Meet Elayna Alexandra… “She believes that art is a powerful vessel for communication, self knowledge, healing and much more, and that this expression of creativity should be a part of every day life…”
A fine artist, illustrator, graphic designer, web designer and art instructor Elayna Alexandra, enjoys the versatility of art. She believes that art is a powerful vessel for communication, self knowledge, healing and much more, and that this expression of creativity should be a part of every day life. After twenty-two plus surgeries for her disability pseudarthrosis, she knows that finding a voice, which she has found through art, and using it is part of what makes our lives valuable and important.
What do you create?
I create many different styles of work. Digital fine art prints, acrylic canvases, I have illustrated a children’s book, and love to do children’s drawings in addition photography, atc, postcards and greeting cards. If it is considered art, I want to make it.
What are your favorite techniques and/or supplies?
I love just about everything for different reasons. Golden paints are wonderful and I love their different mediums that allow me to build up my canvases.
Tell us about your creative process.
I work pretty quickly on my acrylics, using big strokes. In contrast when I work in watercolor I first sketch my work out, then use a light board to transfer my final drawing to watercolor paper and then work carefully adding color. When I create digital work, I start by opening photos that I love and start layering these together then I finalize by adding many more details. My digital work can take hours and sometimes days to get it “right.”
In what ways do you live artfully?
I work on something artistically everyday. A quick sketch in my notebook, or a full painting. I spend my days day dreaming about a time when my space is larger enough that I can spend my days creating all the ideas that run through my head.
Do you sell your art? If so, where is it available for purchase?
I do sell my work, anyone can purchase it through me directly by contacting me. I also always have my current show featured on my website which is another place to purchase work through.
What is your personal motto or mantra?
Art is my language, I have to speak, so I must make art.
What is your favorite topic that you’ve participated in at Inspire Me Thursday?
DNA
Anything else you would like to share about yourself?
I am very excited to go to Washington D.C. in November for an award I won on my artwork.
[You can read all about Elayna's recent award -- and spot in an exhibit at the Smithsonian! -- here. Congratulations, Elayna!]
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It was wonderful to read about you, your inspiration, and your creative process. Congratulations on your award and thank you for all your participation on this site!
It is humbling to be someone with health at their fingertips and yet to see such pure beauty come from one who has lived with pain her entire life. You are truly a gifted artist and an inspiration. My daughter is 10 and in gifted art. I plan on showing your website to her tomorrow. I know she will love it and learn from it.