Today we’d like to introduce you to Nana Abreu.
Hi Nana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where I developed a deep appreciation for my rich cultural heritage, shaped by the intertwined legacies of Taíno, European, and African peoples. From an early age, I was fascinated by history and archaeology, particularly the discoveries that reveal the stories of Puerto Rico’s Indigenous ancestors.
My journey, however, was not without challenges. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at a young age, and for many years I faced significant physical limitations that affected my mobility and energy levels. There were periods when I relied on a wheelchair, leg braces, and crutches, and I spent nearly two decades learning how to adapt my daily life to maintain my independence and quality of life.
Given the challenges I faced along the way through perseverance and determination, I was eventually able to build a successful professional career. After moving to North Carolina, I worked in research at the University of North Carolina until my retirement in 2022. Achieving and maintaining a full-time career is one of the accomplishments I am most proud of.
While my professional career was in research, my passion for art continued to grow. By 2019, I committed to artistic practice, drawing inspiration from Puerto Rico’s archaeological heritage and cultural traditions. Today, my sculptures are inspired by Taíno petroglyphs and other archaeological discoveries. By transforming ancient symbols into contemporary works of art that celebrate and preserve Puerto Rican culture.
Looking back, my journey has been one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose. What began as a lifelong effort to overcome challenges ultimately led me to a new chapter as an artist. My story is one of moving from surviving to creating, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my heritage and experiences through my work.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the hardest lessons I had to learn was that perseverance is not always about pushing harder. Living with Multiple Sclerosis forced me to rethink how I approached nearly every aspect of my life. Because energy is a limited resource, I had to become intentional about where I invested my time and effort. I learned to adapt, prioritize, and focus on what truly mattered.
Another challenge was accepting that my path would not look like everyone else’s. There were times when progress felt slow, and goals that seemed straightforward for others required years of planning and adjustment. Instead of measuring success by how quickly I achieved something, I learned to appreciate persistence and small victories.
I have also encountered challenges entering the art world later in life. Building confidence, developing my voice, and sharing deeply personal work with the public requires courage. However, my life experiences taught me that growth only happens outside our comfort zones.
Every obstacle has shaped my perspective. I have learned resilience, patience, and gratitude. Most importantly, I have come to understand that limitations do not define me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a ceramic sculptor whose work is inspired by Puerto Rico’s archaeological heritage and the cultural legacy of its Indigenous Taíno people. I specialize in transforming ancient petroglyphs, symbols, and archaeological motifs into contemporary three-dimensional sculptures that connect the past with the present. Through clay, I explore themes of identity, cultural memory, and universal archetype, creating works that celebrate the rich blend of influences that have shaped Puerto Rico.
What sets my work apart is the combination of artistic expression, historical research, and cultural storytelling. My pieces are not simply decorative objects; they are interpretations of artifacts left behind by an extinct civilization through which I invite viewers to engage with the history and traditions behind them. Working with clay also allows me to investigate the structural, geometrical, and engineering aspects of form while honoring the spirit of the original imagery.
I am especially proud that my work has been recognized by institutions and galleries that value cultural preservation and artistic excellence. My sculptures have been featured and sold through the National Museum of the American Indian in New York City, El Museo del Barrio in New York City, the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, Cecy’s Gallery in Durham, the Cary Gallery of Artists, and the North Carolina Botanical Garden’s Sculpture in the Garden exhibitions.
More than anything, I am proud of being able to use art as a bridge between cultures, generations, and stories. My goal is to ensure that the voices and traditions reflected in Puerto Rico’s archaeological heritage remain visible and relevant, inspiring curiosity, appreciation, and connection for future generations.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I was fortunate to find an inspiring mentor early in my artistic journey. When I began taking ceramic classes at Claymakers in Durham, I studied with Carolyn Van Duyn, a talented artist and teacher who encouraged me to push beyond my self-imposed limits. She helped me recognize that clay as medium with endless possibilities, and she gave me the confidence to believe that I could bring my ideas to life. Carolyn’s encouragement taught me that a good mentor does not simply teach techniques. She helped me discover my potential.
When it comes to networking and opportunities, my philosophy is simple: don’t be afraid to ask. Many people hesitate because they fear rejection, but I have found that remarkable things can happen when you are willing to take that chance.
In 2019, when I learned about a Taíno exhibition at the National Museum of the American Indian in New York City, I packed three boxes of my artwork, traveled to New York, walked into the museum shop and asked to meet the manager. I showed him my work and asked if he would be interested in carrying my pieces. To my delight, the answer was ‘yes’.
Something similar happened with the North Carolina Museum of Art. I reached out to inquire about exhibiting my work. While I learned that organizing an exhibition is a lengthy process, the conversation led to another opportunity when they expressed interest in selling my pieces in their museum store.
In 2025, I became more intentional about sharing my work with a broader audience. I began posting regularly on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, sharing my sculptures, my creative process, and my passion for Puerto Rican heritage. My artist statement became:
“My art celebrates human stories: lost civilizations, cultural intersections, and the enduring spirit of Borikén. I create to honor the past and inspire future generations.
Sharing our Culture one Sculpture at a Time!”
The response exceeded my expectations. Social media opened doors to new opportunities, collectors, and meaningful connections. One memorable moment came when Bad Bunny liked one of my posts, a simple gesture that reminded me how far a message can travel when it is shared authentically.
Social media also led to one of my most valuable partnerships. Through these connections, I met Christina from Caribe-Art.com. Because my energy is limited and I cannot easily manage the logistics of shipping artwork, we developed an arrangement in which she represents and sells my work through her web-gallery. This partnership allows me to focus my energy on what I love most: creating art while reaching collectors who appreciate Puerto Rican culture and history.
The same philosophy continued to guide me in 2026. I traveled to Puerto Rico with a new goal: finding a collaborator to help me create an art book that combines photographs of my sculptures, images of the original rock carvings (petroglyphs) that inspired them, and the stories connected to those symbols. Once again, I simply asked. And once again, I found a partner who shared my vision. It was another reminder that meaningful collaborations often begin with a conversation.
My advice to anyone seeking a mentor or building a network is to be genuine, be persistent, and not wait for opportunities to find you. Introduce yourself. Share your work. Ask questions. Ask for opportunities. Whether it is learning from a mentor, walking into a museum with three boxes of artwork, building an online community, or finding a collaborator for a dream project, you never know which conversation, post, or connection might change the course of your journey. Sometimes all you have to do is ask.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nanaabreu.com
- Instagram: @nana.abreu.ceramista
- Facebook: @nana.abreu.ceramista
- Youtube: @nana.abreu.ceramista
