We recently connected with Ayiana Viviana Porter and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ayiana Viviana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I worked on was “Humans of Philly.” What the project consisted of, was me walking the streets of Philadelphia armed with a camera, wanting to capture the images and stories of those experiencing homelessness in my city. This was in the early days of my photography journey and I had just returned from a mission trip to Namibia. While there, I used a DSLR for the first time and realized that shooting photos in a journalistic style was something I truly enjoyed. That feeling, paired with a desire to serve others and bring awareness to the plight of homelessness, was what gave birth to “Humans of Philly.”

During my time actively working on this project, I met many men and women who shared their personal stories of pain, grief, heartbreak, and loss that led to their predicament. Through presence, compassion, and sharing of resources, I’d like to think I made a small difference in their lives. Beyond my role, the purpose of the project was to open minds and hearts to the stories that are often unheard because of biases and pre-formed judgments we may have when we see someone experiencing homelessness. The mission was successful and I was able to partner with multiple organizations, churches, and individuals looking to serve and be love and light in this world. I was also blessed to invite two of the men who became close friends, to enjoy Thanksgiving with my family and I. I was also blessed to witness one receive housing and to be able to provide house warming offerings and gifts.

I acutely remember the exhaustion I would feel at the end of a day spent doing this work. My body heavy and spent and my emotions high and fragile, but there was also such beauty and grace. I would sit on my couch and transcribe the recorded conversations, in order to share them on social media. To listen again. To feel my heart moved to compassion again. It is a creative project that shifted my inner space and because of that, I will never forget it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Well, my name is Ayiana Viviana. I’m a visual artist, a writer, and a photographer. I have often and almost always, experienced the world in a different way, which is what fuels and inspires my creative practices.

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember and keeping a journal for several decades. For me, the written word and personal expression has always been both beautiful and incredibly therapeutic.

My photography journey started in 2011 when I did a project called “A Photo a Day with my iPhone.” It was a challenge from a high school friend who noticed photos I was posting on social media and he affirmed and encouraged my eye. In retrospect, that project and journey shaped so much of who I am as a creative today. I look at the world around me through the lens of curiosity and constantly find myself looking at things closer and more deeply than others may. My practice moved beyond phone images to an actual DSLR camera and I am now a freelance photographer.

Visual art was something I never expected to pursue, but in August of last year, I experienced extreme personal distress. I was teetering between the life I had always known and the idea of a new one entirely. Writing has always been a cathartic release of emotional pressure but during that season of my life, writing was not sufficient for me to process the heaviness that was inside of me. I remember contemplating whether I even wanted to live anymore and the idea that I was a problem, was a constant voice in my head that would not go away. What I found was that the voice was silenced when I would pick up a paint brush. I would compare the stroke of the brush to an internal weight or dumbbell, and each time I swiped the brush, my inner resolve became stronger and stronger. I am grateful to say that I am no longer struggling with those thoughts and in a much healthier space. Art truly saved my life.

The kind of art I create would be considered abstract expressionism. On canvas and on paper, I generally start with what are called neurographic lines. These lines often have hidden symbols and figures that I notice only after careful observation. In this way, I create abstract visual art that flows through me and expresses parts of my inner being. This distinguishes me from other visual artists, as I often don’t have a preconceived idea of what I’m creating, rather I open my internal space of mental and emotional expression to flow as is needed. I am most proud of my consistency in creating this way, since it’s become such an anchor for my emotional and mental well being. And I’m also proud that in the 8 months since I’ve been painting, I’ve participated in 7 group shows, with 4 more lined up. My goal was to do at least 10 in 2023 and before hitting the halfway mark of the year, I will have met that goal.

In whatever medium: writing, photography, or painting, my goal is to find beauty and things worth expressing, and then sharing it with the world.

I want people to know that everyone has a form of creativity living inside of them. One of my greatest joys is seeing people dive into creative spaces that they may have felt or thought weren’t meant for them, but in the process, they discover that not only is there space for them in that arena, but they thrive in it. I believe everyone is an artist and capable of unique creative expression. Your story matters! Share it, however your heart moves you to do so.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In my view, society can best support artists by realizing the necessity of artistic expression and how artists convey the emotional and mental landscape of the times. Buying art, holding spaces where artists can talk and share about their work, their projects, and their processes, as well as sharing art work with peers and on social platforms are all great things that can boost visibility for artists, as well as cement the importance of their work in society. Just as teachers, doctors, and other occupations are necessary for the whole of a system or economy to thrive, so is the work of artists.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

First and foremost, authentic and honest personal self expression. Beyond that, my goal in my artistic journey is to create and build community with other like minded individuals. I have been an introvert and socially awkward for a lot of my life. In this season, I feel a deeper sense of self and a greater understanding of what my purpose and mission is in life; which is to spread love and hope through whatever means presents itself to me. Because of this deep seeded understanding of who I am and what my mission is in life, I am hopeful that I can continue connecting with other like minded individuals to feel a sense of community and family outside of my blood kin.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ayianaviviana.com
• Instagram: @AyianaViviana
• Facebook: Ayiana Porter

Image Credits
Julian Moore Griffin Aaron Porter Ileana Gerena