We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ayiana Viviana. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ayiana below.
Ayiana, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
My confidence as an artist has come in waves and from several different things. The medium I am exploring the most at the moment is painting and with painting, I started with zero technical knowledge or experience. The most I had done prior to September 2022, was doodling in journals and notebooks. In September of 2022, I was suicidal and there was a voice in my head that kept telling me I was a problem. This voice was persistent and didn’t feel like it was my own. Another voice countered that one and told me to pick up a paint brush and a canvas. I listened to the latter voice, thankfully. I found that painting was incredibly cathartic and in that season, felt as necessary to me as breathing. I began painting daily, anywhere between 6-10 hours a day. As I began to create pieces and give them stories, I also began to share them on social media. The feedback was incredibly supportive and it helped me to build confidence in myself as painter and creative. I applied for an opportunity to showcase my artwork at a pop up event called Palette and Poetry. At that point, I had only a handful of pieces completed but I received a yes. That yes was a shining trajectory that not only helped build my confidence but it also helped to alleviate imposter syndrome. Each yes that has followed has helped me to become more confident in my work as an artist. I often say that in the beginning I needed the validation from my peers and other creatives and I’m so grateful it existed and was given generously. Now, I am able to envision, plan, create and execute ideas without needing as much validation as I used to because I’ve grown in confidence and in my artistry.
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?
Of course! I’m Ayiana Viviana; an emerging Latina abstract artist from Philadelphia. I’ve been painting for a little over a year now and being immersed in the world of art, I believe, has shifted so much for me. In many ways, it’s given me a deeper look into myself, my purpose, and my perspectives. It’s shown me how all that I do revolves around creating and being firmly planted in the energy of creativity is what I was created for.
My work is abstract but going deeper, it’s what’s called neurographic art. What’s interesting about this sort of art is that it’s a window into the psyche for both the creator and the observer. Lines that intersect and twist and turn create the foundation for 99% of my pieces. What’s special about my work and how I navigate it, is that it’s almost all free flow. For me, creating is tapping into the energy of flow and very often, I have NO idea what’s going to come out. I always trust that something beautiful will come though and that the art itself will tell the story needing to be told. Once I’m finished with the lines, I study what’s before me, and find abstract figurative images that I’ll then paint in specific ways to bring to the surface.
At the core of all my creative endeavors, I am a storyteller. I aim to tell stories of hope, resistance, love, faith, and beauty. I aim to challenge perspectives with my work, in hopes that every person who sees my work will walk away with a nugget of wisdom, curiosity, or different perspective to chew on.
I am excited about being in my own space for the first time in my adult life. Here, I plan to create an artistic haven for myself that properly reflects who I am as an artist and person. One of the things I’m excited about is making an indoor mural on one of my living room walls. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while now and now, I’m in the space to do it. Once I’ve done one, I’m confident I will want to do more and one of my objectives for this year is to paint at least 10 indoor murals in people’s homes. I have an exciting opportunity paint a mural at a local elementary school here in Philly which I’m excited for and outside of that, I’m just looking for more ways to showcase my work and make a livable wage as a full time artist. In the future, I hope to travel to create and experience art and to create culturally relevant works that resonate with viewers.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I would say the three qualities that helped me reach the place I am in today are being open minded – and open in general along with consistency in my practice, and faith in myself.
When I started painting, and still now, I feel a sense of divinity coursing through my work. Almost as if I am a vessel and I’m being used to convey imagery, messages, and stories that are meant for the people. I have a piece called “The Scribe” that conveys this idea. Consistency is one of the things that felt very easy for me to tap into, because painting felt as necessary as breathing to me when I first started to paint. Once I began to heal through the arts, I lost some of that intensity and NEED to paint, but the habit of consistency had already been developed. Through my journey, I’ve connected with so many people and being open minded to feedback, constructive criticism, and tips has helped me incredibly. Those connections have also birthed opportunities for more shows, exhibitions, and partnerships.
What I would offer those who are still early on in their journey is to have faith in who you are and what unique thing you bring to the table. When you fully embody your gifts, they will make way and open doors for you. Don’t shy away from working hard or from connecting with people. I used to swear I was an introvert until I realized that I was simply around the wrong people. In the right environment and with kindred spirits, I am as extroverted as extroverted gets. Stay open, stay curious, and stay consistent!
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
One of the biggest obstacles I’m facing is financial security. I am living on my own after being in a partnership for 18 years. During that time, our lives became incredibly intertwined and interdependent. Untangling from those things has been challenging and financially, I am responsible for myself in a way I haven’t been for a very long time. I don’t have a “job” or a vehicle and that makes it challenging to move in the way I would like to. However, I have faith that all of my needs will be provided for and I am determined to make ways for artistry to continue to be the main thing in my life. I created a crowdfunding page (http://spot.fund/893xwsc) to receive support from my community and I’m aggressively seeking out paid opportunities that will allow me to remain in the flow of creativity. Despite the financial obstacle, I am incredibly confident in what’s next and that I am divinely provided for.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ayianaviviana.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayianaviviana/
Image Credits
Ileana Gerena, Anthony Torcasio, Aaron Porter, Anna Kim
