Today we’d like to introduce you to Roxana (Roxy) Sora.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I was born in Habana, Cuba, and at the age of 8, my parents sent me to the US alone to avoid indoctrination in Russia to communism. I was part of 14,000 children who arrived in Miami and were sent to orphanages or foster care. It was in the orphanage that I developed my love for art. I would draw pictures to send my parents to let them know I was okay. I learned that my art could bring peace and joy to my parents. My mom still has some of these pictures. I was reunited with my parents about a year later. After high school, I wanted to go to art school, but I wanted to help my parents, so I went to secretarial school and went into the business world, where I climbed the corporate ladder and became very successful. My love for art was always there, so I continued painting whenever I could. I am a self-taught artist who has worked in many mediums. In the last 12 years, I have been creating and perfecting the pouring process with Pebeo paints. I have exhibited in Spectrum/Red Dot in Miami, the New York Expo, SOFA in Chicago, San Diego, Dallas, and the Hamptons. I have been published in several art magazines and represented by several galleries. This journey, from a young child in a foreign land to a successful artist, is a testament to the power of resilience and determination.
Last year, I was honored to be commissioned by the Melia Hotel in Celebration, Florida, to create a piece for their Executive Offices. They will also feature one of my prints in 240 rooms. This year, I was humbled to be selected by the Board at Art Tour International Magazine as one of the Top 60 Master Award recipients, among other exceptional artists. These achievements are not just personal triumphs but also a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication. They stand as a testament to the heights one can reach with passion and hard work.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a challenging road that has helped me grow. After 50 years of being a successful Insurance Executive, I recently retired to pursue my childhood dream. It has not been easy to switch gears from being someone in a completely different industry to seeing myself as an artist. I must stop and think when someone asks me what I do now. It takes me a few minutes to say, I am an Artist!
Regarding challenges, both industries take a lot of work and focus, but the focus and the client base differ. My Insurance client did not know I was an artist because I did not want to mix the two. As I approached retirement, I told my client about my passion for art.
Looking for clients, exhibiting in different shows, and looking for the best opportunities to be recognized takes time. When I started in the insurance industry, I was much younger; therefore, the energy was different. Now, years wiser, I take longer to figure out my new path.
When my colleagues learned about my plans after retirement, they were incredibly supportive. They expressed how wonderful it was for me to embark on a second career. Many people facing retirement are unsure of what lies ahead. For me, it is a dream come true. I know I have a long road to reach my artistic goals, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. This has been my dream since I was a little girl, and now, I have the incredible opportunity to turn that dream into a reality. The joy and satisfaction I feel in pursuing my passion is immeasurable.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an insurance professional, my focus was always on my clients and finding solutions for their insurance needs, ensuring that their business and personal lives were well taken care of. We found creative ways to equip them with solutions and peace of mind. When creating an art piece, I focus on my audience and viewers. I like my work to bring Joy, Peace, and Serenity when looking at my work. I want them to come away better after seeing my art than before. Looking at my work, you will see colors flowing together perfectly. I paint with music and hope they can see and feel the music move with the colors and find that peaceful harmony. Both careers have been about the client and how they experience my contribution to their lives.
Do you have any big plans?
I love exhibiting my work at different shows throughout the US and would like to continue doing so. I want to expand my work with clients like the Melia Hotel in Celebration. My fashion line, RoxanaZubia.com, which is an offspring of my artwork, has been on the back burner for a couple of years, and I would like to spend more time this year towards its expansion. In a couple of years, I would like to partner with a non-profit to create a place for kids to come and experience art, whether art, music, or dance. A few years ago, we did a day of art with the Miami Learning Experience School, and it was an experience I will never forget. We raised the money for the supplies, and 30 volunteers joined us for an unforgettable day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.roxysora.com. and www.roxanazubia.com
- Instagram: @roxysoraartist
- Twitter: @roxysoraart
Image Credits
Photographer for my Art Pieces – Art D Plus
