Meet Monica Ikaros Art

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Monica Ikaros Art. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Monica below.

Monica, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Purpose… I have always struggled with this idea. What exactly does that mean in life? How do we find our place in this big world among all these people with different talents and abilities? Well as a kid, I knew two things for certain, I wanted to be an artist and a mom (which look at me, I am both!), but I remember always being so hard on myself by saying is that enough? What impact can I make as an artist? How can I help others or this world with painting and drawing pretty pictures? I remember feeling the pressure of other people on me waiting to see if I would “become something more” or “live up to my potential”…I would try to do other things to impact the world and people around me in positive ways, but I never got as much joy and happiness from anything else like I did when I created a painting for someone! Purpose- that must be it, what fills my soul, what I am most passionate about…creating paintings. It seems so small in the grand scope of the world, but as I continue on my life long journey of being an artist, I realize impacting even one person in my life is purpose. If I can paint a pet portrait for someone who lost a pet to feel that love and connection forever, than I did something good. It brings joy to my heart and tears to my eyes when a client is overjoyed with my artwork and treasures it for a lifetime. In that moment, I feel this is the purpose for me being here in this world. I am also on a larger journey through many years of honing my style and purpose to create beautiful paintings of animals and nature that positively impact the conservation efforts by donating a portion of the proceeds to support the companies that are doing the work to help our planet and animals. Art with impact! I also hope to be a bigger part of those efforts myself by lending a hand as well. I think purpose is something we chase throughout life, a drive inside that keeps us going. It is wonderful to always push yourself to grow and learn in life, but never let others tell you what you know in your heart is your true purpose isn’t enough. Any positive impact, no matter how small is, is still an incredible contribution to this world. I truly think doing what you love is where your purpose comes from!

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a freelance artist and single momma of two beautiful kiddos. I run my own business- IKAROS ART which I do commission artwork such as murals, interior design paintings, beer label designs, pet portraits, and truly anything creative to keep me painting. One of my favorite aspects of my business, besides being covered in paint all the time, is connecting and building relationships with my clients. I love working along side my clients and truly getting to know them and have their creative vision incorporated in what I do. I am so proud to be able to live my dream of being an artist and show my kids that they can make their dreams come true too. Currently I am evolving my artwork into a way to positively impact the world, because I love nature and animals so much. Art with impact… beautiful nature/ animal inspired paintings that give back to conservation and sustainability efforts. Check out my website at ikarosart.com and my social media @ikaros_art_pgh

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

passion, persistence, self care
I think if you are passionate about what you do, that passion and excitement is something others pick up on and get excited about too. Passion for my art has always been within me. I think a way I keep it alive is through play, I challenge myself to do fun projects that feel good or throw paint around just because it is fun. Being serious all the time is boring… so follow your passion and keep things fun!

Persistence is another thing I have learned in this creative journey. We all have days that we don’t want to do “what we have to” but I have learned being persistent with my art is key to keeping the creativity flowing and the excitement going. Good things come if you continue to show up for yourself.

Self care has been a big skill I have had to learn and work hard at continuing, but so vital to me in every aspect. I am a giver, I do everything for everyone else and always put myself last (something I picked up from my amazing mom). I got extremely sick about 9 years ago and through that scary uncertainty I learned if I didn’t start taking care of me first, I wouldn’t be able to be the mom I wanted to be and that was the motivation I needed. I started implementing self care in my day, such as getting to bed earlier, getting up before my kids to have time for me, journaling, reading self help books, therapy, eating better, exercising more, saying no when I need to because I need to put me and my kids first, slowing down when my body tells me, meditating and deep breathing… all this small things, but they have made a huge positive impact on my health and art. A lot of the simple things like journaling, meditating, and slowing down have opened up more creative flow to my art practice, a win win! I am definitively not amazing at self care, but I am learning to listen to my body more and continue to work on it. I love when little things can have such a great effect on every aspect of life.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

I am super blessed to have an incredible family. The most impactful thing my parents did for me was support my dreams! When I was 3 years old, I told my parents I was going to be an artist when I grew up. From that moment on, they supported me in every way they could. I am sure they were scared, as all parent are, but they never once told me I couldn’t live my dream or that I should do something else. They encouraged me by art classes, supplies, positive encouragement and critiques… the list goes on. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without their love and support. I am so grateful for them and I strive to follow in their parenting footsteps for my kids.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ikarosart.com
• Instagram: ikaros_art_pgh
• Facebook: ikarosart

Image Credits

photos of Monica taken by Jessi Adams Photography

beer can photos taken by Brian Kaldorf Photography