Issue 8 Artist Spotlight | Ana Salazar
C+B: Tell us about yourself, Ana!
AS: I’m Ana, a Portuguese artist, mother, and partner building a life filled with creativity, family, and inspiration.
After over a decade in the UK, where I became a mother and discovered my love for art, I returned to Portugal to deepen my practice. My partner, Prash, and I met on an online dating site back in London—a fun beginning that turned into a beautiful journey together with our now five-year-old son, who keeps us grounded and always learning. Prash is an artist himself and has been my biggest supporter, encouraging me every step of the way to explore and express my creative side. I’m deeply grateful for the life we’re building together and the art we bring into each other’s worlds. My family and I share a love for music and enjoy escaping into the mountains, grounding ourselves in the landscapes that surround us.
My love for textile arts has roots in my childhood, watching my great-aunties and grandmother knit and crochet while I played nearby. Their intricate work stayed with me, and those memories resurfaced after I became a mother, sparking a deep creative pull toward textiles. It felt like reconnecting with a part of myself I hadn’t yet explored.
I draw inspiration from the landscapes surrounding my small hometown, where the mountains, rivers, and ever-changing scenery provide a constant source of creativity. Nature’s textures and rhythms shape my work, offering both grounding and freedom as I explore each piece with the fluidity it deserves. Beyond nature, it’s the quiet moments and genuine connections with people that leave a lasting impact—small interactions that remind me of the warmth and resilience we each carry. My art blends the organic beauty of nature with the intricacies of human experience.
Something most people don’t know about me is that I actually began studying civil engineering but left it in my third year. Its rigid structure just didn’t suit me; my creative process thrives on fluidity and organic growth.
Before fully dedicating myself to art, I worked in luxury retail and hospitality in London, with places like Harrods, Selfridges, and Apple, where I loved the team energy and connecting with clients. Now, alongside Prash, I’m lucky enough to create art that feels personal and impactful, exploring each piece with a fluidity that allows every design to unfold naturally.
Something that might surprise you is that until last month, I created all my art—both small and large—from my living room! It was a cozy setup, but now with my new studio space, I’m excited to have room to explore and expand my creative process even further.
C+B: How do you define the word "art?"
AS: To me, art is a tangible expression of emotion, thought, and experience—a language without words that connects people across time and culture. It serves as a vital outlet for my inner world, allowing me to explore and convey complex feelings. My art practice is mindful and essential for my mental health; it provides a space for reflection, grounding, and peace amidst the chaos of life.
Creating art is not just a process for me; it’s a meditative practice that helps center my thoughts and emotions. Through my work, I aim to communicate a sense of tranquility and serenity, inviting viewers to find their own moments of peace within the pieces. I believe that when we engage with art mindfully, it has the power to inspire connection and reflection, creating a shared space for understanding and healing.
Find and support Ana here:
IG: @anasalazar.atelier
Website: anasalazaratelier.com
(Kintsugi 002, textile, 50cm x 50cm, ©Ana Salazar)
My ideal creative workspace: My ideal workspace would be nestled a bit outside the center of my hometown, offering breathtaking views of the mountains that inspire my art. I envision a glass house with a 360-degree view of the stunning landscape, allowing me to immerse myself in nature while I create. This connection to the outdoors would help me slow down and find peace, which is essential for my creative process.
In the center, there would be a compartment to store my materials, doubling as a display wall where I could showcase and photograph my pieces. This setup would not only keep my workspace organized but also provide a visually appealing backdrop for my art.
Additionally, I’d love to have a calming lounge area where I can welcome friends and clients. A small kitchenette would be perfect for offering beverages and snacks, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for visits. Surrounding the space, I’d install speakers for an immersive music listening experience, further enhancing the creative vibe of the studio.
This dream workspace would not only serve as a creative haven but also as a space for connection, collaboration, and inspiration—both for myself and those who visit.
Wow, this question got me dreaming!
If I could have coffee with any creator (past or present) it would be: Vanessa Barragão, a very talented Portuguese textile artist known for her vibrant and sustainable creations. As a fellow Portuguese artist, I find her journey particularly motivating, especially coming from a small country where establishing oneself in the art world can sometimes be challenging. Her success serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement for emerging artists like myself, reminding us that it is possible to carve out a meaningful space in the industry.
Vanessa’s commitment to environmental sustainability resonates deeply with me. She utilizes waste materials and discarded textiles in her work, creating stunning pieces that not only showcase her artistic talent but also raise awareness about the environmental impact of the fashion and textile industries. Her message about the importance of sustainability in art aligns with my own values, encouraging me to be mindful of my materials and the resources I use.
Seeing her beautiful art and hearing her story inspires me to persist in my creative journey while embracing the responsibility we have as artists to advocate for a more sustainable future.
My creative legacy: I hope my work is remembered for its ability to evoke a sense of peace and connection. I aspire for my art to serve as a sanctuary for viewers, offering them moments of reflection and grounding in an increasingly fast-paced world. I want my pieces to be seen not just as decorative objects but as invitations to slow down, engage with nature, and connect with our shared human experience.
Additionally, I hope my commitment to sustainability and the use of organic materials will inspire future generations of artists to embrace eco-friendly practices in their work. I envision my art contributing to a larger conversation about our relationship with the environment, encouraging mindfulness and appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us.
Ultimately, I want my art to be recognized as a bridge between past and present—a celebration of personal and collective memories that resonate across time. I hope that through my creations, viewers will feel empowered to explore their own stories and experiences, fostering a sense of community and understanding that transcends cultural boundaries.
