Today we’d like to introduce you to Pua Age.
Hi Pua, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I never knew who I was as a teenager and followed the lifestyle of the people I was around. I only wanted to impress my friend group. I began falling behind in high school and ended up dropping out my senior year to help my mom pay bills by working full time. I used my free time and began painting. In 2019 I had my first art showcase & also began a mural mentorship. Since then, I’ve created murals across Seattle, Washington with my mentors. During the covid-19 pandemic, I switched to digital art, creating characters and stories behind them. This is truly what I want to do.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve struggled with learning disabilities and dropping out. Dealing with the disappointment in myself for not graduating high school. I’ve lost a lot of people in my family and some friends. I’ve also struggled with trying to impress other people over being my authentic self.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I now specialize in digital artwork, creating people and characters… I am most proud of my resilience and not trying to fit myself into what’s most popular in the art world (traditional, realism, abstract) and doing what I want to do.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Fear changes people and shows you who they truly are. Social media is toxic, and the masses will run toward whatever is popular in the moment.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/artbynovalani
- Twitter: Twitter.com/artbynovalani
