Today we’d like to introduce you to Danessa Mayo.
Danessa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began my art business after my graduation from grad school for a clinical psychology PhD program. I’ve been a creative and artistic person my whole life and what’s amazing to finally realize is that I never had to choose between psychology and art—I can do both! I am mostly a self-taught painter who received a Studio Art minor at UC Irvine. What started as a hobby and a dream became an extraordinary journey to bridging my two loves: psychology and art.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Starting my art business and selling my paintings definitely took some time for me to get used to the idea of sharing my artworks with others. For so long, I kept most of my paintings and art-making to myself because I attributed a lot of personal things and process to my work. I often doubted myself in being able to find others who would be able to deeply appreciate my work, especially because my paintings were abstract and expressionistic in style. I was happy and relieved to see that during the times I had yet to share and sell my work, people were already pressing me for inquiries and wanting to know if I could help them with art commission requests. Opening the art business portion of the journey was such fun, and I’ve learned so much about how to debunk the romanticized view of the starving artist.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I run an online art store and sell my abstract expressionist paintings. My painting process is infused with the practice of mindfulness in its creation, which definitely sets my works apart from other abstract painters. Aside from original paintings and prints, I also have a line of mindful art accessories for the home and office, which helps bring me another step closer towards my vision of bridging psychology and the arts.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I look forward to being able to open an art therapy clinic! It’s definitely been a goal of mine to continue to thrive as an artist and mental health clinician. Other goals are mostly to continue to build on my current art and accessories and be able to share my work with more like-minded individuals all over the world.
Pricing:
- Custom original paintings start at $500
Contact Info:
- Website: www.danessa-art.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: danessa_art
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/danessamayo
Image Credit:
Andy Lin
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