Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Veena Aragam. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Veena, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
This is a question I’m often asked in many different ways – “How are you so brave?” Or, “How do you walk away from naysayers with such confidence?” Or even “Wow…you’re really bold!” (Not a question, but often said to me in NOT the most positive connotation).
I lived a life since I was young where absolutely nothing was in my control. Family to take care of since my age was in the single digits, family members passing, moving here and there, moving countries for a job to make a living after studies, only to come back and take care of my passing grandfather, etc. Things were so out of control I couldn’t even focus on my basic needs, like my own health.
Absolutely nothing was in my control until I was about 29. I am 33 now. Once I realized I was extremely unhappy, I found I could at least control myself, my choices, and my path in life – I completely changed my career to realize my dream come true, and even went as far as to change the people I spend time with around me.
No one who brings negativity, no one who bring me down for the sake of themselves – whether it be family or friends, I have been silent and focused on myself the last few years and it’s the best thing I’ve done for myself. I am happier, I am healither, and I am focused on what needs to be done for the sake of my brother and myself (and my fur babies)!
I don’t believe you have to live a difficult life to be resilient, but most are often fearful living in comfort.
I was forced into being resilient or I wouldn’t have survived to see happiness blossom so beautifully in my life. I am thriving and I couldn’t be happier. Being forced into decisions out of my control makes it easier to choose uncomfortable decisions in my control that will make my life better, and that includes my career decisions.
But most, often faced with the option of comfort or discomfort (even if it is the better and healthier decision for themselves) will often choose to stay in what they already know. Anyone can be reslient, but you have to be brave enough to be. Taking that first step when you know it’s a choice that will help you thrive and grow, even if it’s scary, is all you need to see that the grass is always greener where you choose to water it. And if in the perfect environment, that grass will grow in healthy ways you didn’t expect.
It is worth the change. It is worth being happy and healthy.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am an artist – I make paintings/illustrations, prints, hand-painted jackets, and music. I have a few clothing collections that are limited edition as well. All are produced and sold under my own business, xSubtlexSmilex®. My style is contemporary art and street art inspired. I love to use bright colors in most of my collections, minus “The Nightmare Room”, which is a darker, on-going series.
My latest published project was the “Chaotic Spring” collection. It focused on climate change and how it affects those of us who are sentsitive quite immediately. And since I feel the change in my body everyday, whether it be catching more colds or getting more headaches due to the amount of storms that have increased in the area, I felt that to show others who are not as sensitive the dangers they, and future generations, would be facing if this continued. It is important we keep the earth safe and sound for it to be habitable by humans and other creatures for generations to come.
I created paintings, prints, and hand-painted jackets for the collection which are still available for purchase on my website.
My latest music project is an EP titled “DARK FEMININE”. It talks of the feminine side that many hide in themselves and the acceptance of that side and transformation. It is streaming on Spotify and Apple Music and is available for purchase through iTunes and through direct download on my website! CD pre-orders are now being taken with your choice of posters! Please check it out when you can; all links are available through my website.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Art as a business – many artists want to do this as a main job, but if you have never bought art before, studied how the industry works, or talked/networked with other artists, it is hard to gauge exactly how this will turn out and the best tools of the trade to use. Especially as a South Asian woman POC, the industry is extremely hard to get into. Unless you are young, the industry probably won’t look at you, and even if they do, your background can hinder you in some places. (And yes, art is supposed to be about sharing culture and whatnot, but trust me, it also exsits in this industry.) It’s an important thing to consider, but not be discouraged by. Find places and people who are genuine in sharing your story and those are the places that end up being the most successful areas in the industry anyway.
And study the ins and outs of the business when you are getting yourself ready, and even when you have started. There never is enough you can do to help yourself!!
2. When you meet other artists who respect you and your work, they are the ones who will become your true friends. Netowrking can often be a scary thing, especially if you are taking the what I call the “Rockstar” route, like me – paving your own way. But networking really does help. And when you make genuine friends, it helps even more.
3. “Fake it till you make it” can work, but it depends on how you use it. If you suffer from imposter syndrome and have a lot of work that you’ve produced, it just means your being hard on youself!! Give yourself more positive words and no matter where you are on your journey, you ARE an artist!!
However, if you talk more game than you produce, no one will believe your words. You can talk like you are king of all art, and if you have nothing to show for it, and/or you cannot handle constructive criticism on your existing work, you need to sit with yourself and realize your true goals. If you just want to be famous or in the limelight, there are better ways to do that without being in this industry. But if you are passionate about your work and your growth as an artist, act like it by focusing on your work more that your talk, and the success will come. Only passionate artists in this industry find success.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking for folks to collaborate with! Whether it be music or art.
I am particularly looking to do some album art for other music artists out there who love my art and would love to have my art on their music project. Music is a huge passion of mine. So if I could contribute to any music in any way, whether it be my writing in music or lyrics, or my drawing capabilites, I would love to see where it goes!
One thing I have to say is, please check out my music and my art before you choose me. I am an artist of a particular style and would appreciate it if you are absolutely sure before coming to me if you would like me on the project. Also, I do not work for free, so please consider that before hiring me on a project as well. All information and pricing is on my website in the consultations section.
If you have any inquiries, please contact me through my website with your request! I look forward to meeting all of you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.xsubtlexsmilex.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xsubtlexsmilex/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/xsubtlexsmilex
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@xSubtlexSmilex
- Other: https://linktr.ee/xsubtlexsmilex
Image Credits
All photos are taken by Vee of xSubtlexSmilex®.
