Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Duymich.
Hi Monica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I always say I was sketching and painting before I could walk. When I think of some of my earliest memories, art was always a part of it… a part of me, from the very beginning. There was never a doubt in my mind that I would be an artist! Thankfully for me, I have an incredibly supportive family who nurtured my journey from day one. Art has been my passion and therapy my whole life. I grew up in the mountains of West Virginia and would escape to the woods with my sketchbook and pencils as often as possible. My grandparents played a huge role in encouraging my artistic endeavors, in fact I named my art business after them- Ikaros Art. They encouraged me by sending inspirational photos as reference, usually pertaining to nature, they would send me the latest art supplies, art books, take me to meet other artist and connect with people who made their dreams a reality and so much more. But I truly fell in love with painting, especially with acrylics, when my amazing art teacher, Mr. Evans, in high school, allowed me to spend extra time in the art room during lunch and other mindless classes. He taught me so much about the process and would always challenge me in new ways. I attended the Art Institute for college and studied animation. After graduating, I continued to paint and sketch, but had challenges in my life that limited that ability. I feel like I never really gave myself the go ahead to pursue my art full time for reasons I was unable to see until more recently. It wasn’t until I had my two amazing kids (which was my other dream, to be a mom), then got extremely sick and was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, and then left my toxic marriage, that I was able to reconnect with myself and my art in a new way and pursue art full time. That is about the time I started painting small, mostly nature related paintings to sell at local coffee shops, gift shops, and farmers markets. Shortly after that I had the privilege to design a beer label for a local brewery in Pittsburgh Hop Farm Brewing Co. and it was the most amazing experience. From that point on I have designed logos, painted murals in clients homes,restaurants, and hotels, designed countless beer labels for multiple breweries, create paintings for interior design companies and so much more. Recently I began looking for a more impactful way to make a difference with my artwork and nature. So many more exciting adventures lie ahead!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing in life worth having comes easily, or so my life has taught me. But when you truly want something, you will push through the challenges and look for ways to grow and learn and chase down the dreams that make you happiest! I am definitely not going to say it is easy, because there have been many days it would be easier to give up, but having supportive, loving people in your life keeps you moving forward when it gets difficult. Also having dreams and goals keeps you focused when life challenges you. The creative life is full of challenges in and of itself. Lack of creative flow and inspiration can sneak up and cause all kinds of doubts and fears. I don’t think that resistance ever goes away, but with years of experience I have learned how to reconnect to my creative soul when I feel uninspired. Finding what helps you through challenges is so important in every aspect of life. I have also had so many struggles with my health, which continues to be a reminder each day that I need to take care of me first (which I am not great at doing) to be able to care for the ones I love in my life and pursue my artist dreams. My health issues will always be there, but when I have days that my body wants to give up, my kids and art are what keep me pushing to get back on my feet. Dealing with health issues, the challenges of being a single mom, and running my own art business have really helped me to look at what is truly important in my life and be more in the present moment, every day I wake up and am able to be mom and an artist, is a day I am grateful for. Sometimes the little things are what I cling to, but each challenge has brought me more strength and appreciation for the life I have created!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I create art with impact! Meaning I create artwork that makes a statement, completes a space, positively impacts the environment. I love to work along side my clients, building a relationship and creating paintings that speak to them, capture who they are or what they are looking to put forth into the world. I work mostly with acrylic paints, but also create digital work with Photoshop and Illustrator. I am also pursuing a way of connecting my artwork to the animal/nature world through conservation efforts and travel. I get most excited when I am challenged creatively, whether that is through a beer label design (which I hand paint), a mural, or a custom original painting for interior design companies. My goal is to make the world a more beautiful place through art with impact and ensuring each client is heard, connected to, and satisfied. I offer free consultations so each client can talk through their creative ideas and visions which allows us to create the ideal art with impact!
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I am a very th0ughtful, passionate, analytical person especially if it impacts my children and my artistic career. That being said, I do think risk taking is a very important part of growth in every aspect of life, not just business. If you never challenge yourself, or take risks, life becomes stagnate and you as a person plateau, no growth can happen. Even though every risk has its possible downfalls/negative outcomes, as long as you learn something from those moments, the risk was well worth taking. Growth only happens when you push the boundaries and comfort zones.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ikarosart.com/
- Instagram: @ikaros_art_pgh
- Facebook: @Ikaros Art
Image Credits
May Queen can photo- Brian Kaldorf Photography