Meet Wilma Arts: Artist & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Wilma Arts and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wilma, what inspires you?
Inspiration comes to me in waves and I get inspired by a number of things. I can get inspired by everyday things such as the beauty of nature while going on a walk, watching a movie, talking to a friend or by simply relaxing and resting my brain, giving it the space to create inspiration within itself. But I also get inspired by my emotions and the need to express them, I’ve always felt as if I was better at expressing myself through visuals rather than words so therefore art has been my number one way of expression for a very very long time. I’m also inspired by other people and their art. Seeing people express themselves and have good work ethic makes me wanna do the same thing and there is so much good art out there that keeps me constantly inspired. Conversations with friends about art related things always leave me with that feeling of willingness to make something new, talking to likeminded people is so powerful when it comes to inspiring you and it’s highly underrated if you ask me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been making art for most of my life but I have been doing it consistently and more seriously for a little more than 4 years now. The reason that I started making art was to use it as a coping mechanism in life. I’ve had trouble with knowing how to sort out my emotions so making art was like a meditative process for me and something that always helped me stay grounded. My initial thought was never to eventually end up with it as my profession (which fyi, I’m not fully there yet) because I come from quite a small town where those types of jobs aren’t really presented to you so I had to pave that way for myself and it’s something that I’m still working on. And it hasn’t been easy. Figuring out how to do something that you’ve never done before, with minimal help from others while also being someone who gets overwhelmed easily is making the process slow. But I’m someone so stubborn and determined and when I’m passionate about something and truly want to do it, I make it happen for myself. I didn’t fully start believing in my art as far as making a living of off it goes until last year, 2020 when my work suddenly recieved a lot more attention than it had been for the past 4 years. There were many many moments where my hardwork simply felt as if it wasn’t paying off in the slightest but giving up has never been an option for me, I get that from my dad. My need to express myself through art will never die and it’s something that I crave so intensely that I can set aside my physical and mental well being for it, which is not something that I condone but it’s my reality. Art is a very slow process and it’s something that has taught me so much patience. My art is for all of those people who are like me, who have struggled with life but who still want to see the beauty in it, for those that struggle with feeling like there isn’t a place for you, so you have to create one for yourself where you can feel safe and protected and fully like yourself. I wish people who enjoy my art to get their eyes to open up to a new world and for those who enjoy my photoghrapy to see the small details that can make life so beautiful.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents have always been supportive of me doing my own thing and even encouraged it. They have been excellent with supplying me with the resources and tools I’ve needed to do what makes me happy and that will always mean so much to me. They are both really hardworking people which has been inspiring for me to see aswell and I’ll always be so grateful for the life they’ve given me and the unconditional love and support.

Instagram: wilmaarts_

Twitter: wilma_arts

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIRGWkLoLrXvvw2hJhXz6mg