We recently connected with Rhea Decastro and have shared our conversation below.

Rhea, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

Some people discover early on their abilities as an artist. Some people discover their abilities later in life. I never imagined that I had the capabilities of being an artist. I didn’t how to draw or paint. I have always doubted my abilities, and never knew that I could teach myself. I realized you don’t need to go to an art school. My home became Mt art school. My one bedroom apartment became my art studio to learn. I started to teach myself online, and continued to practice everyday. During this time I was working in the hospital during covid, and enduring a rough relationship. I needed a way to express myself from the stresses of life. To be able to create what I am feeling inside, and to escape my reality. It was a tough time seeing people die around me left and right. Grasping the true understanding that life is short. On top of everything else I was enduring emotional abusive relationship. It was during the time period of my life.This was the moment an artist was born. For two years I was creating pieces in my one bedroom apartment. Definitely, broke during this time, and didn’t have tons of money for supplies and classes. For what I had I made it work, and it doesn’t take tons of money to create art. The true meaning of art is self expression. After, the two years of creating I envisioned myself selling my work. Getting my art out there and seen despite my self criticism. I wrote in my note book daily, and manifesting about selling my work. I wanted to become a full time artist, and quit my job as a chef. Two years later I was able to sell my very first piece, and it was a self portrait of myself looking up as the balloons floated away. It represented freedom, and the feeling of letting go of all the bad energy in my life. My first client was immediately drawn to this piece. He was sold on the meaning behind it. The piece sold for $120, and I never thought any of my pieces would sell. It gave me the validation I needed as an artist. From that moment on I kept creating, and sold more pieces. I began to create and experiment with new pieces. Selling you art is like sharing a piece of you. That someone out there admires, and wants to cherish. I will never forget the very first piece that I sold.

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

For months I wrote in a note book that. I wanted to be a full time artist. I wanted a partner that shared similar dreams, and goals I had. I kept manifesting those ideas daily during the time I was working as a sushi chef. Eventually, I met my soul mate, and he was in the process of starting a business. Soon, after I showed him my art, and all of the pieces I created. He said “why don’t you sell them?.”I wasn’t confident in my skills yet, and wasn’t sure if anyone would buy it. When, he finally opened the doors to the shop. He told me to hang up all of my pieces on the walls, and see what happens. Then, I eventually sold my first piece of art. I started painting from canvas, stones, shells. Then, I started to learn how to wood burn. After, I started to learn how to wire wrap stones. Also, did a variety of 3d art. From that first sale I kept experimenting, and kept learning new skills. Today, I am a full time artist that mainly specializes in wire wrap jewelry, but I also do paintings, wood burning, and custom work. Being an artist has allowed me to discover, and learn more about myself. Being able to share a piece of my art with everyone. It brings me so much joy and purpose in life. I never thought that I would become a full time artist. Rhea art studio is a collection of my art and self expression. I encourage everyone to express themselves, and don’t be discouraged. Do what you love to do.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

From an abusive past relationship that I never thought I would get out of. During this time I began to give up hope in my life, and fell into a depression. There were many time I thought about suicide. The biggest highlights of going through a period of depression was walking through galleries, and admiring the beautiful art. In that instant I knew I wanted to learn, and become an artist. My past partner would put me down constantly, and I would endure a lot stress. I doubted my capabilities of being an artist. It was really hard to look past all of the hurtful words, and abuse. Despite it all I chose not to give up, and started learning from YouTube. I started practicing, and became resilient to my surroundings. After, work I would keep painting, and painting more pieces. I never gave up. I truly believe despite your circumstances you can always manifest a better life. Here I am today selling my pieces for almost two years, and sharing my beautiful pieces with all of you.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Being an artist I had discovered a part of my purpose in this world. I have realized not everyone will understand your vision. As an artist if it makes you feel happy, and free. It doesn’t matter whatever one thinks. Not everyone knows their purpose in life. I am happy to find a part of my purpose, and place in this world. The moment someone sees my art, and they can relate. I feel sensenof fulfillment. Being to capture the little moments I have with my clients. It makes my day worth it. I love creating pieces that people can cherish years to come. Knowing that I made such a beautiful piece makes all worth it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @rheaartstudio