Ana was born and raised in Venezuela, and the USA has been her home since 1990. Ana grew up in a household filled with creative family members. During her teenage years, Ana enrolled in oil painting classes, where she learn various techniques and had the privilege of participating in several exhibitions.

In 1989, Ana earned a degree in Graphic Design in Caracas, Venezuela. The following year, she moved to Miami, FL, where she continued studying graphic design and took additional art courses at Miami Dade Community College (MDCC). Ana graduated with a degree in Graphic Design from the New World School of the Arts and a degree in Art Education from MDCC. After building her portfolio and gaining experience with various companies, she started her own graphic design firm, Lighthouse Graphics.

In 2002, Ana relocated to Colorado, where she started a family. As life took its course, she shifted directions in 2013 and began working as a caregiver for the elderly through Dignity Care, focusing on providing compassionate care for the elderly. Now that her children are growing older and becoming more independent, Ana reignited her passion for painting and sculpting.

To support this creative journey, Ana is an active member of Longmont’s Artist Guild, the Firehouse Art Center, EBCA, and BCAA. Ana is seeking opportunities to exhibit her work, connect with fellow artists, and engage a diverse audience—including both artists and non-artists alike.  Ana also enjoy teaching ceramic workshops that empower students to explore their own creative paths. For more information about her workshops, visit her website at: anabalzan.com

Artist’s Statement

My art focuses on capturing the natural beauty of Colorado through landscapes, wildlife,
and birds. I blend traditional techniques with experimental abstract painting, using
alternative tools. Inspiration often comes from outdoor excursions, and I incorporate digital
manipulation to create unique compositions on canvas.

In addition to painting, I am a ceramic figurative sculptor, crafting each piece from clay slabs. My work explores themes of identity, resilience, and connection—shaped by my experiences as a woman, mother, caregiver, and artist. Through careful shaping and texturing, I create pieces that reflect both strength and vulnerability, capturing the essence of shared human experiences. Facial expressions and body language are central to my practice, conveying complex emotions and narratives. Mythological influences often surface in my work, blending archetypal stories with contemporary reflections on identity and endurance.

In my ongoing project, Echoes of Venezuela, I celebrate the natural and cultural richness of my homeland while also addressing its current realities. These pieces juxtapose imagery of Venezuela’s tribes, wildlife, and landscapes with universal themes of memory and transformation.

My sculptures invite connection—between past and present, individual and collective experiences, and artist and viewer. Each piece serves as a tactile reflection of life’s complexities, honoring humanity’s enduring spirit and the quiet power of resilience.