Feature Friday - Priscilla Quevedo

Many creatives find that even though they start off with one form of creative expression, their paths will eventually lead them to other forms. That is very evident with our creative, Priscilla Quevedo, with whom we had the pleasure of having a Q&A session for our Feature Friday segment. Priscilla is a dynamic creative force on the Art Nest team who co-leads the toddler art sessions, teaches Canvas & Cocktails as well as the newly added baking classes. If you’ve been lucky enough to grab one of her cake pops at the studio before they go, you’d be privy to experience a bit of her culinary skills. She is also an event planner and decorator extraordinaire. Read more to get an insight into Priscilla and her multi-modal creativity.

Art Nest: How long have you had an interest in art?

Priscilla: At the age of 7 years old, I had an art teacher that opened my eyes and showed me a whole new way of seeing things with an eye for art. That form of creative thinking outside the box was, for me, like a light switch had been turned on in my mind and has never been turned off since.

Art Nest: Did you have a formal education for art? If yes, where and how long was the program?

Priscilla: As a young girl art, I was always drawn to art in its various forms. My teachers always told me I was a fashion guru because of how I carried myself and she suggested that I go in to fashion. I looked at it as I would still be doing art, just in a different way. I dedicated my passion for art into becoming a fashion designer. A week right after I graduated from high school I went to the Art Institute of Fashion Design in Florida. Soon after I completed the two-year course, I was diagnosed with leukemia and that changed the way I look at life. After treatment and recovery, I went on to complete a course at culinary school.

Art Nest: What is/are your main form(s) of creative expression?

Priscilla: I like them all! If it’s creative and allows me to express myself, I love it. From baking, to decorating for an event, to painting with acrylics or drawing, to planning lessons for the toddler art sessions always gives me a creative thrill.

Art Nest: What is the back story of starting up your catering/event planning business?

Priscilla: After thinking I would not live to be able to have kids, God made it possible for me to have two wonderful children. People normally say I am a “helicopter mom”, so working for someone was not in my plans. I needed to have my own schedule where I can be there for my kids. My husband always told me I'm a jack-of-all-trades but mastered three so with a little push from and a lot of encouragement from him, I opened my business. My business became my one stop shop where my creative art side could bloom.

Art Nest: How long did you have that business for?

Priscilla: I had that business running for eight years as I started a year after my oldest child was born.

Art Nest: Did you give that up and if yes, why?

Priscilla: My husband traveled a lot so my kids only got to see him maybe 2 to 3 times a month. We both talked it through and thought it was time for family to be together so he doesn't lose those happy memories of the kids while they are young. His job opportunities moved him to Cayman so I closed the business and relocated to Grand Cayman so that we could all be together as a family.

Art Nest: How have you transferred your creative passions to working at Art Nest?

Priscilla: My meeting with Christina at Art Nest was a serendipitous one. Art Nest is an amazing facility where my creative side can really bloom. And for someone like me, an artist, baker, party planner, teacher, it’s amazing that I get to shine in all my forms under one roof. It's going to be fun to see where this road at Art Nest will take me.

Art Nest: Which artists and what styles of art have inspired you?

Priscilla: I consider myself as having an eclectic mix of inspiration. I love the works of Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo, and Leonardo da Vinci, who have all influenced my style of visual arts.

Art Nest: What do you envision for the future of your creative expressions.

Priscilla: Well to be honest with you, I don't know what the future may bring because of my previously mentioned diagnosis, I tend to live for today. However, I am hoping that my art, in its various forms, continues to bring happiness to me, my family and everyone else who comes in contact with me.