Meet Ana Guraieb | Fiber Artist and Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ana Guraieb and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ana, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
It is very simple: I just can’t picture myself doing something else besides what I chose to do in this life. There is no scenario where I imagine my future and there’s no art, no inspiration, inventiveness, or creativity in the picture. I pursued a creative path because, as cliché as it sounds, it’s my calling. It has always been a part of me and, even though I don’t believe that my career should dictate my value as a human, it is a big part of my identity. Art and Education are not just mere professions to me. More than that, I believe they are the way in which I am wired: the way I see and think about the world; the way I experience things around me and happening to me. I am a very visual and kinesthetic learner, and also a very sensitive/perceptive person, so I think that making art and teaching are the perfect creative pursuits for me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art speaks only from my own experience. That said, it is not only about myself and my internal world, but I also try to reflect on the outside culture. Additionally, even though it has been gaining recognition since the Fiber Arts movement, we know that fiber is a medium that is generally overlooked by the art world. Historically speaking, it’s been considered “woman’s work” and “less than” in the hierarchy of the arts. However, there is nothing that I enjoy more than the softness of fiber, and its ability to break, mend, and repair. In a way, the materials I use are a metaphor for how I process the world. There is nothing wrong with “Home Work” by the way. Even though it has been historically undervalued and unpaid in our society, I thoroughly enjoy being at home: Cooking, growing plants, taking care of others, and even organizing are all forms of art and valid work.

I feel so proud of my capacity to be brave, if I’m quite honest. The fact that I am doing something that I used to play with when I was a little girl is incredible to me, especially because getting there hasn’t been a straight path. I used to play that I was an English teacher who makes Art, which is exactly what I am pursuing now. Our society makes it seem so silly to choose a career based on what comes naturally to us and, certainly, I used to think that way. However, today I’m finding my power in designing my life exactly how I want it to be.

There is something in society that tells girls and women that we are not enough as we are; that we are like projects to always work on and that there’s a better version of ourselves somewhere deep, if we only try hard enough. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way, and one of the most arduous and laborious ones, ironically, has been the acceptance of myself without the layers of conditioning and “shoulds” imposed by external forces. I don’t believe there can be authentic art making with these impositions that obscure who we truly are.

I’ve always known that I wanted to be a teacher besides being an artist, but I didn’t pursue Art Education (and later, my certification to teach ENL) until my thirties. Teaching is such a profiession that is deeply looked down upon in Mexico, and some people back home have been sure to let me know that. With that, I want the world to know that if we’re always afraid of what others think, we’ll become paralyzed. We must focus on living fiercely and passionately without letting the bitterness of others dictate how we decide that we’ll contribute to this world. The past few years that I’ve been studying and working in the Education field have been the most fulfilling of my entire life. I‘ve met incredible colleagues who are amongst the smartest individuals I’ve encountered. Sometimes, it takes a brave person to show others that it is possible to live a creative life without others’ discomfort on the way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
It depends on the season. My favorite spots in New York’s Spring are the Cherry blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and hidden Shakespeare Garden in Central Park. Also, the Piers alongside the Hudson River always have something to offer, especially for skating or dancing during the Summer. There are so many Jazz bars around the city with amazing history and cocktails to enjoy an evening of music, such as Birdland. Of course we are in one of the Art capital of the world! Nothing like spending a chilly, rainy day inside the MoMA, the Met, or any of the city’s incredible museums and galleries. I love gallery openings on Thursdays and getting authentic Mexico City tacos from Tacos No. 1. People say that for Mexican food, California is better but, have they tried La Morada or Taquería Coatzingo? We have amazing Mexican food in New York. The possibilities to find the cuisine of your choice are endless. Me and my husband are always trying new things, but we also get groceries and cook at home to avoid hurting the budget— it is an expensive city!

New york City is the place were everyone comes to be themselves, so its also a good idea to walk around or seat in a place full of people such as Washington Square Park and just enjoy the good energy around you!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As a teacher myself, I am always reflecting on the nurturing teachers who taught me with kindness and patience. I’ll never forget my first ski instructor, for example, who created such a safe/brave space for me when I was about eight years old. She was a young woman who helped me face my fears and dare to try something that I thought I wouldn’t be good at, but ended up having so much fun with. In a world where being tough and disciplined is what gets praised, I’ve found a much better way of learning and teaching my students. Now, it is my turn to model true kindness for them.

My husband is my number one supporter and cheerleader, and I love that he gets me! He understands exactly what I want to do with my life both professionaly and personally, and helps me find meaning and sense along the way.

Of course my life’s successes wouldn’t be possible without my parents. Both are very supportive of my endeavors (even the crazy ones), and I would be nowhere near where I am today without their love and dedication.

Finally, I dedicate my shoutout to my brother Ricardo, who told me when I was a young girl: “You CAN change the world!” Again, as an educator, I really believe in the importance of having healthy role models and mentors who believe in your strengths.

Website: http://anaguraieb.com/

Image Credits
Artwork photos by Mona Bozorgi