Meet Ximena Echeverria | Artist and Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ximena Echeverria and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ximena, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
Success is an individual affair. It is, what is most meaningful and fulfills the soul. Stating this, I have found success in my previous career as an educator. Now, as I pursue a career in the arts, delving into photography has been extremely rewarding. Teaching and learning will always be at the core of who I am and in this phase of my life, it is no different. Learning about the instrument, the camera, is one thing but the piece that has been inspirational is the ability to connect to nature and wildlife. As a result of the countless of hours spent on the field observing and photographing, I can now share stories of wildlife, especially of wild horses, and be the conduit for people to connect to them. In that measure, I can honestly say that following my passion has been the same as finding success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Throughout my life, I have painted with watercolors and acrylics; however, a few years ago, after a difficult situation, I came across photography. I feel that this was truly universe led and that it was waiting patiently for me to get to this time and place in my life. Photography has opened doors that have laid dormant within me. My heart space now lives with wildlife. I am one of many artists that share the love of nature and its beings, and this is a privilege. Advocacy has led me to speak to people about the lessons that animals teach when we are in observance, to generate interest in conservation/preservation for future generations and to share stunning photographs for people to place in their homes to connect to the outside world.

When out in the wilderness and sitting with animals, I ask that you observe their natural ways of being and ask for each animal to share the lessons that are uniquely defined for you. I have learned so much from doing this and as a result, I have learned that all animals possess qualities that we all can relate to. I started photographing birds and some of the lessons I learned were to encompass more patience and to delve deep into my soul and align it to my purpose.

The chase of photographing birds was exhilarating and then I found wild horses. I have immersed myself in their habitats and in the process, I realized that there were parts of me that needed healing. Horses, especially wild horses, have a way of doing that and allowing each one of us to connect to our own symbolism of freedom, love and perserverance. An image that I would like to leave you with is that wild horses form incredible bonds with their family. When a wild horse  passes away, the band stand by their deceased family member and one by one they pay their respect. Their spirit has tugged at my heart strings, and I know that they will do that for anyone who sees them in the wild.  It is for this reason that protecting them to live wild and free is of upmost importance. Sometimes, we live such busy lives that most of us do not connect to nature and wildlife as much as we want to. Please carve out a little bit of time and allow yourself to just “be” when you are outdoors.

It is my passion and part of my spiritual journey to share the beauty that Mother Earth – Pachamama offers as well as to share the lives of the beings that walk alongside each of us. In this endeavor, I have been honored to have my artwork on display at Xico Gallery and Art Intersection Gallery this past year. I look forward to seeing what the future holds. It is my hope to be able to visit places in Africa, Europe, Japan as well as my native Ecuador to capture moments in the lives of wildlife so that I can continue to share my unique persepective with the world.

In the meantime, enjoy the photography of wild horses and other wildlife as I capture tender moments of their lives in their purest essence -freedom. My work which is done mostly in sepia can be found on my website, Facebook as well as my Instagram account.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Anytime I speak to people, I share of the wonderful places there are to go in the Phoenix Metro area as well as outside of the valley. The Desert Botanical Garden hosts an array of plants and wildlife such as hummingbirds, butterflies, roadrunners and even owls. The Boyce Thompson Arboretum displays various ecosystems with countless birds to photograph. Veteran’s Oasis in the east valley as well as the Gilbert Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch also have nature trails with wildlife to observe. Just outside of Phoenix is Hassayampa River Preserve, a great place to hike, picnic and photograph. Of course, the Salt River is the best place to meet the Salt River Wild horses and if ever in the Heber/Overgaard area look for the Heber Wild Horses as well as Elk, Mule Deer, and other wildlife. Finally, Lake Pleasant is one of the best places to find wild burros. This is only a small snapshot as there are more places that I love to visit.Arizona is truly a remarkable place where one can be immersed in nature and wildlife year-round.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

First and foremost, I want to thank my family and friends for their encouragement as I navigate waters that I have not traveled before. The art world can be a bit daunting, and their unwavering support is so greatly appreciated. Also, a huge thank you to Anastaja Castoro for submitting my name and allowing me to share my story in this platform.

I have found such a great community in the valley from plant shop owners, herbalists, visual artists, jewelry designers, clothing designers, spiritual guides, and photographers that are so welcoming to share their creative knowledge and spaces with ease. Sometimes we meet people for a reason and these people are no exception. Gabby Klein, an illustration, and graphic artist who supported me through connections, Amanda Adkins who is a visual artist and is an inspiration to all women and Mike Hopkins with Arizona Vistas who is a constant supporter of artists like myself as well as the state of Arizona. Finally, I thank all my ancestors and spirit guides for guiding me through this journey as I know that I am never truly alone.

Website: https://ximenaecheverria.com/

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/xiecheverria

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xiecheverria