An Inspired Chat with Ainsley Guzman Jason

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ainsley Guzman Jason. Check out our conversation below.

Ainsley, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, I’ve been enjoying developing my Spanish because it expands my understanding of the world outside of the English speaking framework. Language is like a software program for understanding reality, and learning a second language is like learning to see the world from a new perspective.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a painter and muralist who has always focused on portraiture. My work is all about painting the souls of those who have turned their suffering into something beautiful and beneficial to the world. My newest project, The Art of Humanity Project, features large-scale, transportable murals on canvas panels of humanitarian icons like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. The organization is at the early stages of becoming a non-profit which will host art events dedicated to these legend’s legacy’s while giving back to their causes.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Right after high school, I was unsure of what career path I wanted to commit myself to. I knew that I wanted to pursue art in my heart, but the economic pressures and voices from society had me wondering if I should pursue a “safe” degree to help keep me financially afloat, while I could hopefully keep my art alive on the side. I was fortunate enough to travel to Mexico for a trip with my boyfriend (and future husband) to visit his family. I met his aunt and uncle who are career artists, and I was overwhelmed with the artistic passion of all of the Mexican people. For the first time in my life I saw a culture committed to celebrating the beauty of life. This experience expanded my horizons in a way that I couldn’t un-see. I then made the decision to pursue a degree in art, and we made many more trips to backpack in Central America together.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would undoubtedly tell myself at any age, from childhood to early twenties, that I wasn’t crazy or naive to dream big and believe in myself. Even when people tell you that you’re talented, years of financial struggle and uncertainty can wear down your confidence. I would say “you’re right that if you commit yourself to your dreams and keep working hard, you will inevitably find success, and that it will come in the most unexpected ways.”

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I have always believed that my purpose as an artist is to inspire people to see the beauty in humanity despite our tragic nature. As I quickly learned in art school, postmodernism is the current movement, which basically means that the art world believes there is no collective truth or concept of what is good vs. bad, beautiful vs. ugly. For example, a banana taped to the wall is high art. Even though I understand the concept intellectually, I oppose it. As an artist, I know that isn’t how we actually see the world. We intuitively recognize truly good and beautiful things, whether they are in nature or works of art, and I intend to showcase beauty through my art in spite of the current cultural trend.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew for certain that I only had 10 years left, I’d safeguard my time even more. Time is real wealth, and treating it as such helps focus your energy on what’s most important. I’d stop worrying and spending time on things that don’t matter.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Stephanie Balda

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