Ana María Zanello: The Muse of Verses and Colors

 By Osiris Valdés López

 In the enchanting city of Paraná, Entre Ríos, Argentina, Ana María Zanello stands as a dazzling figure in the cultural firmament. Her life is an ode to creativity and passion, an endless cascade of brushstrokes and verses that narrate the story of an artist whose influence and elegance have left an indelible mark on the world of art and poetry.

 From early childhood, Ana María was immersed in a dance of colors and words. Her love for art began in her earliest years, when her small hands were already sketching dreams in painting, writing, and the dance of drawings. This early flourish of talent was crowned at the age of nine with her first literary award, a harbinger of the impact she would have on the artistic and educational world.

 Throughout her impressive career, Ana María has blended her passion for art with a firm commitment to education. As the founder of the renowned “Guiñazu Álvarez” Arts and Writing Workshop, she has devoted four decades to teaching and creating, transforming her workshop into a sanctuary for art and literature enthusiasts. This October, the workshop celebrates its 40th anniversary, a milestone that not only commemorates years of creativity and learning but also a legacy of inspiration that has touched the lives of countless students.

 The “Guiñazu Álvarez” Arts and Writing Workshop is not merely a physical space but a realm where imagination and technique engage in a constant dance. Ana María has guided her students through this artistic journey, sharing her vast experience while also learning from the fresh perspectives of new generations. Her ability to intertwine art with teaching has been a constant source of mutual enrichment, a testament to her dedication to ongoing evolution.

   Interview

 What does poetry offer compared to narrative?

 Poetry, in its sublime essence, provides narrative with a veil of metaphor and beauty, a magical breath that transcends mere storytelling to become a sensory and emotional experience.

Ana María views poetry as the art of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, using metaphor to elevate narrative to a deeper and richer plane.

 Is your artistic work as a visual artist the child of inspiration or hard work?

 My works spring from the depths of my innermost inspiration, as if each stroke and color were a direct reflection of my inner being.

 For Ana María, visual art is a pure expression of her soul, a spontaneous and genuine manifestation of her deepest inspiration. 

 What is your conception of poetry? What goal should this art achieve, and what can it change?

 Poetry is the mirror of the soul, a revelation of the heart and mind. It should convey a message of Peace and Creation, freeing poets from conventional constraints to embrace a full authenticity.

 In her view, poetry should be a vehicle for peace and creation, allowing poets to break free from limitations and remain true to their deepest truths. 

 What advice would you give to young poets and visual artists who are just starting out?

 I advise them to immerse themselves in study and research but to never lose their authenticity in each of their works, whether written or visual.

 Ana María offers sage advice to young creators, urging them to combine knowledge with authenticity to create works that reflect their true essence. 

 You have achieved numerous awards. Do you believe that those poems that earned you accolades or your exhibited works were your best creations?

 Awards are like stars in the artistic sky, revealing facets of my work that I might not have discovered. Sometimes, the recognition highlights aspects that the jurors find exceptional.

 Ana María sees awards as an opportunity to uncover new facets of her work, a recognition of the beauty that others perceive in her creations. 

 Which poets and visual artists, painters are your references and key authors in shaping your work?

 I have been captivated by Picasso, Michelangelo, and Federico García Lorca, whose works have left a profound imprint on my own expression.

 Among her influences are great masters like Picasso, Michelangelo, and Lorca, whose works have shaped and enriched her own artistic vision. Tell us a little about your “Flag for Peace” project and your creative workshop. How is your relationship with your students? Recently, you will celebrate the 40th anniversary since the inauguration of this project.

 How did you approach the start of this wonderful idea?

 The “Flag for Peace” is a reflection of my deep yearning for serenity, an act of love that seeks to transform negativity into inner peace and manifest that love towards humanity. The workshop has been a shared journey, a continuous dialogue with my students that has flourished over these 40 years.

 The “Flag for Peace” symbolizes her desire to spread serenity and love in the world, a project that has been the heart of her artistic and educational journey. Her relationship with her students is a symphony of learning and creativity, a testament to the enduring impact of her work. Ana María Zanello remains a luminous figure in the artistic universe, a muse whose life is a celebration of beauty, passion, and authenticity. Her legacy is an eternal poem, a masterpiece that will continue to inspire and transform the world of art and poetry.