Interview with Elisa Mystica
Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.
I was born Artist. As much as I have tried to follow the social pressure of having a “normal” career, I have come to realize and accept that it’s just not for me. I have a bachelor degree in marketing and communications, and I’ve worked mostly in the retails and hospitality industries. But I’m a dreamer, a visionary, and a sensitive. As I have been embracing this truth about me in the last 4 years, so much has opened up for me: opportunities, personal healing, expansion in all aspects of life, a sense of fulfillment, etc. Art is an inherent part of my soul. Art is my way of living, Art is my spiritual practice.
Can you tell us more about the themes in your art and your inspiration?
My inspiration is my own journey as a spiritual woman in a modern world. I like to say that my work is an intuitive exploration of feminine archetypes, cosmic symbols and mystical themes. I use the imaginary realism and visionary art genres to illustrate the sense of inner and outer beauty that is felt when the feminine is honored and embraced in all her glory. Recently, I have been exploring the animal realm and incorporating more sacred symbols in my art, which both have always spoken to me deeply but for some reason, I felt intimidating to fully engage with those archetypes. I believe in divine timing and that all resistance and opportunities exist for a reason. After years of deep inner work and authentic embodiment healing, I now feel ready to let this part of my soul come alive and be shared. Finally, my use of the pastel palette and whimsical elements like little bubbles, sparkles and cotton-candy clouds, comes from my desire to convey in the witness of these paintings, a feeling of calm, of being softly held, playfully empowered, and hopeful of the coming of a peaceful and united world.
Could you share any difficulties and hardships you had to face in life and how or if you managed/overcame them?
The first thing that comes to mind is around the balance needed between surrendering to the creative flow, and the discipline and practicality that comes with running a business. It can be easy to fall into the trap of putting pressure on the art to become the main source of revenue. Or putting all creative energies into marketing, and social media content creation, then being exhausted to sit at the easel and create new art. For a while I let myself be defeated by not making sales for weeks, but at the same time, not showing up in the studio and actually embodying the artist archetype. Then at some point I asked myself: “Do I really want this? Am I really an artist?”. The answer was Yes, of course. And it became clear that if that's really what my soul calling is, the only thing to do was to make art, to focus on the incredible aliveness it was awakening in me everytime, and not worry about the rest.
What practical advice can you give to fellow artists?
My first advice is directly connected to the previous question: I strongly recommend keeping your day job and allow the inner artist to be free of any pressure to be the income maker. As hard a truth it is to acknowledge for some, financial security, along with health, is the foundation of living a stable life in this modern world. Focus on creating for the joy that it brings first and foremost. Then, as it becomes sustainable, it’ll be much less scary to reduce your hours at work and slowly transition into making art full time.
I’d also recommend saving money to do a marketing course specialized for artists, and learn the basics of structuring your business, how to refine your style and your message, how to use social media to your advantage, as well as finding out all the other avenues possible for putting your art in front of the right eyes. There are many resources available online and at reasonable prices.
What are you working on at the moment and are there any upcoming events you would like to talk about?
I’m currently working on building a collection for my first solo show. I don’t have a date and location yet but it’s really something I’m ready to make happen. I get a strong sense that this year and next year are the chapters where my journey gains momentum and where I share myself fully. I am also starting to offer painting workshops for women, where we work with the moon and the menstrual cycle as guides to the creation journey.
I’m also thrilled to share that this year, I will be present at the Earth Daughters Festival on the weekend of Summer Solstice, happening in British Columbia, Canada. I’m going to be leading a Yoni painting workshop, and working live on a giant Goddess painting all weekend!
website: www.elisamystica.com
social media: Instagram @elisamystica
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