Epiphany November Issue No. 6

Contents PART ONE: SCIENCE OF ART The Chronicles of Art 1 Your Brain on Art 3 The Art Rx 5 Jaya King: The Mural Queen 7

PART TWO: THE OVERLAP OF ART & SCIENCE IN THE REAL WORLD Art Experiments 13 Nick Hernandez: Trust the Process 15 Psychedelics: The Therapeutic Key to Creativity 21

PART THREE: METAPHYSICS OF ART The Fibonacci Sequence: 23 Fractals & Sound: 24 Colors 25 Ashley Ragan: Lady Junkrat 27

Part 1

THE CHRONICLES OF

ART

ANCIENT ART: ~4,000 B.C.-400 A.D.

PREHISTORIC ART: ~40,000-4,000 BCE

The origins of art begin in the Old Stone Age era also referred to as the Paleolithic era- which spans from ~40,0004,000 B.C. The art from this era can be found on rock carvings, wall engravings, stone formations, and basic pictures.

1

The materials used to make the art were derived from natural resources in the environment. The art depicted was a reflection of the zeitgeist of the Paleothic Stone Age era.

RENAISSANCE ART: ~14th -17th CENTURY “Ancient Art” was created by advanced civilizations—which is categorized as civilizations with a history of a written language—like Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and the indigenous people of the Americas.

The art from this era was same across the globe in many respects.

It was used to tell stories, capture religious and spiritual events, and display social status. This era is where we get our gods and goddesses.

This era is the blossoming of human intellect & enlightening breakthroughs in philosophy, literature, & art. Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, & Raphael were prominent thought leaders & creators.

Art from this era used methods of lighting, shading, precise details, anatomical sculptures, & emotional expression.

Romanticism was slowly sprouting up amongst artists creating more dreamy, passionate, & emotional art.

THE CHRONICLES OF THE CHRONICLES REALISM ART: ~1848-1900

ART OF ART

1960’s - PRSENT

POP ART: 1950-1960’s

Realism its roots in France and became a major influence following journalism and photography. The work was very detail oriented, with a strong emphasis on painting life like subjects.

Gustave Courbet, of France was a major practitioner in realism, and would paint only what he see with his naked eye.

CONTEMPOARY ART:

Emerging in the 1950’s in the United Kingdom & eventually spreading to the United States, pop art became valuable in the 1960’s with bold, playful colors, & trendy culture, consisting of movie stars, rock stars, politicians, & consumer goods being the foundation of pop art.

Pop art was legitmized by artists: Richard Hamilton, Andy Warhol, Eduardo Paolizzi, & others.

The prior genres of art mentioned were established on the back of the style that came before it. As time progressed & the economic landscape changed so did art. The 1970’s is the beginning Contemporary art, and is still thriving today in 2022.

The zeitgeist of art changes from time to time but the spirit of the art is wholeheartedly Contemporary.

2

YOUR BRAIN ON ART

BY EDDIE WALKER

3

We have all heard the scientific claim that the right hemisphere of the brain region is responsible for creativity and the left hemisphere is responsible for logic but when neurologists measured the brain waves of artists painting, the visionary and fine motor areas were heavily lit—those two areas of the brain are on opposite sides.

So does science really have accurate data on the matter?

Science has the capabilities and technology to prove or disprove virtually every hypothesis presented. Science receives it’s conclusions based on testable and measurable research, making science a highly honorable and credible source.

But there’s a question that science can’t quite seem to answer even with its renowned crediability and that is “What is creativity?” Let’s examine this shall we.

Some scientists speculate that creativity is genetic? Will science one day be able to tell us if there is a certain gene that is the missing link to creativity, or series of specific proteins that influence neurological activity that is responsible for creativity—ultimately, is it possible that creativity is inherited or learned?

Science is able to provide concrete evidence that creativity is beneficial to mental and emotional health, & also that one's environment has an effect on creative development. But there’s no real answer to what creativity is—& where its anatomical origin is.

Perhaps in the near future scientists will be able replicate creativity, helping everyone reach creative genius. Just food for thought.

