^{ARTIST SPOTLIGHT}

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR CONNECTION TO OPTIMISM.

I struggle with self-doubt, worry, and negative thoughts often. When I find myself spiraling, I actively think about the positive parts of my day, and that helps me remember all of the happy, little things that are constantly happening around me. This prevents me from getting hung up on what can bring me down—instead I focus on what I can do to flip it around.

HOW IS THIS REFLECTED IN THE DESIGN YOU CREATED FOR US?

I wanted to create a design that reminds people to slow down, appreciate the process, and take breaks in life. Sometimes, we all move too fast, and we miss out on all the little things that make life good. My design is inspired by the environment, so I aimed to portray nature and a state of relaxation.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST START CREATING ART? WHAT WAS THE CATALYST?

I was enrolled in art classes from a young age. My parents let me try everything from painting to ceramics to sewing. It helped me realize how many ways there are to be creative,  and it pushed me try new things.

DO YOU USE ART TO WORK THROUGH CHALLENGES AND/OR SETBACKS? HOW DO YOU DO THAT? 

Though art serves an outlet, it can also put a lot of pressure on me to constantly be creating something that is meaningful and useful and able to be monetized.  A lot of the time when I am in a lull, I try to paint or draw with the sole intention of creating something just for me. 

HOW DID YOU DEVELOP YOUR UNIQUE PERSONAL STYLE?

I believe styles are always developing. While there are certain elements that I will always include in my pieces and colors that I will always enjoy using, I think style is constantly evolving. I believe you can find your style by owning what comes easily to you, discovering your shortcuts, and noticing what you’re attracted to both in other peoples’ artwork, and in your own.  

WHAT FEELING DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO HAVE WHEN THEY EXPERIENCE YOUR ART?

Happiness, and the feeling of taking a deep breath.

DO YOU EVER GET “ARTIST’S BLOCK”? HOW DO YOU REDISCOVER YOUR CREATIVITY WHEN YOU’RE FEELING STUCK?

When I am stuck on an idea that I can’t execute, I push myself to try another medium to get my brain working a little differently. It helps me come back to my original idea with a fresh mindset.

WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF, YOUR WORK, OR THE WORLD AROUND YOU IN 2020?

I learned that I can’t do everything, and that I should ask for help and advice more often.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE LOOKING TO START THEIR OWN CAREER AS AN ARTIST?

Never stop experimenting! I think we get caught up in thinking we need to focus on only one thing, one medium, one style. And that’s just not true. I think it’s important to be versatile and push yourself to be fluid and try everything.

TELL US ABOUT SOMETHING THAT’S INSPIRING YOU RIGHT NOW.

Baking!

FINALLY, FILL IN THE BLANK : Life is Good because… we have each other.