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

Rosanna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue an artistic path professionally was after I was not able to work as a Registered Nurse anymore. It was hard for me to accept because the nursing field is all I did all my life. On the other hand, I was always an artist since I was little, even during the times I worked as a Nurse I set aside time to work on Art, it was like therapy to me. I realized in 2021 that Art was something I wanted to turn into a business. Art has always helped me mentally and by doing so I hope to stop the stigma there is with mental illness. To show others going through the same struggle how to cope properly through art.

Rosanna, 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?

I first started working as a nurse back in 2008. I then became a Registered Nurse in 2010, and eventually, I went back to school at Grand Canyon University and received my BSN in nursing. When I worked as a nurse, I always used art as my therapy on the side. This helped me cope with my emotions, working with medically fragile children.

My career and past childhood traumas eventually affected my mental health in 2013 and 2018. During this time, I began to paint more and started my Art business in 2021. I have been part of and attended different events in Maricopa County, that provided me the opportunity to sell my art. I also started my online business. I provide my customers with different types of paintings like pouring paint and acrylic paintings. On my art website, I give others the options to choose from different products I sell with my art incorporated into them. For instance, they can choose a T-shirt or shoes with my art on them.

Since then, I have been doing my art business to help stop the stigma of mental illness; to help others use art, as a way to cope with their emotions and manage their mental health. What sets me apart from others is that I use a different variety of artwork like portraits, abstracts, oil paintings, and realism. I also use my art earnings to help donate to Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS), the homeless shelter service in Phoenix, in addition to other charities that are important to me.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

A mission that drives my creative journey is my pursuit to help stop the stigma of mental illness. Many individuals are afraid to seek help and are suffering quietly, because of the stigma of mental illness. My mission is to help others open up and not be afraid to speak about what their feeling or struggling with. Sharing my story will help so many other people struggling with mental illness not to be afraid to seek help because in order to be where I am right now is due to the help of God and reaching out for the help I needed to manage my mental illness.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an Artist is being able to use art to help cope with mental illness and help others to use art as therapy. My art sales allow me to help others experiencing homelessness.       

Contact Info:

• Website: rosannas-art.myshopify.com
• Instagram: rosanna_valentina35
• Facebook: Rosanna’s Art
• Email: [email protected]