Tell us about your background and your journey as an artist?
I’m Deryana Dhuzent, a multidisciplinary artist from Mexico. Art has always been my way to express my feelings and navigate life’s challenges. When I was in Mexico, I faced some traumatic events which affected my mental health and that’s one of the reasons why I decided to move away. In 2020, I moved to Canada to study video game development, but my visa stopped me from working after graduating, even when I did find a job. While solving that and with no regular income, I survived by collecting cans, freelancing, and cleaning. My family wanted me to come home, but I needed to become independent and find my identity. Through therapy, I have dealt with past traumas, and this influenced my art deeply. I focus my art on themes like hope, healing, and mental health awareness to inspire others and advocate for equality and ending violence. For me, art is my voice, and I refuse to be silenced ever again!
What inspired you to pursue your artistic outlets?
My creativity has always been a sanctuary for processing emotions and finding peace. Art has changed how I see the world and has been an essential part of my healing and growth. It helps me to navigate my emotions and voice my experiences, reconnecting me with my creative spirit. When visa issues disrupted my plans, my need for survival reignited my entrepreneurial spark. Joining Employ to Empower and Make-It art groups helped me turn my passion into a business, which is why I like to call myself an “artpreneur.”
Who or what has the biggest influence on your art?
My personal experiences and therapy shape my art, focusing on resilience and healing. I get inspired by other artists, workshops, and social media. Supportive communities like Employ to Empower and Make-It encourage me to grow. My experiences have not only influenced the themes and emotions in my artwork but also fueled my passion for advocating for mental health awareness, equality, and ending violence.
How would you describe your unique style and the themes you explore in your art?
My art blends personal healing with social messages, like mental health and equality. It tells stories of resilience, hope, and transformation. Each piece invites viewers to think about important issues and feel emotions. Each brushstroke or pencil line is a form of profound meditation, shaped by my therapeutic process. This integration of personal growth and artistic expression allows me to create meaningful artwork that resonates. My art strives to create a dialogue, evoke emotions, and inspire positive change in people.
Can you tell us about your most cherished project or piece?
“Unyielding Glow” is my favourite painting. It marks a new chapter in my artistic journey and personal growth, symbolizing strength, resilience, and self-worth. The glow-in-the-dark elements represent my spirituality, and the gold leaf highlights the strength and value I’ve discovered in myself and my art. Creating this piece was a deeply personal process, showcasing the transformative power of self-love and healing. It was featured at “The Space that Holds Us,” a major community art show organized by my art group and other non-profits. Here’s my artist’s statement for “Unyielding Glow”: “This painting marks a new chapter in my art and personal growth. Everything in this painting is interconnected, representing spirit, mind, and body like an infinite loop. It symbolizes evolution in my style and emotional, physical, and spiritual growth. ‘Unyielding Glow’ reflects my journey this year: shining without fear, growing, improving, and embracing health. It’s a daily reminder of my determination, resilience, and unbreakable spirit.”
What obstacles have you faced in your journey, and how did you overcome them?
Moving to Canada during the pandemic and facing visa delays was tough. Therapy helped me deal with past traumas that affected my mental health. Joining supportive communities like Employ to Empower and the Make-It art group was crucial; they provided encouragement and opportunities. Each obstacle has taught me resilience, deepened my understanding of mental health, and strengthened my commitment to advocating for important issues through my art.
How do you approach continuous growth and evolution in your artistic endeavours?
I continuously evolve in my art by exploring new techniques and styles, learning from others, and getting feedback. I experiment with different mediums and themes to keep my art fresh. I embrace experimentation and risk-taking, trying new approaches even if they push me outside my comfort zone. This willingness to take creative risks fosters innovation and keeps my artistic practice dynamic.
Can you walk us through your typical creative process?
