From Santiago to Richmond: Latina artist shares Chilean culture through her work
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — For Hispanic Heritage Month, we're highlighting an artist who shares her culture through her work.
Three years ago, Fernanda Roa packed up her life in Santiago, Chile, and moved nearly 5,000 miles away to Central Virginia -- all by herself.
"I moved for love. It definitely was super difficult," she said. "I miss it a lot. And I miss my family, my friends."
To cope with that distance, Roa found a way to bring a little piece of home to Richmond.
Fernanda Roa, a Chilean artist based in Central Virginia. (Photo: 8News)
"I started doing embroidery and writing symbols and landscapes that connect me with Chile," she said.
Back in Santiago, art was only an occasional hobby. Now, Roa said it has become both her therapy and her career.
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"For me, it’s a therapy," Roa said. "It’s the moment that I disconnect."
Roa's business is called Alma Andes artwork. She said she sells her colorful embroideries and handmade jewelry each month at Stone Brewing’s Moon Market in Richmond, turning her passion into a livelihood.
"All the colors remind me of Chile," she said. "And my journey -- like an immigrant, too."
Many of her pieces are inspired by Chilean culture and traditions, from landscapes to symbols and folklore.
The art of Fernanda Roa, a Chilean artist based in Central Virginia. (Photo: 8News)
The art of Fernanda Roa, a Chilean artist based in Central Virginia. (Photo: 8News)
The art of Fernanda Roa, a Chilean artist based in Central Virginia. (Photo: 8News)
"I like to talk about my culture," Roa said. "I like to because I think that Chile is a very small, beautiful country [with] beautiful people."
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In addition to her appearances at the market, Roa also sells her work through an Etsy storefront, where she connects with customers well beyond Virginia.
"When I moved to the U.S., I never thought my life was going to look like this," she said. "I just want to show my culture to everyone."
