AHC: Can you tell us a bit about your process, themes & inspirations? Ariana: My process is always shifting, but one constant is I rely heavily on my intuition to make art. The theme of my work is skin and the body, specifically my experience in my own skin/body. I use this experience as inspiration. I pay attention to what I'm drawn to, what catches my eye, what makes me think. Sometimes I'll have a basic design idea and then once I get working on it, it totally morphs into something bigger than I could've imagined. I let the process guide me as much as I'm guiding it. AHC: What first drew you to art? Was there a specific moment in your life or turning point where it became clear to you that you were being called to create? Ariana: In college I was a double major in art/photography and psychology. I realized that I could find more answers and options in art than psychology, and things made more sense to me in the art space. Luckily I had great professors in both undergrad and graduate school that encouraged and challenged me, helping me find and trust my desire to make art. Then once I realized the potential to make a difference with my work, there was no turning back. AHC: Who are some of your artistic influences? Is there anyone outside of the art world who has had a huge impact on your work or who just generally inspires you, writers, filmmakers, musicians, philosophers etc? Ariana: I really love the work of Janine Antoni, Yayoi Kusama, Eva Hesse, Cindy Sherman, Louise Bourgeois, Ana Mendieta, Hannah Wilke, Deana Lawson, Wangechi Mutu, and Carolee Schneeman, amongst others. The way they're unapologetic about their physicality, femininity, and the beauty and grossness of being human really speaks to me. I've always loved music--hip hop, experimental/electronic music, R&B, etc. People like Grace Jones, Mary J. Blige, De La Soul, Herbie Hancock and Kraftwerk are some favs that come to mind. Also, reading Nietzsche, Gloria Steinem, Freud, Jung and various artist's writings has inspired me over the years. As has looking at anatomical models used in the medical field. AHC: In turning an involuntary physical condition (dermatographia) into a form of self and artistic expression, what, for you, have been the most profound effects in this approach, do you feel it has empowered or help lessen the sense of helplessness that might otherwise loom heavy over such a condition? Also could you talk a bit about the support you give to others with this condition on your site Skintome? Certainly providing a platform where a community of people are able to share their stories or fears and where you are able to offer advice and empathy must be very humbling and rewarding in ways that are hard to measure. Ariana: In high school and college I knew I had some kind of skin condition that caused my skin to welt up, but never knew the name. Luckily I saw a doctor that knew what it was! She told me the name and I was able to find out more about dermatographia. There are many people who have the condition and don't even know what it is. They feel alone and helpless in their experience of it, so I've made it my mission to spread the word about what it is and how to treat it, so people don't have to suffer alone. My work has reached an audience all over the world (which always blows my mind!). No matter the culture or location, everyone has something about their skin/body that they're uncomfortable with (dermatographia or not). I've created a space for people to unite in their self-consciousness, share how they feel, and also share self-care tips and stories about their skin. And yes, it is humbling and rewarding in ways that are hard to measure. It's been the best thing to come out of my artwork! I love connecting with people and learning their stories. That's where the name Skintome comes from: stories (like tomes) of sensitive skin. AHC: Could to talk some about your work as an artist coach, and what you find most rewarding about this role of helping other artists to clarify their vision, trust their voice and find the compass points, the true Norths of their artistic stories? Ariana: With my artist coaching I help people discover how to make powerful artwork that organically reaches a wide audience. It's all about looking within and to your own experience for inspiration--this has been my path and has been such a rewarding experience, I love for others to know what it feels like. I also offer support to artists, reassuring them that they're on the right path. Within that support there's guidance and feedback on what they're making. AHC: You write that "a body is an index of passing time" and that it tells the story of "How we have laughed, loved, healed and grown through the lines, the moles, the blemishes and scars." I love this description and I think it holds true for all of us in ways that, perhaps, we don't always take the "time" to think about and to really take seriously, to listen to the story that our body's and our skin are telling us. Could you talk about the importance of the body's narrative? Ariana: Paying attention to the body is one of the most important things we can do as human beings. Not just for art making, but also for our health. When something goes 'wrong' with us, it's often the body's way of asking for help. Maybe you need more veggies in your diet, more sleep, less sugar, more water.... or maybe it's a deep tension that makes itself known. Like some kind of trauma or grief that still exists within and needs to be released. The body holds so much information! We're like walking books, waiting to be read. I'm always amazed at how awesome bodies are! AHC: What is the first work of art you encountered that took your breath away? Ariana: Hmmmm that's a tough one. I can't remember one piece in particular, but I've always been drawn to work about the body--especially by women. Anything that makes me tingle, or reach a certain awareness about my own physicality, will take my breath away. I love it when that happens!! Carolee Schneeman's Interior Scroll certainly does that. As does Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Room, Janine Antoni's Saddle, and Hannah Wilke's and Cindy Sherman's self-portraits. Also, years ago I saw an Eva Hesse retrospective at SFMoMA that helped me see how poetic art can be. That entire show took my breath away. AHC: Do you have any upcoming exhibits or new projects you'd like to tell people about? Ariana: I'm in a show at MassArt in Boston that just opened this week. Also, in October I'll have a solo exhibition at NYU in the Medical and Science gallery. You can find out more at http://arianapagerussell.com/vitae/. Also, feel free to sign up for my mailing list at either arianapagerussell.com or skintome.com to stay abreast of my art news :) Comments are closed.
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December 2024
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