We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Madi Artz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Madi below.
Madi, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
I recently finished a beautiful six week meditation course taught by Kevin Oestenstad. Throughout this class, I learned so much about mental self-care and how truly important it is for me as an artist. We would sit every morning and Kevin would guide us in a mindfulness meditation. Following the sit, we would flow into a creative brief in which we would write, draw, paint, or express our experience anyway we wanted to. Since the class has finished, I’ve continued to mediate every day, following with a creative prompt.
Using mindfulness meditation as a tool for my self-care has been breathtakingly expansive, compassionate, and freeing as an artist. My drawings and artwork flow with such ease, and I’m learning I am capable of so much in my creative expression. Taking time in my mornings to be with my mind has opened up my creativity in ways I never would have imagined. I now understand the acceptance of beginning again, and feel incredibly blessed to be connected with my body and mind.
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?
Since I was a young lass, I knew I was destined for the arts. I have a fond memory of putting on an elaborate Nutcracker performance for my family in our living room in Ohio. I danced and acted so hard, I had to use the nebulizer after because I had an asthma attack. I was a passionate kid with a lot of heart and a little bit of a breathing problem.
Throughout my teens and early adulthood, I participated in numerous musicals, plays, band, and continued to learn the flow of my creativity. I’ve now been out in LA for almost seven years and have thoroughly enjoyed being surrounded by such unique creativity. I met and fell deeply in love with my wonderful husband, Tyler. We have had so much fun creating music, painting, and bouncing otherworldly ideas off of each other.
Recently, I have been drawing and painting quite a bit. I love using bold colors, while letting my hands glide across my canvas and allowing the paint to flow. It’s been interesting using mindfulness mediation before a lot of my artwork and creativity. The inspiration of my artwork comes so much easier to me and I feel a deeper connection with what I am putting onto my canvas.
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?
Compassion, acceptance, and a whole lot of love have been the most impactful elements in my journey. Giving myself compassion has opened up my understanding of what I’m capable of. Acceptance of who I am has been so magnificent and nourishing as an artist. Love goes a long way. Loving myself, others, and life has been so incredibly expansive and freeing.
Take a moment to slow down and breathe. Remind yourself that you are right where you need to be! Dedicate time every day for your passion, whether it’s five minutes, twenty minutes, or an hour. Practice as much as you can, while still having fun. Get messy with it and know you can always begin again.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My husband, Tyler is a huge inspiration in my life. I feel so grateful to be able to witness such a beautifully creative mind like his. He has pushed, encouraged, and helped me with creative blocks and struggles I’ve had. It’s been so enjoyable being able to create with Tyler, while also learning so much from him. His dedication and the amount of love he puts into his artwork is so spectacular to witness. Tyler’s artwork and creativity is profound, and I push myself every day to be as passionate and focused as he is. I am immensely grateful to be married to such a caring, sublime, and creative man.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: madiartz
