The Creative Journey of Paula Andes
Paula Andes is a woman on a creative journey with a story as inspiring as it is heartwarming. Andes is coming to ACC fearlessly as an older student pursuing dual degrees in journalism and fine arts. What sets her apart is her passions and a unique dream: to travel to France and attend a grand ball at the Palace of Versailles, a dream she’s turning into reality one stitch at a time.
“I want to save up and go there and hopefully meet my Prince Charming,” she laughs.
However, Andes isn’t simply buying a gown for this elegant affair, she is instead repurposing a wedding dress into a custom-made ball gown. Her project combines her love for recycling and creativity, a passion she’s developed through years of sewing and, more recently, crocheting.
She describes her creative process as “bringing new life into something old,” a philosophy she applies to the second-hand clothing she buys and transforms into beautiful pieces.
Andes’ artistic pursuits don’t stop with fashion. She’s also an acrylic painter with a dream of creating a Victorian self-portrait.
“I just like to paint,” she said.
Her art classes at ACC were a turning point for her, sparking a love for the Victorian era and creating a dream of writing and illustrating art books, combined with her love of encouraging poetry, which allows her to not only create beautiful imagery with colors but also with words.
Yet even with all of this joy and positivity surrounding Andes now, life hasn’t always been smooth for her. A serious health scare left her reflecting on what truly mattered.
“I realized how short life was,” she said.
After recovering, she resolved to pursue her dreams wholeheartedly, adding an art degree to her studies. Now, she’s more determined than ever to follow her heart and continue to be a positive and uplifting spirit to the people around her.
Andes’ advice for others?
“Never give up. Stay positive and surround yourself with people who truly care.”
Her journey reminds us all to find beauty and joy in life’s challenges and, most importantly, to keep dreaming.
