Ana Solo
New Zealand
Biography
A self-taught Spanish artist and illustrator, she has resided on New Zealand's South Island since 2010. After obtaining a music degree in London and Cambridge, she transitioned into graphic design and art direction. Her artistic creations aim to inspire a sense of wonder and a deeper appreciation of the natural world. She has experimented with various techniques such as anthotype, cyanotype, and chlorophyll printing. Passionate about nature conservation, she has organized exhibitions and fundraisers to support this cause, blending creativity with environmental commitment.
Last Project
“Legacy” is a visual narrative of our environmental inheritance.
Inspired by Japanese Boro patchwork* and the art of Sashiko stitching*, this piece is a collage of cyanotype* printed images depicting our wasteful habits, with faded bits of nature woven throughout. In the shape of a baby blanket, it symbolizes the burden we are passing on to future generations. Much like the Boro tradition, where successive generations mend and add to a garment, “Legacy” challenges us to consider the contributions we are making to the fabric of our planet’s future.
Statement
In the tale of my life I’ve hopped from one colorful chapter to another, bouncing between places. My eyes opened for the first time in Zamora, Spain, a month before the first moon landing. I spent my childhood in Toro, a small town that felt like it was straight out of a storybook, complete with cobblestone streets made for skipping and secret hideouts perfect for plotting adventures. Then came the bigger, busier streets of Oviedo, where I felt lost, missing the stars hidden behind the city lights.
In 1987, I set sail for England, drawn by the promise of new experiences. London and Cambridge became my playgrounds (although those of adulthood aren’t quite as fun as those in childhood) as I chased my dreams of music at Goldsmith’s College and Anglia Ruskin University, and somewhere along the way, picked up a Music degree.
In 2010, the winds of change swept me to the other side of the planet, New Zealand. Initially drawn to the city of Christchurch, fate intervened with a large earthquake (and many after that), shaking our lives and prompting a new direction. After weathering the storm, I found solace in the serene beauty of the Nelson area, where the sea captured my heart.
My journey has brought me full circle to another quiet town, Tapawera, where the stars seem to shine a bit brighter, gently lighting the way into this next chapter.
Since 2002, I’ve been splashing colors and dreams around at Sugarcube Studios, a cozy creative hub I share with my partner-in-crime, Danny.
Through my art, I like to sprinkle a bit of wonder, nudging people to slow down and connect with nature. Along the way, I’ve organized exhibitions and fundraisers to give a hand to wildlife conservation, hoping that creativity can blend with purpose and leave a small mark.
