Heyyy, thank YOU for coming to hang out! We thought we would let you know a little bit about our story and how we got here. We hope along our journey, we’ll get to know a little more about you too!
I began my journey as a visual artist in early 2015. With the artistic gene running thru my veins, functioning as a poet and spoken word artist (another story for another day), I began to transition to the visual arts. Upon hearing a powerful message one day, a visual of the message stuck in my head, prompting me to attempt to draw it. With no prior training (and not a clue what to look for) I purchased some art supplies.
On my first canvas ever, I drew 2 sets of hands, a front view and a back view. I was so proud! My husband, my greatest supporter, recognized my gifting and heartily praised me (bonus: my 2nd drawing was a flower he designed for me with a 3D printer, cue the awwwe). He immediately took me to Barnes & Nobles to pick out a sketch book. It took a little over a year for me to embrace the title of an "artist". I started off drawing what I could see, then settled into abstract painting. I was not sure what I was waiting for, but I couldn't bring myself to quite embrace that I produced “quality” work.
I still remember the day a wonderful couple, believing in me, gave me a gift card to Michaels. I was giddy like a kid at a candy store! There were so many bright colors and tools and brushes! Which color do I pick, which tool do I choose first?!? On another occasion, my sister gifted me some professional grade art supplies, and I was beyond excited (yet scared) to try my hand at them. What if I messed up and wasted these high quality supplies? I did mess up, but I also got some things right! These and a few other key moments paved the way to my professional career.
After much deliberation (and nudging from my husband) I accepted that my work was at a professional level! I opened an Etsy shop in 2017 and participated in my first art show in 2018. With the support and internet savvy skills of my husband, we opened the (virtual) doors to Gifts By Selena in 2019. I was asked to do my first commissioned painting in 2021 (by another very talented artist, which simultaneously touched my heart and scared me). Not to mention I put a hole in the canvas close to the due date and had to start all over!
My journey has been filled with excitement, disappointment, disbelief, fear and awe at what I have created. The support and encouragement of a few key people have helped shape me into who I am today. I still have a way to go in fine tuning my skills. I desire to be like the artists of old times, where you can look at a painting and say "oh that's definitely a Selena!" We hope you will enjoy each work of art you bring home or gift, as much as I have enjoyed creating them (and my husband naming many). And who knows, maybe you’ll find a piece that will spark creativity in you (or someone else) and they too will begin a journey of self discovery!
