Today we’d like to introduce you to Ava Wayland.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My story begins when I was 12 years old and moved to Southlake, Texas from Durango, Colorado. I have always been fond of bringing out my inner artist through painting, coloring, taking photos, singing, and dance. When I moved from my home in the mountains and everything I knew to be my comfort zone, something in me changed. I no longer felt the joy from doing things that brought out my inner artist. I felt alone and isolated. I developed anxiety from not fitting in and struggled at school where all the kids had their groups of friends and I was the outsider. I became depressed and the anxiety became worse. This was the beginning of my journey to find myself and some kind of normal. Entering high school was one of the scariest things I have gone through because I continued to struggle with making friends because of my anxiety. Anxiety is like poison, it gets ahold of you and won’t let you go!
Then one day a friend of my mom’s, Jeriann Severson who happens to be a photographer, asked if I would be her model for a photography project she was working on. I wasn’t at all comfortable with the idea of having my picture taken but thought maybe I’ll learn something about photography. Thanks to Mrs. Severson being so upbeat and outgoing, it helped me not be so shy and insecure about myself and this is where my modeling journey began. I was then connected to a family friend, Hayley Rudolph, who is a model and fashion designer. She taught me some critical things and introduced me to some pretty amazing photographers that helped me get a great start. It was the help of others, and that they saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. All the great people I have meet along the way have helped me overcome being awkward, shy, and insecure.
Please tell us about your art.
I have been a model for a couple years now. I’ve had the privilege to work with some incredibly talented designers, make-up artists and photographers that are all artist in their own way. Modeling is a competitive and hard industry. I am often told I am not tall enough to be a model. I don’t let my height or my anxiety stop me! This is my message. Be who you want to be. Don’t let the negativity from others influence you. Believe in yourself, overcome your fears. Go out on a limb and try something new. I’m so glad I did. I believe modeling brings out everyone’s inner and outer beauty with all kinds of different colors, clothes, and makeup artistry. I hope people can look at my photos and appreciate all of the hard work and dedication I put into creating a visual piece of art.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
Since my artistry is not a traditional form of art, I don’t define success by a tangible measure. I see success as a personal thing. It’s a feeling, not a thing, like how the people I work with respond to my work. It’s seeing a reaction of excitement or joy, or happiness. When a photographer, designer, or make-up artist is excited about the images we create, I feel accomplished. To me, that is success.
The qualities and characteristics I think are essential to success are being prepared, punctual, and professional. If someone shows up late, unprepared, and doesn’t act like a professional, they may be asked to leave. It is super important to respect others time.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work has been published in various magazines such as, Mkovah Magazine, Surreal, Elegant, The Spring Fashion Edition of PUMP Magazine, and IMIRAGE Magazine. More of my work can be seen on a local jewelry designers’ website, Cupid Stone, as well as, Charming Charlie Watters Creek Instagram page. You can also visit my social media pages IG @weamodeling Facebook: Ava Wayland (weamodeling)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weamodeling
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ava.wayland.weamodeling
Image Credit:
Main photo: David Arellano with Carmel Studios
Mi Work Photography
Shinobi Muhammad @Photography by Shinobi
Robert Shurtleff Photography
Jamie House Photo
Brian Page @Page Photography
Kevin Wehrmeister @Not Just Headshots
Phaneendra Gud with GUD Photography
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