Meet Aileen Escarpio | Science Teacher and Artist

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

Hi Aileen, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In 2019, my family felt called to move to Georgia after being born and raised in Miami, Florida. The change would allow me to work part time as a teacher at my son’s small school but also came with a big adjustment in our family budget. Then the world came to a halt in 2020 and I needed an outlet. I had been creative all my life but focused on making art for my family and friends. I finally had the courage – and need – to try to sell my work to strangers and opened up my Etsy shop and Instagram account to promote and sell my art. The business allowed me to use my creative abilities to deal with the slower pace during that time and helped to supplement my family income.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
This journey for me has been almost 50 years in the making and it isn’t over yet. I’ve been creative for as long as I can remember and as a child I dabbled in drawing, painting, sewing and any kind of craft work I could think of. I even remember sketching cats or mermaids and selling them to classmates for 25 cents until my parents made me give back all the money I made. Although my mind has always raced with so many different thoughts, creating has always given me a sense of peace. As I got older, I realized that when I create, I feel closest to God. My faith is what drives me and once I realized that I was called to create art that glorifies God, I started to paint in a much more meaningful way. I love seeing others’ interpretation of sacred art and continuously learn and have slowly found my own style. A little bit traditional and a little bit contemporary, my depiction of the religious and its symbols incorporate bright colors and simple lines. I was once told by a friend that she loved my image of the Holy Family because it drew her young family in with its colors and lines. I want my art to bring families together and especially closer to God. This hasn’t come without challenges. Since this is not my primary job, I have to make the time to set up product listings, promote on social media and most importantly paint and create new images. I have also realized that when I start thinking about what will sell rather than what I am called to create, I lose focus and that sense of peace. When that occurs, I go back to a place of prayer and bring my attention back to the main purpose of my art – to glorify God and help others to do so as well. I want my art to bring others joy by drawing them near to the Creator.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I first visited Atlanta almost ten years before moving to the area. Then I brought a group of students a few year later. My favorite place in the city continues to be the Georgia Aquarium. When you visit, you are transformed to an underwater world and completely forget there is the hustle and bustle of a city just outside. It’s a place where all ages can enjoy. Visiting with groups always leads me to Ponce City Market because it has shops and eateries for any taste. I would also take them to some of the small towns just north of Atlanta. Amicalola Falls is always on the list, especially during the fall with the beautiful cascades surrounded by orange, yellow and red foliage. I recommend heading to the resort at the top and have a glass of wine while over looking the Blue Ridge mountains. It took my breath away the first time I saw it and would have loved to capture the view on canvas. The gold mine, wineries and small shops in Dahlonega are usually part of our tour for visitors. If visiting in the summer, definitely cool off in the Chestatee or Chattanooga Rivers while tubing. It’s in nature where I feel most inspired by God’s creation.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I was a teen considering my future career, I was torn between studying to be a chemistry or art teacher and asked my mom for help. She supported any decision I would make but gave me great advice. She told me that if I studied science, I could always do art on the side but I wouldn’t be able to do that with chemistry if I studied art. She loves to remind me that I am finally doing art on the side. However, I would never have been able to put my work out there if I didn’t have the support of my husband and son. They serve as my critics, packing department, delivery department and cheerleaders. They help me get past the imposter syndrome that can easily cause me to pause. There are many more friends who serve as editors, idea suppliers and more.

Website: https://divineinspirationart.etsy.com/

Instagram: @divineinspirationbyame

Other: https://catholiclights.com/store/divine-inspiration-by-ame/

Image Credits
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