4

The Art RX

Since the 1940’s art has been prescribed by health care professionals as a means to treat depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bi polar disorder, and much more.

By Eddie Walker

What makes art therapy effective?

Art therapy has been utilized by health care professionals to treat a plethora of mental disorders—professionals have come to the conclusion that when a traumatic experience happens verbally articulating the experience can be a challenge, but with art therapy nonverbal expression is a key component of healing, helping patients consciously and subconsciously release those stored traumas.

Early days of art therapy: Art therapy began after World War ll, when men returned home to find that their life had been forever altered by their wartimes efforts.

Many men suffered from a condition called “shell shock” today that condition is known as post-traumatic stress disorder. As a result doctors turned to art therapy to help veterans cope with their trauma. Art forms such as painting, sculpting, and sketching were taught to help cope with stress.

5

Present day: Here we are 70 years later, and art is still a working form of therapy.

For children who have emotional and/or behavioral disorders, medical professionals recommend art therapy because creating comes natural to most children — and many doctors want to avoid prescribing pharmaceutical drugs to children unless under special circumstances and conditions.

As for the modern day adult, art as a form of therapy is still a viable option. Therapists have seen successful outcomes of improved self-expression and mood in prisoners, veterans, cancer patients, declining senior citizens, addicts, and teens facing mental health.

Whats the research say?

Neurologist have found that creating and even observing art can reduce cortisol (stress hormone) by activating the reward centers of the brain, releasing serotonin and dopamine. Brainwave patterns are affected by the art making process helping with emotional regulation.

ART THERAPY BENEFITS •

• INCRESASES BRAIN CONNECTIVITY PLASTICITY • RELIEVES STRESS AND SYMPTOMS OF TRAUMA • IMPROVES PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS • INCREASES SELF-ESTEEM & SELF-AWARENESS

6

7

Jaya King:

The Mural Queen

Painter, Muralists, Instructor. www.jayasart.com IG: @artchickjaya Sacramento,CA.

J

aya King is the genuine article of an artist—Jaya got her start in the art industry nearly 30 years ago, these days her roots run deep throughout the art community, providing her with prolific opportunities to create and collaborate on projects of all scopes.

Jaya King working hard and playing harder.

Throughout the process of this mural, Jaya’s overall mission evolved— day after day Jaya’s external progress on the mural, was also reflected internally within her. Jaya was able to mentally and One mural in particuemotionally unpack by making special conneclar that will always be dear to Jaya’s heart is the tions during the project.

Read Jaya’s interview to Wellspring Mural. This Over the years, Jaya has emotionally epic mural learn more about who flourished the roles of in- is in the Oak Park neigh- she is, and just how big of structor, mentor, painter, borhood in Sacramento, an impact the Wellspring and muralists.

CA-located at the Well- mural truly had on her. spring Women’s Center.

Prior to covid, Jaya taught color mixing, encaustic, and acrylic courses. Since the return to normalcy, Jaya has been focused on completing more community based murals.

8

Interview with

Jaya King

Hey jaya Tell the readers about yourself: I’m Jaya and when I’m not painting I’m usually sitting in front of my computer researching a project or working on a composite design while my bird keeps me company. Tending my plants helps me decompress, though I don’t really have a green thumb. Going to the gym also helps to keep my head clear.

and disappear in them. I remember in school other kids would come up to me and ask me to show them how to draw. Art was something that set me apart. I can’t remember a time in my life when art wasn’t present.

Was or is there anything other than art that motivates you?

Huge breakthroughs.

From a teaching aspect I pivoted to an online teaching platform and created my own color mixing e-course. It was incredibly challenging from a techArt was a total escape. I Out of all the things you tried remember when things were nical standpoint however as a youth, what was it about I learned so much and I’m pretty dark I would draw or art that turned you on? very proud of it. Quaranpaint what I was feeling just to get it out of me. I didn’t re- tine gave me time to work I’ve always loved art, from on personal projects alize it at the time but it was preschool. I could create my therapy. All I knew was that own characters and worlds 9

As a child I know middle school and high school were trying times for you, can you explain what art did for you during those trying times?

whatever was going on inside me or around me if I got it out on paper I wouldn’t feel so bad.

and build up new painting inventory. I dove further into my portrait project (a series of large scale black and white portraits of people in my life.)

