Meet Artist Iggy Paz from Chile
We recently discovered Iggy's work on Instagram and fell in love with her beautiful illustrations. We chatted about her work, inspiration and dreams for the future. Learn more about Iggy and her incredible artwork below.
Hey Iggy, Tell us a little about yourself.
Hola! My name is Ignacia, but most people call me Iggy. I was born in Viña del Mar, Chile. I moved around quite a bit as a child, from Chile to Florida, to Ireland, back to Florida, and then back to Chile, and now back in Florida, where I currently reside. I was lucky enough to always live on the coastline wherever we went, and my dad surfed, so I started surfing at a young age. I haven't stopped chasing waves ever since.
Before moving to Florida, I was a surf instructor in Chile for 4 years - my favorite job in the whole world! Nothing beats sharing your stoke with others! After moving back to Florida, I started working at a surf shop that I currently manage. I then wanted to focus on working towards something that would give me more time to surf and freedom to travel. I have always enjoyed expressing myself through surfing and art, so I decided to combine the two and create "IggyPazz" (Paz is my middle name). That's how I started my journey as a freelancing illustrator. I'm so happy to share my artwork with other beautiful humans that are stoked to see it.
How did you get started on your artistic journey?
From a young age, I have always loved to create things - from collages to paintings to anything in between. My high school in Chile is what really sparked my creative fire. This school focused on pushing creativity over everything else. I painted murals, made collages, paintings, block prints, jewelry, everything. Around the time I graduated, I was really focusing on photography - but then some traumatic life events hit, and I had to move back to the U.S.
I was not in the best headspace when I moved back, and I lost my creative spark. Then two years ago, I started drawing during a surf trip to Nicaragua. I felt inspired again, and my ideas started flowing. Soon after, I started combining my two favorite things: surfing and art, which I've been creating for myself and others ever since.
Beyond STOKED on this beautiful journey!!
Where do you find the inspiration for your art?
My creative inspiration comes from everything I do and surround myself with, anything that makes my soul feel free. Logs, mid-lengths, fishes, shortboards, lady sliders, skating, fins, sunsets, and sunrises. I enjoy expressing my love for surfing through my artwork. There is nothing more beautiful and liberating to me than flowing with the waves entirely absorbed in the present moment. I also usually incorporate the beauty of the female body in different shapes and sizes into my illustrations as a way to represent female empowerment.
I love to travel, especially through Central America. I grew up surfing cold waves in Chile in a 5/4/3 wetsuit with a hoodie and some booties, so surfing in a bikini in some warm water is so incredible to me. A lot of my inspiration comes from the cultures, scenery, flowers, and people that I immerse myself in throughout my travels. There's something so magical about being in the tropics, surfed out, sun-kissed, and living in the now that gets my ideas going. I also like to draw inspiration from everything retro as well - playing around with warm earthy tones and bubbly lettering.
What medium do you use to create your work?
There are so many different mediums that I love to use, but all of my creations start out with pencil and paper. I then usually pass over my drawings to digital form utilizing Procreate or Adobe Illustrator when clients need vectorized files.
I also enjoy painting on canvas, skateboards, or pieces of driftwood. My favorite medium so far has been painting a 9'3" noserider longboard that I shaped with my friend Cat. I had worked doing ding repairs, but I'd never had the opportunity to shape a board. It was such a magical experience to learn the process with her and collaborate with my art. So if anyone wants something painted on their surfboard before glassing or after, I would be soooo happy to do that for you!
Best piece of advice you've ever been received?
"Surround yourself with positive, genuine people." Building relationships with people who empower and support you is EVERYTHING.
Quickfire questions:
Favorite surf break? This is a tricky question, but Playa Negra in Costa Rica has my heart. I'm a regular foot surfer, so I love my rights. I've had the most magical surf sessions there.
Hidden Talent? Not sure if this counts as a talent, but I surf regular and skate goofy.
Favorite Song/Artist? My favorite song, hands down, is No Quarter by the mighty Led Zeppelin.
One thing on your bucket list? That is one long list . . . but I would say my main one is to go surf Nias in Indo. I've dreamt of surfing that wave for soooo long!!
Biggest fear? Running into a croc in the lineup.
Thank you so muchooo for sharing my story.
Much love,
Iggy
Give Iggy a follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com//iggypazz
