Ana Cayana
Who are you and how did you start making art? Why do you make art?
I'm a French Brazilian surface print designer, illustrator, creative entrepreneur and mother to a beautiful boy named Leo.
I live and create my artwork in London but I'm originally from Manaus, the largest city in the Brazilian Amazon. The majority of my work is about nature: fauna and flora inspired by my origins. I create artwork for any kind of surface, from fabrics to wallpapers.
I'm not quite sure why, but I have always loved drawing and making things since I was little. I was very creative and with time this passion just grew on me.
I do it because it's the best way I found to express myself and create real and meaningful connections with those that are truly touched by what I do. It challenges me to be myself and embrace who I am everyday. I want to inspire those around me in some way. "Create. Inspire, Connect".
What do you do to get into your creative zone?
I usually work better at night, after my little boy is asleep and I know I have no where to be. I have a little creative routine which involves putting lavender on my wrist and choosing a really good playlist. Music is a must as I love to sing and connect with my feelings! Those two things put me in a great mood and ready to create something beautiful.
What is your inspiration? Or how has your personal experience influenced your creativity?
My main source of inspiration comes from my origins. I was born in Brazil, Manaus, in the Brazilian Amazon, so that definitely explains why I have so much love for nature.
I was brought up by my aunties, who are very strong and kind women. They have always encouraged me to read, study. They have always opened my eyes and taught me to appreciate art, music, books, museums. I was also very lucky to have travelled quite a bit and all these places have definitely influenced my work.
What is your most important artists’ tool, the one thing you couldn’t imagine creating without?
It's hard to pick one...pencil and watercolours are the most important ones.
How has your practice changed over the past 2 years?
I'm a very versatile designer and that is key to creating designs that fit the creative briefing, but I believe I am now I'm creating designs that more aligned with my essence and what I truly love.
What is your dream creative project or dream team collaboration?
Launching my own home decor collection! Anthropologie and Farm Rio
Who are your biggest influences (art, music, film, socials, activism etc)?
There are so many, I could probably spend hours describing the work of all those I admire. From the past, I have to start with Salvador Dali, his work has always inspired and intrigued me, each painting leaves you wondering and lets your imagination flow. William Morris, the "father" of pattern design with his super intricate designs.Henri Rousseau with his enigmatic and mysterious jungle paintings.Botanical artists such as Margaret Mee. From present times, I love the architect and illustrator Pils Ferrer with her surrealist collages, Carmen Garcia Huerta with her super realistic drawings, Daniel Mackie's incredible animals in their habitats represented inside the animals shapes.
What is the role of an artist in society?
A simple answer to this question: the role of an artist is to make people feel...
In a world that is so rushed, where so many people live in automatic mode and never really stop to check in with themselves and others. Art is needed to make people feel!
Artist can influence positively in the name of a bigger cause , tackle polemic subjects, or simply to inspire people and put a smile on their faces.
Do you have any tips or practices to share with people who are making the lifestyle shift towards zero-waste and sustainable practices?
Make smart choices when buying, choose preferably things that have better quality and will last for a long time or that can be reusable. Think about the whole cycle of the product. Adopt practices such as stop using plastic as much as possible, or wrapping gifts with furoshiki to avoid gift wrapping wastage.
What is the highlight of collaborating with Wrappr for you?
In all honesty, this collaboration with Wrappr was a game changer for me, it will forever be one of the most important moments in my career, where felt truly appreciated and encouraged during the entire process. Just as I'm writing this, I have a huge smile on my face.
Wrappr is a company I truly admire, for all they stand for in terms of caring for the planet by reducing gift wrapping wastage but also by supporting the work of artists, understanding what their work is all about and transmitting that in their campaigns. Seeing how it all came together, my design on their gorgeous furoshiki was incredible!
What is your favourite way to use a Wrappr? Bonus points for originality!
The best thing about Wrappr is there are so many great ways to use it. I'd have to say my personal favorites would be tied on my hair or wrist!
