Today we’d like to introduce you to Dayana Juarez.
Hi Dayana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up I have always been creative, I loved coloring as a child and have always asked for art materials. I would draw with my friends and by myself. My mother has always nurtured that side of me. I never stopped creating, I made the decision that I wanted to improve my drawing at the age of 13 . I remember thinking that I wanted to be great at something, I already enjoyed art so I committed to improve my skills. Drawing materials were really accessible and I would draw on my notes in middle school. I would look at YouTube drawing tutorials and draw daily on my sketchbook. When I entered highschool, I didn’t have any extra circular activities as a freshman but I would take it upon myself to make sure I would make art afterschool. Around that time I felt very alone and art really helped me feel better. Sophmore year of highschool I met my art teacher Ms.Singh, she noticed that I could draw and would give me ideas, giving me excitement to draw what she envisioned. I then met Jessica Care Moore & Sabrina Nelson, the both mentored me. Sabrina encouraged me to apply to CCS. Although I have always had this creative drive in me, I really appreciate my mentors who have given me opportunities and the confidence to pursue this as my profession. I graduated CCS in 2022, I am now a teaching artist. I teach continuing education for CCS and other afterschool programs, its all seasonal so I don’t teach art full-time. I paint for myself and my work has been shown in various galleries through Detroit. I also do commission work.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Dedicating as much time as CCS demanding was sometimes a struggle. A struggle to keep up with my own mental health, sleep, and social life. It seemed like I had to sacrifice certain parts of myself to be a student full time. I learned so much about myself in relation to my art, so I enojoyed certain moments. I do not miss sleeping anxiously for 2 hours and pulling all nighters for projects. At some point I was losing hair from stress that school was causing. I am still very grateful for the experience , I had a great scholarship and met amazing artists. To feel so much discomfort , that made me grow and I became aware of how much I can push myself. Not sure if I will ever work in that extremity again but knowing that I can, it helps me gauge how much work I can do for projects. At the moment I am balancing work and play, being able to be in my studio when maybe I do not feel like it but I have people relaying on me for their commission. Play, to just exist and have a good time, contributing to my creative process. Not staying in either state for long periods of time because then I’ll forget to take care of my body when I get obessive with being in the studio. Or it will take me a while to start creating when I want to be out with friends at the gym/ dancing or in nature. I can be a perfectionist so I tend to procrastinate especially if I’m having fun.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am well versed in 2d meduims. My absolute favorite is working with oil paint, they’re just so buttery and I can take my time with them. I am known for my Dreamscapes, taking my viewers to a surreal place that is filled with cosmic symbolism. I am most proud that I am able to get strong reactions from people. My paintings are an extension of who I am, it’s a vulnerable experience for me. Most of my paintings are a visual documentaion of my dreams, its a way that I process them and they have impacted me so much that I decided to share that with the world. So seeing those strong reactions, that means so much to me.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see my work evolving in the same subject matter that is spiritual art. I have so many ideas that I can’t share yet, I would rather show you over time. It’s only going to get better. I am excited to be in that process now and for those that enjoy my art to be excited with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dayanajuarez.art/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dayana_313/
