso, Texas, where I became acquainted with the United States. After serious language-learning torture and filtering through odd jobs in Dallas/Ft. Worth, I left to Austin to pursue a degree in Studio Art at the University of Texas (long live Longhorns oh yeah). I actually graduated with honors! While in college, I became involved with the community as a public speaker and volunteer organizer for various purposes including cultural events and human rights causes, and created some art pieces inspired by this work. My years in the Live Music Capital of the Worldchanged my view of dance and music forever.
After graduating in 1996, I joined a work-abroad program in Paris, France, where I learned about European Art History, experienced the local bureaucracy as an employee, and gained a few pounds with baguettes. After completing my program, I moved to San Francisco where I explored various fields, including administration and fundraising at the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. I also studied Animation, Graphics, and Web Design in San Francisco for one year. In 1999, I began to exhibit my work on various online galleries, and for two years, I was a staff member at theYerbabuena Gardens Center for the Arts, where I organized the first all-staff artists show at the Museum. I also worked briefly as an apprentice to renown San Francisco Muralist Juana Alicia.
Simultaneously, I pursued my dance interests at the Mission Cultural Center as an Assistant Salsa Instructor and studied Samba under the instruction of the master and now deceased, Carlos Aceituno. I also performed in two Salsa groups for private shows and public events including the San Francisco Carnaval, and an opening act at the San Francisco Palace of Fine Arts.
The beautiful scenery of the Bay Area and a need for introspection inspired me to study various practices of meditation, including a one-week workshop at the Monroe Institute in Virginia in 1999. After some exploration, I have concluded that Art remains my main form of meditation, and my greatest source of relaxation, empowerment, and inspiration.
hiking in the desert, and learned about the numerous Native American and historic sites. I continued my studies in Graphics and Web Design at the Sedona Center for Arts and Technology, and created my first website forMaria's Restaurant. Simultaneously, I collaborated with Mary Guaraldi of Canyon Moon Theatre as an Artistic Assistant for 6 months.
Upon acceptance into the University of Arizona, I moved to Tucson and completed two semesters of Graduate work inDigital Media and worked as a Photography and Drawing Instructor at Miraval Life in Balance. It was during this time that I returned to Photography and created my collection of photos of the awesome Arizona desert. I also continued my interest in dance and participated with the local Samba Ensemble Batucaxé during events such as Tucson Meet Yourself and the Grand Opening of the Rialto Theatre, under the choreographic direction of Bardo Padilla.
Soon after arriving in Tucson, I became involved with the awesome Odyssey Storytelling Series, where I have ocassionally told true tales about the twists and turns of my life’s path.
In search of creative freedom and entrepreneurial experience I decided to open an art gallery. In the year 2006 I was drawn to the great Artist's community of Tubac, Arizona, and found the vision of La Entrada de Tubac to be inspiring. After nearly two years and a slow economy, Rinconart had to close. Soon after I was commissioned by the Verizon Yellow Pages to do a cover art piece for the 2009 year book. The painting "Tucson Glowing" was the outcome and a most enjoyable project.
Soon after I decided to make a move to California in part to pursue Art projects and in part to be closer to my mother. For a couple of years I lived in various California locations including Santa Barbara and Sacramento. I've enjoyed working with my mother and promoting our Rincon Translations Business. She is one of the best translators out there! I've also enjoyed exploring the Central Coast of California, particularly San Luis Obispo, which is a vibrant artistic town.
In the Sacramento area I’ve had an opportunity to explore many venues, work with great companies, and create awesome partnerships. I have participated with the Blue Line Gallery, an arts center that plays a significant role in historic downtown Roseville. I worked with the Wedding Planning Institute as a professional translator, launching the Spanish Division and collaborating in the creation of video courses by New York based celebrity Wedding and Event Designer Preston Bailey.
Recently activities include Interior Decorating, Home Remodeling, Closet and Home Organizing. I continue to create paintings and teach Art at Michaels in Folsom, and at the East Sacramento Mercantile in Midtown. I am also now affiliated with the El Dorado Arts Council in Placerville, CA, and will be working with other local Art galleries, wineries, festivals, and everything else that comes my way! Discovering the Gold Country is a fascinating experience.
