Can We Transform Broken Pieces Into a Foundation of Strength and Beauty? My Guest: Elena Øhlander, Visual Artist and Cultural Storyteller

Schmooze with Suze

Imagine a world where shattered pieces become the foundation of strength and beauty. Visual artist and cultural storyteller Elena Øhlander shares her experience with Kintsugi, revealing the profound lessons it imparts about identity and self-acceptance. Our conversation weaves through the complex threads of the experienced cultural diaspora, societal perceptions, and historical narratives, offering a fresh perspective on how embracing imperfections can redefine our sense of self and belonging.
Elena's journey is a tapestry of self-reflection, where the art of Kintsugi mirrors her own path of artistic expression and identity exploration. We discuss how childhood experiences and imaginative curiosity fuel creativity and connect us to a larger world. As we celebrate unconventional beauty, we also uncover the power of art to foster empathy and cultural understanding, allowing us to find common ground amidst diversity.
The episode crescendos with a focus on empowerment through mentorship and community involvement. Elena shares her transition to the liberating embrace of full-time artistry, underscoring the significance of mentorship and community in Jacksonville. The conversation highlights resilience, honoring unsung heroes, and the enduring impact of art as a catalyst for change. Join us as we push life's boundaries, inspired by the transformative potential of art and the beauty of imperfection.
BIO | ARTIST STATEMENT

Elena Øhlander (b. 1988) is a visual artist and muralist working in the medium of mixed-media illustration, currently residing in Jacksonville, Florida. She obtained her BFA in Photography from The Art Institute of Jacksonville in 2014 and is actively pursuing her MFA in Painting + Drawing from the University of Florida.

Her work explores identity, individuality, gender issues, societal gaze, and social justice. She utilizes a contrived scenario, characterization of her own likeness, intentional use of semiotics, and the psychology of color to build her vernacular.

Her emphasis of hyphenated American identity is used as a comparative lens that focuses on Asian diaspora awareness and unification to society at large - investigating issues surrounding cultural preservation and historical memory.

https://www.elenaohlander.com/
#ViewsWithSuze #Art #Artist #Mural #Muralist #Kintsugi #JapaneseArt
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