Hayya Online Magazine

Young Ecuadorian artist Ana Liz Cordero considers herself a daughter of the land and nature. She used to visit local communities who lived in harmony with nature, utilizing its resources and recycling to survive and build their homes from mud. When she entered the art world, she made sure to preserve the environment and biodiversity through her conscious choices of tools and various media. Since moving to Dubai in 2019, she has been using elements from the UAE—found in the desert, the sea, and the mountains—to create conscious, sustainable art with a deeper purpose than mere aesthetics.

 

Discover more about her in this interview. In your self-description on your Instagram page, ana liz cordero, you say that you follow nature to create art that mimics the soul. Why did you choose this unique approach to convey your art to others?

 

I have always had a deep connection with nature. Since childhood, I visited indigenous communities and learned about the Inca people in my native Ecuador with my father, and those experiences shaped my understanding of beauty, balance, and purpose or meaning in life. Nature was my first teacher and constant guide. Creativity born from the heart of nature was never a conscious decision; it is simply who I am. When art is born from respect and love for the earth, it speaks a universal language and thus reaches the souls of those who encounter it.

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How did your move to Dubai happen, and what impressed you about the nature of the Emirates that you conveyed to the public through the art you created and presented there?

oving to Dubai opened a new chapter in my life. Here, I connected with nature in unexpected ways: birds, the sky, beaches, and the desert, each with its own quiet power. I started painting when I arrived seven years ago, and this connection deepened after the pandemic. As nature began to regain its strength with the absence of human harm, what had been a difficult period became a symbol of resilience, and nature became the anchor that transformed my artistic expression.

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You take nature into account in your artistic projects, so is it easy for an artist to shift their tools, materials, and artistic vision towards environmentally friendly options?

Not always. Choosing sustainable materials requires research, experimentation, and abandoning familiar techniques, but for me, the shift happened naturally, because my work is rooted in respect for the Earth, so using environmentally friendly materials is perfectly in line with my values; it enriches my work and reinforces the message behind each piece.

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Tell us about the aesthetics of using natural materials and working with your hands to create art that has no equal?.

Working with natural materials is deeply emotional. Nature offers subtle colors, textures, and imperfections that speak their own language. When I create with my hands, I feel as though I'm in dialogue with the earth. This slow, deliberate process imbues each piece with an inner peace and a spiritual presence. Innovation often stems from returning to what is fundamental: the human touch, the wisdom of nature, and its power

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Do you think women should bear the responsibility of teaching the new generation how to care for this Earth? Why women specifically, in your opinion? 

And in what context? Is it through mothers raising their children, through educational systems, or through environmental activists?

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I believe women have a natural connection to life; we women nurture it, listen to it, and feel it deeply. I don't see this as an imposed responsibility, but rather something that springs from awareness and love.

As an artist, I reveal the beauty in discarded materials, which often become symbols of resilience and renewal. If my work invites someone to look at nature with greater sensitivity and care, I feel I have achieved my goal.

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What media do you use to express your artistic ideas?

I work with natural and recycled materials such as sand, leaves, plants, recycled fabrics, shells, seeds, and discarded objects. I am drawn to simple, organic elements, combining them with more complex techniques when needed. Each material has its own story, and through them, I explore themes of nature, transformation, and the hidden value in what often goes unnoticed.

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Tell us about your project, Chaka Dubai, and what is its goal?

Chaka is a personal project I created with my husband, architect Paulo Galdos. Our aim is to bring a fresh Latin American perspective to the UAE art scene, one deeply connected to nature, sustainability, and meaningful human dialogue. Our roots influence our understanding of materials and beauty, but our vision is global. Through a rigorous curatorial process, we select artists whose voices deserve to be heard and whose work possesses depth and authenticity. Chaka means "bridge" in Quechua, and that is our goal: to create a space where diverse cultures, perspectives, and inner worlds converge through art.

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Do you always find sustainable materials that suit your artistic vision?

it always, and that's part of the beauty of my artwork. Sustainable work means listening and adapting. Sometimes the material dictates the course of the work, and I let it. I don't force nature to fit my vision; rather, I allow my vision to grow through nature. This flexibility makes each piece more meaningful and valuable.

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To what extent was the land fundamental to your artistic ideas, and how did you express it through your works?

The challenge of working with earthly materials lies in the unpredictability: colors, textures, and durability are all subject to change. But this unpredictability is also a gift. It invites me to slow down and reflect, to let the earth set its own rhythm. Sustainable creation is not an abstract technique, but a relationship. My work is a dialogue with nature, guided by materiality and movement. I use simple elements: sand, leaves, seeds, because they carry a truth that comes directly from the earth.

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What is your message to artists and designers to encourage them to adopt environmentally friendly materials?

Sustainable creativity requires patience, determination, and presence. It reconnects us with the very essence of our creativity. The Earth provides everything; we simply need to heed its message. Choosing eco-friendly materials lends authenticity, depth, and purpose to our work. It's not only better for the planet but also enriches every artist's journey. I don't see sustainability as a moral obligation, but as a conscious choice. Every artist forges their own path, and creativity needs freedom, not pressure. My personal choice stems from a love and respect for the Earth. When sustainability inspires rather than dictates our work, it opens new horizons and fosters a more authentic connection with the world.

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How does art affect the environment, lifestyle, and deeper thinking?

Art transforms the way we experience the world. It reminds us that we are not separate from creation, but rather belong to it. Art slows our pace, refines our perception, and reveals meaning that was previously mere noise. Art awakens a deeper consciousness and reconnects us with the sacred intelligence inherent in nature

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