Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Athena Tasiopoulos. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Athena, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
Optimism is something I’ve had to consciously work on cultivating. When I find myself in a precarious situation, my fears initially set off running until I make the effort to rein them in – I have to consciously make myself consider other outcomes.
What if things actually do work out in the end? What if the universe actually wants you to succeed and you are right where you need to be right now?
These thoughts often feel forced at first — but the more I try to dwell in them, the more I find myself wanting to stay.
Maybe things won’t always be perfect in the end, but I can choose whether or not I want to suffer along the way.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a mixed media collage artist. The practice of art making is very much a meditation for me. I love the vulnerability of creating. It teaches you to trust the process, quiet your mind, and listen to your materials. What are their limits? What do they need from you? How can you adapt? It’s an ongoing practice of cultivating openness and flow.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Be kind to yourself. Creative blocks can feel daunting, but I try to remind myself that there are seasons for everything. Your garden has to rest in the winter to prepare for new growth in the spring.
2. Make time. Make sure you reserve regular time for your creative practice because it’s what nurtures you. Find a way to work it into your regular routine. So much of working through creative blocks is just showing up.
3. It’s ok to be practical. I used to think I had to choose between passion and practicality. Being a “starving artist” or having a buttoned-up corporate career. I thought it was a flaw that I settled somewhere in the middle. But, I think being able to blend some practicality with your creative pursuits will only strengthen your ability to thrive realistically as an artist and increase your creative longevity. Take the day job if it means you’ll be more financially secure to pursue your art. Paint from your dining room table if you don’t have a studio. If you’re making art — you’re an artist. So, keep making art.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Break the problem down into smaller parts. What can be addressed easily in the immediate moment? Start with that. Look at each part you tackle as an accomplishment and keep chipping away at things little by little.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://athenapetra.com
- Instagram: @athenapetra
Image Credits
Photo credit: Patricia Trafton, Soapbox Arts
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