What is your favorite type of projects/pieces to work on?

My favorite is always changing. Right now I’m obsessed with murals, however in studio I enjoy working on my semi-abstract paintings. I do love working big though, no matter the subject. Big portrait, big wall, big abstract, no matter what it is I have more fun working big.

How do you come up with concepts for your newest upcoming projects/pieces?

With murals it is usually a collaborative effort so the concept is planted in those initial conversations. Sometimes the direction can be broad such as “colorful” or “nature” which will give me a lot of creative leeway. With murals I think of the intended audience or community and that will help me focus in on the subject matter.

With my own art I am very texture and color-driven. A color mix or tool can dictate an entire painting process.

As an artist, why do you cre- For a large mural of that ate, what’s your inspiration? scale how did go about executing this mural?

For me, inspiration changes daily, project to project, Because the wall was so painting to painting. I’m eas- rough it was obvious that I ily driven to create just from would be spraying instead a color mix, or texture. I can of using a brush. Spray be driving in my car and paint is an infinitely faster watch the colors change in process than brushwork. the landscape and I’ll imme- I used a projector to get diately want to recreate those the image up which also colors in my own abstracted cut down on production rendition of that landscape. time. Once community It’s very rare for me to need paint day had the base to search for inspiration. If layer down I was able to it’s forced the painting will block out the background never be as strong as if it with my paint sprayer and comes naturally. house paint, then jump into aerosol. My process is working biggest to smallYou recently completed an est in terms of surface area epic mural for Wellspring Womens Centers, what mo- on the wall. tivated you to take on that mural?

If you could of chosen a word during the popcorn When I read the prospecsesh for the well spring tus I knew this would be mural, what would you one of those “life changing” have chosen? Or what projects. When these types word resonated with you? of murals pop up I think it’s very important to parThe word “family” went ticipate. I knew this project pretty deep. A lot of the would go beyond just the women describe their painting process. This would friends at the center as be an opportunity to make their family. They see each an impact in the commuother almost daily. Family nity and with the women at went deeper than that for Wellspring. Art that makes a me though. Families grow difference is a huge motiva- up at Wellspring. tion for me.

10

Women who came to Wellspring as kids now bring their own children. Wellspring has a presence in a family’s generation, from grandmothers to grandchildren. This resonated with me in multiple ways.

What was the biggest eye opener of working on the wellspring project?

The intergenerational aspect of Wellspring. I thought about the cycle of women entering, but not necessarily exiting, Wellspring and it really hit me hard. It made me consider the different opportunities one is born into or out of.

It made me consider how our society takes care of itself (or lack thereof.) We have so far to go in terms of macro human kindness.

There is a lot of love at Wellspring. It helps make up for our societal shortcomings in the interim.

This was a huge eye-opener.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in your art career?

I’d say it would be my mural in Hollywood Park. It was such a huge undertaking and it also opened the door 11

or a lot of subsequent opportunities for both my team and I. Even though I had done murals before this took it to the next level. It was really a massive launch into this next phase of my career.

If any of these are below standard it can diminish how your work appears.

Want to get on walls?

Reach out to local muralists and ask if you can assist and learn.

Do you have any advice for new artists looking to begin their new path?

Anything you would like to add? (ie. Words of wisdom?

More about your work?

Future plans? How people can support you?)

If you want to show your work then submit to as many opportunities that you can afford. Go to all sorts of art shows. Make connections and do research at shows.

Present your art as professionally as you can. Consider where you’re showing, how your work is hanging, how it’s lit, who you’re showing with, how (and if) it’s framed.

Good energy attracts good energy. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and want to see you succeed. Anything or anybody who brings negativity to your game is a waste of time. Mindset is so important and it alone has the power to make or break you. No one else holds that control. Own it, do your superpower, learn, adapt, evolve with every project, failure, success. In my experience, the universe gives back what you put out there.

Lastly, where can people find you? @artchickjaya jayasart.com or jaya@jayasart.com. Best way to follow/DM me is Instagram. My website is more extensive & showcases portfolios of my work.

