Today we’d like to introduce you to X. Darvi.
Hi X. Darvi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been painting for about 10 years now. My journey started when I decided to take an art course in college. Up until that point I’d never painted before, I was only doing pencil drawings on paper. After my first try at a still-life painting, I was instantly in love. I was using oil paint as a preferred medium which later changed to acrylic paint.
I soon left college to live in Massachusetts where I tried to make my way as an artist by networking, but it wasn’t easy in my situation. I ended up back in Vegas staying with family. I was feeling pretty defeated. Slowly but surely though, I began selling some of my original art pieces to friends and family who wanted to support my business. It felt great to know that my art was finding homes to be placed in, but I still was longing to get to the next level as an artist. Once covid hit, it was like the catalyst for my spiritual journey. I let go of so many things that held me back and drew closer to GOD. In the following years, I’d find myself working on healing more than anything. Then, one day I was having a conversation with my nana and TT and she decided then that she would link me with a mentor. I set up a meeting and from there, we talked and had meetings every week after. His name is L.P. Aekili and since I’ve known him, I have learned so many things about what it really takes to be an independent artist. It was like God placed him on my path and for that, I am so grateful.
Today, I can say that I have definitely leveled up as an artist and as a person. So far I have completed two public city art projects, I have had my art displayed inside the Gov. Center’s Rotunda gallery. I have had my artwork up in City Hall’s Chambers gallery, I’ve been awarded four congressional honors, and so many more accomplishments have happened. The biggest key to unlocking my dreams has been to be in accordance with GOD. My story is still being written and I am looking forward to the abundance of opportunities that have yet to come.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I’ve had to learn so many things when it comes to being in the art world, especially when it comes to doing business with different corporations. It can be overwhelming for someone like me who is just a beginner. I know these things take time to understand, so instead, I try to think of them as growing pains.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I paint portraits of black women as my subjects. That is what I am most known for. The medium I work with is acrylic paint and I work on canvases. Though I have recently done a couple of city projects that are done on utility boxes and a brick wall. I’m currently developing my own style of painting. The style I’ve been experimenting with is what I like to describe as “painting in patches”. Similar to block shading, I like to use solid shapes to create lighting and shading throughout an artwork.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Be patient and go with the flow because if it’s meant for you, there is nothing that can stop it from happening. I’ve learned that trusting God and keeping a steady pace are also very important. In 2013 I had just realized that I wanted to be an artist. I was still trying to make my way between time, but I still wasn’t having the breakthrough I was searching for. It wasn’t until 2021 that I’d be met with a mentor that helped open so many doors of opportunity for me as an artist. Now I feel like I’m on the right path and all I have to do is keep walking.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.darvianna.art
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/artist.xdarvi
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artist.xdarvi/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn9d4ljgpP5IPPUeh0PL5qw
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/darvianna-major-1
- Other: www.instagram.com/x.darvi
