Today we’d like to introduce you to Reed Navarro.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Reed. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My entire life I have always felt a desire to create with the intention of connecting to others. Art in every facet whether music, fashion, or painting has always had a part of my heart. But it took being six months pregnant with my second baby, as a stay at home mom, to truly find myself in a creative capacity. I decided to “get a hobby” with my only goal being to find something to make me feel like ME again.
I began to paint and shared my paintings on Instagram and Facebook. I instantly started to build back that human connection through art I was in need of. The more I created the more I fell in love with art all over again. I have only been painting for a year! But my hobby has blossomed into a business. It’s become more than I could’ve ever imagined and I am so excited to see what year two holds!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Full transparency, it has been a super easy road becoming an artist. I think that’s because I did it for me. I never focused on how many likes or sales I had in the beginning. We live in a world where too often we seek validation from others. But I think when you do things that make you feel happy, that are authentic to you, you magically create something people are attracted to. Because instead of trying to be anything else I choose to just be me. I have tried so many different mediums. Most of which I still use. Alcohol inks stole my heart this August and have really become my sweet spot! I think the biggest lesson I have learned as a new artist is to be patient with myself because not every painting will be good but I can learn something from every “mistake” and use that knowledge to create better.
We’d love to hear more about your art.
I am a mixed media artist! I am most known for my alcohol ink pieces. I create on canvas, yupo, and most recently I started using resin. This holiday season I have been selling hand-painted coasters which I cannot keep in stock! I like to challenge myself to use all different types of mediums and I think that is what sets me apart. I am constantly evolving as an artist. I also believe that it’s important to have my art be financially accessible to everyone! So I have some pieces as low as $15. I am so proud of the community that’s building around my art. My collectors and viewers are such positive loving people who make this creative process so fun!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment was this year when strangers across the country started contacting me to purchase my art. Honestly what a compliment! Connecting with others is my goal with my art. Art absolutely sends a message and vibe. I’m the kind of artist who sends a bold colorful message. So to have people who don’t know me be able to connect is so heartwarming!
Contact Info:
- Website: Etsy.com/shop/ReedNavarroArt
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @ReedNavarro_Art
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