PART 2

OVERLAPPING ART AND SCIENCE IN THE REAL WORLD.

12

ART EXPERIEMNTS S T E L A R C

Stelarc is a performance artist born in Cyprus, Australia on June 19, 1946. Stelarc is revolutionizing the way art and science interact- using his body as the experimental canvass.

Stelarc has even gone so far as to get a third ear surgically attached to his left arm. The ear isn’t just for looks, the ear will have Bluetooth and microphone capabilities that will allow anyone from anywhere be able to listen in on what is being heard from Stelarc’s surrounding environment.

Spiral Jetty

Artist Robert Smithson has merged art and geographic landmarks to create a monumental masterpiece known as Spiral Jetty — which is located off Rozel Point in the north arm of Great Salt Lake.

Spiral Jetty is made from black basalt rocks and earth gathered from the Great Salt Lake, Spiral Jetty is a 15-footwide coil that stretches more than 1,500 feet into the lakeone the largest earth scale projects of the 20th century.

13

Alexis Rockman

Alexis Rockman born was in New York City, 1962, he is an American contemporary artists, who is bringing real world issues to his canvas. Painting important matters such as climate change, genetic engineering, and deforestation. Rockman’s art expresses sincere concern for planet’s future often portraying post apocalyptic themes from our lack of conscious connection to nature.

14

15

Nick Hernandez

Nick Hernandez is taking texture art to a whole new level. The Modesto Native, has

been creating works of art throughout his entire life. However, it wasn’t until 2019, while in Reykavic, Iceland for his wedding that Nick found the inspiration behind his stunning new collection.

The sleek glossy look and rigid feel from the texture that pops from Nick’s pieces are inspired by real bodies of ice, from the vast terrain of Iceland. Nick’s latest collection now showing at ZK Galley in San Francisco, is titled “Midnights Sun” because “During the summer months in Iceland the sun never sets, it just sits along the horizon line creating this beautiful warm light that hits the side of the landscapes," explains Nick.

Nick’s precision to make his pieces appear wet and reflect colorful light is executed by paying close attention to detail throughout the creative process, which usually comes from concept to completion takes about 3-4 weeks.

Nick’s dedication to his craft is paying off and opening new doors of opportunities.

Read the full interview with Nick Hernandez and see just where his art is taking him in the near future.

16 15

What began with trust in the process is now the unfolding of Nick’s success.

The Interview Whats up Nick? for those I can’t pinpoint a specific who dont know you, share moment when my interest a bit about yourself. of art began. Ever since I was a child, I was always I’m 39 years old and I love drawing and creating to travel and do anything things, so I can say it was that involves the outdoors. an innate skill that I had.

When I’m not in the stu- It wasn’t until I moved to dio painting, I love folLos Angeles in 2010, that I lowing fashion and binge switched gears from clothwatching current runway ing design to full time art. shows from all around the My mom who passed away world. I get a lot of inspi- in 2012 was a huge inspiration from fashion, espe- ration to me and always cially the textiles, textures, supported me no matter and colors. what. I really re evaluated my passions in life and that Where are you from? was the turning point when I pursued my art full-time.

I was born in Santa Clara California and grew up in How would describe your Modesto, Ca. I’ve always art? been a California Native and have lived in LA and My art is all about the exNorCal throughout my perience of viewing it in life. person. I use exaggerated textures in all my work When did your interest in accompanied with matte art begin? & who or what acrylics and high gloss reswas the major inspiration ins. I want the viewer to see that led you to becoming different surfaces in each an artist?

17

piece depending on their perspective. The matte and gloss together highlight and disguise my work depending on the light source. This is on purpose because it makes the viewer get up close and personal to see all of the dimension and detail.

What drives you to continue creating and pursuing your endeavors year after year?

Everyday is a new chance to create something brilliant. It’s what I wake up for in the morning and what gives me the drive to continue what I do.

The fact that I can think of some crazy concept in my head and then run to the studio to make it a reality, is pretty cool! Not many people have that luxury in life, so I’m super grateful that I can do that.

