Interview with Rosario López, Director of Art and Culture at CASA
Discovering new cultures, facing challenges, and reinventing oneself professionally are just a few of the experiences Chileans who migrate to Australia go through. In this interview we speak with a talented painter and illustrator, who shares her journey from Chile to Australia, where she not only developed her career as an artist but also took on key roles in promoting Chilean art. Her story aims to inspire other compatriots to dare to cross borders and experience the enriching adventure of starting a new life in this land full of opportunities.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR PROFESSIONAL SITUATION IN CHILE BEFORE YOU EMIGRATED.
In Chile, I studied Arts and Education. Before moving to Australia, I had an art studio where I worked with talented artists, and I also taught art three days a week at a school. I participated in a few group exhibitions and was learning a lot as I progressed in my artistic career.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO AUSTRALIA? DID YOU COME WITH A PLAN, OR WAS IT ALL IMPROVISED?
It all happened quite quickly and was somewhat improvised. It was only two and a half months between finding out I was coming to Australia and getting everything ready for my wedding. We got married, and then my husband and I moved here for work.
I had to start all over again—from taking local art courses, participating in residencies, sharing workshops with artists, painting murals in public and private spaces, and getting involved in illustration projects, collective and solo exhibitions. At the same time, I maintained my connection with Chile by sending paintings, selling pieces in shops, and working on projects remotely
Emigrating always means leaving behind the familiar and venturing into the unknown. For Rosario, art has been her guiding light, both in Chile and in Australia, a country that, though distant, has offered her new opportunities to expand her creativity.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT PROFESSIONAL SITUATION IN AUSTRALIA?
Right now, I’m fully dedicated to my work as an artist. I recently became a mother, so I have less time, but my energy is focused on continuing to grow, learn, and experiment with color, form, concept, and the expression of my work. A few months ago, I became the Director of Art and Culture for the Chilean Australian Association CASA, and I am the curator for the Chile-Sentido Exhibition. This new role has helped me not only step out of the more independent world of being an artist but also to engage with other professional areas I hadn’t been exposed to before, and to work as part of a team.
HOW WAS YOUR ADAPTATION PROCESS AND YOUR EXPERIENCE FINDING WORK IN AUSTRALIA?
My adaptation process was quick in some areas and slower in others. I quickly got used to the place, the lifestyle, and the people, but learning the language was slower. Starting from scratch in the art world was tough. In Chile, I had a strong network of artists, knew where to buy materials, had a group of regular customers, and knew which galleries were worth visiting. All these small details and tools make life easier.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT A KEY MOMENT OR A MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT IN YOUR CAREER IN AUSTRALIA?
For me, more than a key moment, I’d say my greatest achievement has been being able to start over, rebuild everything from scratch in a new country, and create a network of people who support and help me keep going with my career.
Reinvention is something many migrants experience when they arrive in a new country. For our interviewee, this process has been enriching, full of learning, and offering unique opportunities that have driven her to keep creating.
WAS THERE A DIFFICULT MOMENT OR A FAILURE THAT MARKED YOU?
I’ve had many failures in my life, and that’s part of being an artist. Sometimes you apply for competitions, galleries, or projects that don’t work out, but after each failure, you learn to reassess and refocus on what you do.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?
My plans are to keep learning and exploring painting, drawing, and creative areas. Hopefully, in the future, I’ll delve into sculpture or volumetric elements. I’d love to hold another solo show in a gallery and remain immersed in the world of art in all its forms. As part of CASA, I hope to keep participating in creative projects and creating opportunities to showcase Chilean art to the world with this incredible team we have.
LOOKING BACK, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY?
I would have liked to do a university exchange or a residency in New York, Italy, or France for a few months to experience learning in cities where there’s so much to discover in the fields of art and culture.
IS THERE A STORY OR ANECDOTE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE THAT MIGHT INSPIRE OTHERS?
In 2015, something funny happened to me. I was exhibiting at the Bondi Pavilion Gallery, and the organizers told me that someone important wanted to attend my exhibition, but I didn’t pay much attention to who it was. On the day of the visit, I ended up chatting for about half an hour with a very kind and friendly woman, talking about life, our childhoods, and each of my works. After they left, the organizers thanked me, saying everything had gone well. I found them a bit exaggerated at the time. The next day, I found out the woman was Olivia Newton-John, the famous singer and actress known worldwide for her role in Grease.
In the end, I thought it was better not to know who she was beforehand because it allowed me to have a relaxed and enjoyable conversation with her. Sometimes we put up barriers or prejudices with people and waste energy on things that don’t matter. Her humble attitude taught me how simple and equal we all are, no matter where we come from.
Sometimes, success isn’t just measured by material achievements, but by the authentic connections we make with others.
FINALLY, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS IN CHILE WHO DREAM OF COMING TO AUSTRALIA?
I’d tell them that it’s not all easy and rosy, but in my experience and from what I’ve seen over the years, people with a good attitude—proactive, hardworking, positive, and sociable—always manage to achieve their goals here in Australia.
In general, Australians are simple people, free of prejudices. They judge you by what they see in you now, not by your resume. They value honesty, punctuality, hard work, and a good attitude. They like easy, effective, and uncomplicated dealings. I definitely recommend it as a life and learning experience.
Emigrating is an act of courage, a leap into the unknown that comes with challenges but also invaluable rewards. This Chilean artist’s story teaches us that although the journey may be uncertain, with passion, effort, and an open mind, it’s possible not only to adapt but to thrive in new lands. For those dreaming of living the experience of emigrating to Australia, her advice is clear: dare to do it because this country has its doors open to those willing to build their own future.
Would you like to know more about Rosario? Follow her on Instagram @rosalopezart or visit her website www.rosalopezart.com.