Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jayson Paulino aka Koriuma. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jayson, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Embracing self-trust and belief sparked a transformative journey for me. In 2015, I broke free from the stagnation of my life, embarking on a solo expedition to Southeast Asia with nothing but a one-way ticket and a daring spirit. This wasn’t about finding myself; it was a creative odyssey to define who I am.

With minimal savings and recently parted from a retail job, I took a leap of faith. Buying a ticket in the dead of night, I found myself airborne within a week, armed with only $20 and a conviction in my intuition. My survival strategy wasn’t mapped out; I simply knew things would align.

My path wove through Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, and India, with a significant sojourn in Ubud, Bali. The experience was an act of self-creation, confronting every anxiety and fear that once restrained me.

Fast forward to the present, and the journey of self-creation continues. The stakes of risk have evolved; they’re no longer about impulsive travel but about pursuing a purpose-driven life. Two years ago, I stepped away from the conventional 9-5 grind to embrace a fully creative career. That decision echoes the lessons from my Southeast Asian adventure.

My mantra is to live life to its fullest potential, continually shaping the dream I yearn to live. This journey isn’t just about existence; it’s a relentless pursuit of crafting the narrative of who I am and aspire to be.

Jayson, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

At the heart of my identity lies the healer within, gifted with a creative spark that weaves artistic narratives across varied media, forging connections that resonate deeply with the self and the world. As an interdisciplinary artist, my canvas spans music, photography, conceptual art, and writing. Advocating for mental health is not just a passion but a necessity for both personal and professional realms.

In my youth, I encountered shadows of trauma, whispers of mortality. Yet, it was in these shadows that I discovered salvation through ancient wisdom. Now, I am dedicated to illuminating the path to healing for BIPOC communities. A sound mind is not just about productivity; it’s about fostering effective communication, building resilience against systemic adversities, and finding a harmonious balance in life that enriches relationships.

My existence is an act of artistic expression, a manifestation of love and wisdom. I am the embodiment of art, and through diverse creative forms, I explore the vast realms of learning and growth. My journey has been enriched by apprenticeships and collaborations from learning under Contemporary Artist Eugenio Cuttica to working alongside the inspiring Vanessa German.

A recent highlight was the profound ‘Blue Walk’ performance art experience with Vanessa German in D.C., at the Lincoln Memorial. This ritualistic ceremony was a tapestry of redemption, love, grief, grace, and healing, a poignant acknowledgment of humanity’s and Earth’s immutable oneness. Walking the Blue Walk was an homage to an eternal truth our inherent wholeness and resilience.

Today, my creative pursuits delve into ritual theory, the rich tapestry of Indigenous and African diaspora, sculpture, and performance art, drawing from my interest and training in healing practices and cultural preservation. In this journey, I am committed to reclaiming and reviving practices and experiences that have been forgotten, weaving them into the fabric of our collective consciousness.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

In the realm of art and creativity, the most exhilarating aspect is the perpetual evolution of self. As a creative, you’re not anchored by today’s identity but are in a constant state of exploration and discovery. This journey emboldens risk-taking and embraces the learning curves that come with mistakes. If a venture doesn’t succeed initially, the only path forward is resilience and the readiness to reinvent oneself, as many times as necessary.

The true pitfall isn’t in failing, but in failing to persevere. An artist’s essence is defined by this relentless drive to continue, to push boundaries, and to transform every setback into a stepping stone for growth and innovation. This is the core of creative endurance and the heartbeat of artistic pursuit.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Embrace the simplicity of authenticity. In a world cluttered with personas, the act of being oneself is a radical form of expression. Remember, genuine connections stem from genuine selves. Offer the world your true narrative, an invitation for others to engage with the real you.

Amidst a multitude striving to fit molds they weren’t cast for, stand out by simply being you. Your stories, unique and unfiltered, are not just personal tales but bridges for others to cross, to find common ground, to relate, and to understand. In sharing your journey, you’re not just telling a story; you’re crafting a space for shared experiences and authentic connections. Be that rare voice that isn’t echoing others, but speaking its truth, loud and clear.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koriumaa
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Koriumaa
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Koriuma
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/intuitivenature/ https://www.instagram.com/versesoffsight/