How do you balance of your personal-life and work-life as an artist?

Simple, I work when I’m not doing anything social! Since my studio is in my backyard, it’s very easy for me to work on my projects out there and then break for my personal time with my husband or friends.

More recently, what are some ways that you were able to grow and seize opportunities with your art?

I have had some great opportunities lately with my art. Five years ago I was walking though San Francisco and passed this art gallery that had some incredible pieces on exhibit. I told my partner at the time that one day, I’m going to have my art in here. Time passes by and life happens, and out of the blue, that same gallery contacted me about my work asking if they can display them. I’m currently showing at ZK gallery now in SF!

was a very proud moment in my career! The amount of support from friends, family and new collectors that were at that show will always be a highlight in my life.

Has your career unfolded as you imagined in the beginning? Or has taken on a completely different path? Was it for the worse or better?

My art career is just taking off this year in 2022.

I have limited my commissioned artwork to focus on my own collection/style and it is paying off. I’m so happy that I’m creating what I want to create and always experimenting with new techniques that elevate my work.

What does your dream project look like?

So far, what is your proudest memory/accomplishment as an I would want to create a large art installation artist? at Art Basel in Miami. It’s a dream to be a part of Art Basel which is an international art fair Having my first solo exhibition with so much exposure. If I had a huge budget, in Oakland, CA in 2019 I would love to create something large.

18

What advice would you give to a new professional artist?

1. If you really love creating, never stop and always be consistent in what you do.

2. Have an art Instagram account strictly for artwork.

3. Have a website for your artwork 4. Start relationships with artists and don’t be scared to ask other artist questions about their work.

19

What mark do you want your art to leave on others?

I want my art to evoke conversation, question, and curiosity. My art isn’t political, or controversial, but it’s created to add beauty to this world. I want to be an inspiration to other artists who may have doubted themselves and show them that it’s possible to make it out there.

If the year 2022 was a chapter in the book of “Your Life”, what would you title the chapter reflecting back on the year up yo now?

“Just the beginning”

Any last words for the readers?

Please check out my current collection at ZK gallery in San Francisco. You can also follow me @Nickhartist or my website nickhartist.com

IG: @nickhartist nickhartist.com nickbrianh@gmail.com 20

Psychedelics:

W

The Therapeutic Key to Creativity

hat factors influence creativity? Can creativity be cultivated? Is creativity stimulated through environment? Can creativity be increased through consuming organic compounds and chemicals? The answer to these questions is yes. Research conducted by Dr. Steve Levine and his team at COMPASS pathways, have found that consuming psychedelics not only boost creativity but also help to combat depression, PTSD, and substance abuse.

What is psilocybin and LSD?

Psilocybin and LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) are categorized as psychedelics, and when consumed these compounds produce hallucinations and a myriad of feelings and emotions. Many great icons of the 20th century have achieved great success following a psychedelic experience.

Iconic Psychedelic Figures Great thinkers such as Francis Crick and James Watson discovered the Double Helix DNA strand while under the influence of LSD. American singer, songwriter, and guitarist Jimi Hendrix consumed LSD during the height of the 1960’s counter culture, which was the creative foundation for his 1967 single Purple Haze. Bill Wilson the Co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous consumed LSD and gave him a liberating spiritual awakening— Bill personally believed every diehard alcoholic should try LSD as treatment for addiction.

Legalities Hallucinogenic substances are still illegal at the federal level and are classified as schedule one I drugs along with MDMA. Currently, psychedelics such as psilocybin and MDMA are in phase three of clinical trials, which could legalize psychedelics for depression and PTSD treatment. If phase three is successfully passed Psilocybin and MDMA will become FDA approved for depression, PTSD, and substance abuse therapy. The trials are expected to be complete in 2025.

21

PART 3

THE METAPHYSICS OF ART

22

The

METAPHYSICS of Art

The act of making art is personal— the emotions and thoughts that influence art are intimate to the creator’s mood and disposition— but humans aren’t the only artists, nature creates art as well. From a metaphysical perspective natures art can be found in every living. See these unique geometric patterns that nature creates.

