In a world where art serves as a mirror to society's soul, Ayuna emerges as a beacon of transformative creativity. With a meticulous blend of innate talent and honed craftsmanship, Ayuna's art transcends mere visuals, resonating deeply with the human experience. Through an introspective lens, Ayuna navigates the intricate balance between creativity and discipline, redefining success as a journey of everyday fulfilment and heartfelt connection. Her artistic odyssey is not just a personal quest but a societal reflection, challenging the boundaries of ethics and the role of artists in contemporary culture. As Ayuna's narrative unfolds, her commitment to infusing goodness into her storytelling becomes evident, weaving narratives of hope and regeneration amidst the chaos of our world. Join us as we delve into Ayuna's world, where nature, personas, and the pursuit of timeless beauty converge to inspire and uplift.

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Discuss the balance between innate creativity and the skills honed through education and practice.

Creating is a process of observation, thinking about a subject in many ways, and repeated practice. And this almost disciplined process is not the opposite of discovering your own uniqueness, your own innate creativity. Rather, even in the process of honing your skills, you can come up with new ideas by changing your perspective and thinking differently. This can lead to a work with a new perspective. The two elements, creativity and craftsmanship, are too intertwined to be a dichotomy. A true artist must move freely and fluidly between the two, finding a flourishing moment that comes from a perfect balance between them. 

Reflect on your younger self’s aspirations. How has your definition of success evolved with experience?

When I was younger than I am now, I used to think that success was all about winning lots of awards and having important exhibitions for my career. I was under pressure to prove myself and do what only I could do. 

 

But over time I've come to realize that real success is about feeling the fullness of everyday life on a stable foundation of living each day fully and faithfully, giving and receiving love. Doing what you are given to do every day and sharing warm emotions with people, this accumulation of small happiness in everyday life actually fills the void inside you and helps you create better art. You can run longer when you are healthy. 

Discuss your strategies for staying motivated and continually finding inspiration in your artistic practice.

The first thing that comes to mind is the many times I have failed and felt like I was standing on the edge of a blade. I wondered if I was living too far in the future and only for the ideal, not in the present. Then I would go out into nature or to an art gallery. I would see the things I loved, savour them, think about them and contemplate their beauty. And then something would become clear in my mind, something that was more hope than despair, and I would think about what I really wanted in the present, and I would get a little more specific about what I wanted to express. 

Contemplate the role and responsibilities of an artist in society today. How do you perceive the role of an artist in today's society? 

In my opinion, there are too many artists who create immoral work in the name of artistic freedom. Some people ask why art should be ethical, but because in the past we thought that art and ethics were two separate things, there have been many works that use art as a weapon to dehumanise people, and society has been influenced by this, which has led to an increase in copycat crimes. The sense of ethics has also become blurred. Of course, you can deliberately use provocative material to provoke a critical consciousness, but the public won't notice, and if the cultural level is so low that they can't distinguish between art and reality, I think artists should reflect the level of the public. 

 

And is it possible for an artist to completely separate their ideas from their work and create art? I'm not suggesting that artists should be held to an overly strict standard in their personal lives - if they commit inhumane crimes, they should at least be held accountable for them - but how does the way the public embraces and consumes the work of actors and directors who have committed crimes like paedophilia or gangrape really affect reality? 

Discuss the importance of messaging in your art and the audience’s understanding of it. How crucial is it for your audience to grasp the message behind your artwork? Do you create with a specific message in mind, and how do you gauge its reception?

The message that I consistently try to convey in my work is that we can still survive in this violent world. To better convey my message, I have chosen to tell my work as a story. Within my stories, I have created personas, my personas become a guide to lead the viewer into the nature in the work. The audience and I come from different cultures and environments, so the way they understand my work will be different. Their perspective may be different from mine, but if they feel the core message I'm trying to convey - life, regeneration, comfort, hope - then we have made a connection. And if they feel empowered by my work, then that's exactly what I'm trying to achieve. 

Share your sources of inspiration. What are your primary sources of inspiration? Do these come from personal experiences, observations, history, nature, or other artists? Can you give specific examples of how these inspirations have manifested in your work?

I love nature, and the connection between nature and personas is a major motif in my work. And if I could add one more thing, I create because I wish there were more stories about goodness. Making ‘evil’ a compelling character is also a product of the past. It's a cliché to make selfish, cynical characters more narratively and attractive than they need to be. Now, I create with the idea that we need more stories that talk about goodness and warmth-heartedness, and how admirable it is when a character chooses the right thing and sticks to it. 

Describe five steps you are taking to ensure your continual growth and development as an artist.

✧ Keeping a regular daily routine. 

✧ Finding good artwork and exploring why it feels good.

✧ Experimenting with new references in my work.

✧ Getting a chance to get a variety of opinions on my work (it's quite hard, most people just want to say what sounds good, but getting a critical opinion is very important).

✧ Lastly, finding a sense of stability in my life to keep me grounded in the instability of art.

Identify five habits or concerns that you are actively working to change or release from your artistic practice.

✧ First, not to touch toxic paints too much. 

✧ Second, not to get so caught up in my artwork that I don't think about it all day.

✧ Third, not to push myself to finish too quickly, this may not necessarily be related to the artwork, but it's important to me, so I include it. Because art comes after your healthy existence. 

✧ Fourth, to reduce dysfunctional thinking. 

✧ Fifth, when I am really depressed or anxious, to work out until I sweat and stop overthinking. 

What are your long-term goals and aspirations as a professional artist?

Besides exhibitions...there's a chance that my work will be seen on the internet. And if I can intrigue the people, they might want to see more. I hope that the viewer will feel the life inherent in my work and that my work will resonate with the life in them, and spark new energy. And after seeing good work, you look at the world differently. A tense, inspiring feeling. My goal is to keep making artwork like that, and I want to be remembered as an artist who creates timeless beauty.

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As Ayuna charts her course through the ever-evolving landscape of artistry, her journey reflects a commitment to growth, empathy, and enduring beauty. With each stroke of her brush and each narrative thread she weaves, Ayuna invites us to reimagine our world through the prism of goodness and hope. Her dedication to staying grounded, seeking inspiration in nature, and fostering connections with her audience underscores her vision of art as a catalyst for positive change. Continue exploring Ayuna's artistry and creativity via her Artit portfolio.