I start with personal inspiration, sketching ideas, and making mood boards. Sometimes, ideas just happen on their own. I tend to say that “art speaks to me” and not even I know how it’s going to look in the end. While painting, I enjoy watching TV or chatting with friends—it adds to the creative atmosphere. I find regular meetings with my mentor crucial; they keep me accountable, helping me stay focused on finishing projects and achieving my goals.
Do you have specific rituals or routines that help you maintain a creative mindset?
I start with personal inspiration, sketching ideas, and making mood boards. Sometimes, ideas just happen on their own. I tend to say that “art speaks to me” and not even I know how it’s going to look in the end. While painting, I enjoy watching TV or chatting with friends—it adds to the creative atmosphere. I find regular meetings with my mentor crucial; they keep me accountable, helping me stay focused on finishing projects and achieving my goals.
Have you collaborated with fellow local artists or organizations? If so, could you share some highlights?
Yes, collaborating with local artists and organizations has been crucial for me. One standout project was creating the “Healing Mural” on Commercial Drive in Vancouver, designed by Athena Pitcha. This opportunity facilitated through Make-It, a group focused on therapeutic art and youth employment, was my first major gig and an enriching experience. Working on the mural allowed me to team up with talented artists and community members to bring healing and positivity to the neighbourhood. It was inspiring to contribute to such a meaningful project, where I also made some of my closest friends.
In your opinion, how important is collaboration within the local artistic community?
I think that being able to collaborate with the local artistic community is crucial. It allows us to learn from fellow artists, exchange ideas, and work together, providing vital opportunities for local artists to sustain themselves through their art. Through collaboration, we can make bigger projects and pool resources and different skills. Also, it makes community bonds stronger and amplifies our collective impact on social issues and cultural expression. Personally, I believe these kinds of collaborative projects are among my favourites.
How do you connect with the local community through your art?
I connect with the community through projects like murals and art shows, where we create art together. I also teach art workshops and organize events, sharing my skills and meeting people from different backgrounds. My art is a way to give back to those who have supported me and to address important issues like mental health and cultural diversity. Connecting with my community through art is fulfilling. It helps build relationships and allows me to express gratitude to those who have supported me.
What are your short-term and long-term aspirations as an artist?
In the short term, I want to achieve financial stability through my art so I can keep creating and building a supportive and safe community around my work. Long-term, I hope to grow as an artist, have my art in galleries, and see my paintings in people’s homes. It would mean a lot to me to share my paintings with a wider audience and inspire others with my story and artwork. My biggest dream is to see someone hang my paintings in their home. I hope my art can resonate with people and bring them joy or make them think.
Are there any dream projects or collaborations you hope to pursue in the future?
Yes, I have several dreams for future projects and collaborations. One dream is to create a mural with my own design, which would be a big artistic achievement for me. It can be tricky with permits and finding the right location, so I’m still figuring out how to make it happen. I also will be working with a painting I have in mind about my recent experience of assault that happened while I was working on my latest painting. I want it to express that experience and help me process and share it through art. Working on “Unyielding Glow” during this time was a powerful experience for me—it transformed from just a painting into a way for me to maintain strength and resilience despite the trauma. This illustrates how profound and revealing art is for my soul. Another painting I’ve started focuses on embracing love and abundance, which means more than just saying I deserve it, but believing and keeping it. It features a powerful queen adorned with gold and jewelry, symbolizing strength and self-worth. I’m also excited to start selling prints of my artwork. This would make my art accessible to more people, though it’s a challenge without financial stability. Overcoming these challenges will strengthen my commitment to sharing my artwork with the world. Recently, I launched my Patreon to build a community where art thrives, inviting sponsorship to foster artistic growth and support and to create a safe place for me to find stability and support economically.
What valuable advice would you give to aspiring artists in your community?
Keep creating, even when it’s tough. Your art is unique and valuable, so trust your voice and don’t be afraid to share it. Stay curious and open to learning from others. Collaborate with fellow artists and community groups—it’s a great way to grow and get support. And most importantly, believe in yourself and your journey as an artist. Remember that there is no such thing as