The Fibonacci Spiral:

Leonardo Fibonacci was born in Pisa, Italy in 1175 AD. Fibonacci was a mathematician that created the Golden Ratio also known as the Fibonacci sequence— which is a series of numbers with the pattern of each number being the sum of the previous two. This metaphysical phenomenon is used in art and design known as “The Rule of Thirds” but is recurring in all living things like bees, shells, flowers, and the human body. This sequence is said to be the foundation of all physical matter.

23

Fractals: Fractals were discovered

by Benoit Mandlebrot a mathematician born November 20, 1924, in Warsaw, Poland. Mandlebrot contribution to fractals earned him the nickname “The father of fractals”. fractals”.

A fractal is a continuous series of mathematical shapes that repeats itself forever, in numerology and appearance—you could zoom in and out on a fractal and the appearance will remain the same at any focal length.

Sound: Sound Nature has its own music as well, this form of art is synchronized through frequencies, hertz, and vibrations. Frequencies that emit 40 hertz or higher can heal through sound stimulation by activation of neurons in the brain that ultimately generate vibrations that can felt throughout the whole body Dr. Rose Moten, a psychologist and therapist utilizes sound instruments—like Tibetan singing bowls and gongs during meditation to guide her patients into a healing state simply using frequency and sound as therapy. Research by Oncologist Dr. Mitchell Gaynor have shown that sound therapy can promote healing against Alzheimer's disease, high blood pressure, depression, and cancer.

24

COLOR SPECTRUM

Like sound colors have frequencies, colors are measured in nanometers and are wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.

The length of the wave generated will dictate the color that your eyes will perceive—with red being the lowest frequency and longest wavelength, and violet/purple being the highest frequency and shortest wavelength.

Color is a lot more complex than many know, since colors are frequencies and vibrations they have the capacity to influence your emotions and decisions—for better or worse. For example, when corporations are in the branding process the marketing team is strategicly selecting a color scheme that will invoke certain emotions in their target market of buyers.

25

Orignating in China, there is an ancient practice known as Feng Shui where buildings, objects, and colors are arranged to stimulate peace, balance, and harmony. In western culture we use interior design combined and color to achieve Feng Shui. To cultivate Feng Shui interior designers utilize various colors that have a signficgnat impact on ones mood and energy expenditure. See the chart below to under stand how colors can improve your home's vibe.

Even something as simple as when an artist is painting a portrait, that artist is using different colors (frequencies/vibrations) that will ultimately elicit various emotions depending on the color that is being utilized, so even the art we interact with and consume is influencing us unconsciously.

26

27

A S H L E Y R A A G A N

shley Ragan also known by her art pseudonym as Lady Junkrat is a Georgia native and abstract artist that paints her emotions in a unique and intriguing way. Ashley’s art has a vibrant and edgy look that flows flawlessly. Lady Junkrat isn’t one dimensional, she’s into using spray cans and every now and then painting murals. Along with being artsy, Ashley also partakes in photography with her fiance.

Your probaby wondering how Ashley came up with the dope art name “Lady Junkrat” Junkrat” well wonder no more!

"Several years ago I worked in the vape industry. I

needed to create an account on ig to represent my company, but I was also interested in being a vape influencer (super lame idea now) and I wanted to find a name that didn’t have any weird alterations. At the time I played a lot of Overwatch, and Junkrat is my favorite character, thus the birth of Lady Junkrat. I like that it carried on into my art life, because I feel, if anything, it’s very memorable.

28

"

I n t e r v i e w

Lady Junkrat Hi Ashley, share with the readers about your self?

I’m a human being on planet earth just looking to find my place. I’ll be 35 this year but it doesn’t really feel like it. I think that aging is a privilege, so I’m not mad at it.

Are you originally from Sacramento, if so which part? If not, where are you from?

I’m from Georgia, right outside of Atlanta. (Nobody calls it Hotlanta). I love Sacramento and find it a super satisfying place to immerse myself in.

Small but mighty is the best way for me to define my feelings about Sac. When did your interest in art begin?

