photograph by chiemeka offor
Naia Anaïs Bautista, known by friends as Naia or Anaïs, is a Los Angeles native who has been taking pictures since she was practically out of the womb. Over the years, she has collected a variety of cameras ranging from an Ansco B-2 Cadet box camera from the early 1900s to a Polaroid One Step + from 2018. Constantly on the hunt for cheap, rare, working cameras, she frequents small thrift shops, flea markets, and KEH.com.
Although Naia’s body of work is mostly dominated by her photography, she also dabbles in various other mediums including illustration, watercolor, gouache, jewelry making, embroidery, weaving, printmaking, ceramics, typography, millinery, video, bookmaking, etc. While photography is her primary love, her passion for experimentation and exploration has led her down many paths of discovery.
Growing up during a time when STEM/STEAM is becoming more and more popular, Naia has also found a home in the world of science. Many have responded “Those are very different!” when she tells them that she enjoys both chemistry and photography. However, Naia believes that they are one and the same, explaining that photography is chemistry and it can’t exist on its own.
Her love of science has brought her to new and inspiring experiences, which included working in a chemical engineering lab at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. She has also indulged herself in learning about the “ancient” sciences of astrology and astronomy; she is consistently fascinated by the workings of the universe.
When not making art or focusing a microscope, Naia can be found in one of three places: her bedroom hanging out with her cat, Jack, blasting indie rock; on the living room couch bingeing classic animation such as The Simpsons whilst eating “tag-a-long” Girl Scout cookies; or out, somewhere, mothering her friends.
2021 - Naia Anaïs Bautista