Meet DeAnna Valdez | Abstract Photographer

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

Hi DeAnna, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
This question is interesting. I’ve had a lot of difficult decisions in my life. The hardest was choosing to put myself first. When my oldest graduated high school I told myself I had 2 years to figure out what I was going to do with my photography, my youngest had two years til he graduated. In the past year and a half I have held to that, worked hard and involved myself in quite a few galleries in the high desert as well as expanding in to the low desert. I have created a style that is unique and all my own, developed a framing system and created a finishing that no one else is currently utilizing. I am part of the HWY 62 Studio Art Tours this year with an amazing out come, still one weekend to go and have also become a Hi-Desert Artists board member. I still have 8 months to go before my deadline.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My Art is my world. This world did not come easy for me. I’ve been photographing since I was 14 in high school. I’ve ventured through documentary, portraiture, weddings and events, product as well as photographing musicians. Then I experienced a relationship that would change my life and bring my love of abstract art into my photography and allow me to heal from what I went through. Through this experience I was able to create a technique that expressed my inner being and brought a depth into my work that helped me work though and past what I went through and create a body of work that, as I’ve been told, is unique. I have been able to create and transcend my past into my work making it textured, bold, abstract and one of a kind. I am most proud that I have a collective energy of people behind me, both family and close friends who never let me give up, nor stray and to always push forward. I am blessed with two amazing sons who always embraced my drive and dreams and of late, as they are teenagers now, have helped me achieve what and how I wanted things for us to be. I, with their help and their father, have transformed the chaotic mess of a home into a beautiful and amazing space that encompasses a studio, and gallery space as well as a humble work space for me to create and show in.

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.
Yucca Valley is a small town filled with a lot of big things to do. We could dine at the newly renovated Route 62 Dinner, followed by a drive up to Pioneer Town to hear some amazing band at Pappy and Harriet’s or swing out to 29 palms to the drive in theater, or walk the town in Joshua Tree, all the galleries and shops are so much fun to pop into. The next day we could swing into some fellow artist studios, as there is so much art to see here in the Hi-Desert and many of the artists have become close friends. We could also hike through Joshua Tree National Park, or drive as hiking is directional and I am not good with a compass, lol. Travel out to Giant Rock and take some photos, or just chill at home to BBQ, listen to music and gazing at the stars.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Hands down, my Mom. Above many others in my life that have encouraged me, pushed me, and inspired me, my Mom has gone above and beyond to help be the person I am today. Emotionally, spiritually, physically she I my rock and honestly if she was not the beautiful, caring soul that she is, I would not be where I am today.

Website: www.toblynphoto.com

Instagram: @toblynphoto

Facebook: De Anna

Other: hi_desert_artist on Instigram

Image Credits
Photography by DeAnna Valdez