Since I was a kid, I was always drawing, painting, playing with things that weren’t supposed to be art supplies-

29

I really don’t know! I’d say I put a lot of focus on the color. I’ll pick one color as a base, then add a second color with lines and movement. That process continues until What is your style of I feel that the painting is art? How would desupposedly done. I really scribe your art? enjoy bright vivid colors, but when I was younger, I would say my art is I made a lot of dark art. intuitive abstract. Most I think art is how I most people ask me what I’m clearly express my emopainting, and I tend to tions, and at a young age answer “I don’t know” or I had a good amount of say “I have no idea what difficulties emotionally.

I’m doing.” I don’t mean that in a negative way, More recently, what more so I just don’t plan are some ways that my work. To me art is you were able to grow one of the strongest ways and seize opportunities to be spiritually connect- with your art? ed. Like meditation, art is the place where I sim- Being in Sacramento and ply exist without think- meeting so many creative people was the first time ing- at least when I get I realized that one could into a flow state. really succeed at this as a career. My first opporWhat does your creative process look like? tunity out here was for a How do you come up coffee company that was with those cool intrion K street. I got to help cate colorful designs? paint a couple of murals with friends and eventua it was very clear from early on that creativity was part of me, even though I seem to have spent a good majority of my life avoiding it.

ally found myself painting my own walls. It did make me realize that I didn’t want to be a muralist after all the work, but I’ll still help someone else.

So far, what is your proudest memory/ accomplishment as an artist?

Honestly, it will always be when someone wants a piece I’ve created. I can’t tell you how easy it is to get in my head, and tell myself that I’m not good enough. But then someone always randomly appears and wants to but a piece. I believe that my paintings are meant for the people who fall in love with them, so when they find their home, it is a feeling unlike any other.

Has your career unfolded as you imagined in the beginning?

Or has taken on a completely different path?

Was it for the worse or better?

It’s definitely taken many turns, I love creating,

"Chaos Chaos"" I love painting. I have learned it takes a fierce amount of dedication to be a full time artist, and maybe that isn’t what I want to be, but it doesn’t change the fact that I will always be an artist. I learned I love spray paint, but I’m not very good at it! Overall I’m happiest when I create because I want to, not because I have to.

What advice would you give to a new professional artist?

Take your business seriously. Be as organized as you can be. Learn to network. Just because someone is popular, doesn’t mean they are a good person. Always have a contract or written agreement if you do ANYTHING with money involved. It’s good to learn from others, but in the end follow your own path.

30

In your opinion, what makes art so special and powerful?

As mentioned before, the spiritual connection to creating. You don’t have to be at a specific level of talent to create. Creativity is vital, and people don’t realize how many things they do are actually creative.

I think for myself, creativity is my way of connecting to the greatness we as humans do not completely understand, therefore I cherish my abilities (but I’m still very hard on myself!)

If the year 2022 was a chapter in the book of “Your Life," what would you title the chapter reflecting back on the year up to now?

“Damn you got everything you wanted and it turns out you didn’t need all that anxiety about things.”

Anything else you would like to add?

Even if you doubt the heck outta yourself, If you want it, GO FOR IT. Discipline is an amazing force, and you can be afraid, but don’t make decisions based in fear. Also, always have your own back.

31

"Blue Devil"

“Even if you doubt the heck

outta yourself, If you want it, GO FOR IT. IT. Discipline is an amazing force, and you can be afraid, but don’t make decisions based in fear. Also, always have your own back.

"

- Ashley Ragan

To see more of Ashley's art visit

LadyJunkratetsy.com

"Pretty Ugly"

32

GRAND OPENING: Here's the scoop: Date:: December 3rd, 2022 Date Time:: 2:00 Time Theme:: Theme

pm

Pajama Jammy Jam!

erealism is a cereal bar & cafe that is C sure to brighten your day. They specialize in everything cereal! The Grand Opening will have some cerealously delicious treats like the tasty Cereal Sushi desert and much much more.

And for the all the content creators Cerealism offer a unique concierge service, they also host birthday's for a Special day.

Hours are: Weekdays: 9:00 AM-10:00 PM Weekdends: 9:00 AM - 1:00 AM 33

Visit the offical instagram page @cerealismsac For all updates!

34