Hi Savanna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey with art started only a couple of years back. I got in a bad accident and ended up needing surgery. After my injury, I realized I not only needed to physically heal but mentally heal as well. At the time, I was unfortunately running from a lot of trauma. After my surgery, I could not walk for two months. I wasn’t able to work, nor able to go out and socialize like I was used to. I had to move back in with my family, which I had not done since I was 14 years old. I was immobile and had more time on my hands than I had since I was a kid. All of the mental shit that I was running from for so long hit me. So what did I do?? I turned to art. It was the only thing that helped me fully and authentically express myself and the pain I was withholding. During this time, I realized the healing properties of art, which then led me to discover the field of Art Therapy. Three years later and here I am: an artist as well as a recent graduate from Naropa University studying to be an Art Therapist.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey with art has been natural yet insanely difficult. I love creating and yet I think there is a huge struggle when it comes to claiming the identity of an artist. I realized that the artist’s identity was so weighted and the stigmas/stereotypes surrounding the label “artist” needed to be unpacked. Creating art is not easy, being an artist is not easy either. I think there is an unrealistic expectation attached to the identity of an artist. Artists do not and can not realistically create masterpieces every day. Artists are not immediately recognized or praised. Artists can sell their work, but artists don’t have to. Artists are not only found in high end art galleries. It took me so long to claim the identity of an artist when in reality I always was one. I was the one stopping myself from claiming that part of myself. Even to this day, I struggle with keeping up my creative practice. But, rather than being mean and hard on myself, I instead allow myself to go through stretches of time without creating. I remind myself that my art practice is always there for me. Being an artist is a lifestyle, it is a way of existing in the world. No amount of canvases (in my case) will fully capture my artistry.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love street art. To me, graffiti and urban art is a reflection of the community and is a way of giving back to it. Recently I have been going up mountain trails and finding abandoned shacks and walls and painting them. I always paint walls and add positive messages. Such as ‘enjoy the view’ and ‘thank the land’ and ‘take care of yourself’ This is my way of giving back to my community. I would love to continue my mural work. I think this type of art is currently the most resonant with me.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are so many names to drop. Names that you or whoever is reading this probably aren’t familiar with. Yes, I could name famous painters of the past that have inspired me, but instead I want to attribute my community for fueling my creativity. To me, the people in my community are icons and inspirations. My friends and family are the reason why I am here today as well as why I continue to feel empowered to create art. I am lucky enough to have found a community of artists. They are all movers and shakers – all of the artists in their own way. And I would be nowhere without them. Community, in my eyes, is the most important thing. We would be nowhere without each other