Meet Ali Baionno

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Baionno.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Being raised in Philadelphia, I learned to appreciate and be inspired by the chaos and unique details that the city has to offer. From early years, I was drawing and painting any chance I got, with some of my earliest memories being drawing still-lives of Beanie Babies at the age of 5. In 2012, I graduated from Temple University with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation, which then led me to move to Phoenix, AZ in 2016. My move to Arizona was driven by the opportunities in adaptive sports that this area has to offer, including working with Paralympic athletes. Along with getting to work with Paralympic athletes, I also lead adaptive kayaking programs for both youth and adults. I find incredible value in individuals expressing themselves, challenging themselves, and pursuing goals that help them gain a better understand of who they are as a person.

Although adaptive sports have fueled my profession, art has and always will be my number one passion. In the fall of 2017, my first custom illustration was published in LivAbility Magazine, a magazine that I continue to contribute to today. Whether I am working in sports, outside hiking, or wandering around a store, my eyes are open to anything that can visually or emotionally influence me. Today, I am thankful to take any opportunity to continue to create, grow, and be inspired.

Please tell us about your art.
Most of my art is visual and varies from simple pencil sketches to large oil paintings, it all just depends on where my mind is at that day and how I am envisioning the final product. My favorite mediums to use are charcoal, pen, pencil, oil, and acrylic. I create from emotion and feelings, as hippie-dippie as that sounds. Whenever I am drawing or painting a piece, it feels as if I am manifesting a component of the circumstance that needs to be addressed. The best way for me to acknowledge something that’s been running around my head all day is to put it in front of my eyes the best I can. It is without a doubt a therapy and form of meditation that allows me to reflect on what I’m feeling, whether it is good or bad.

Manifesting whatever I am feeling into an illustration allows me to feel like I have created something positive, no matter the circumstance. Along with all of that, I love to produce a visual that has possibly never been seen before (I can be known for a variety of octopus collaborations). Art is limitless, which makes it the best outlet in the world. Whether it’s a colorful mountain painting or a skeleton sketch, my motive is to put a piece of myself out there. In a way, I feel like my art is selfish. I’m just happy people enjoy looking at it as much as I enjoy creating it.

Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Making sure you are supporting yourself financially can definitely be an obstacle, especially when your work does not involve creating your own art. I have found that the best thing for me to do is treat art like it’s a muscle or sport. I practice and produce every chance I get, while keeping in mind things will only improve if I’m working at them. Putting your work on a platform, such as social media or a website, is the best way to expose the art you are practicing. Do it for yourself, not for the views or follows. The more work you create, the more work you can put out-there, and the more exposure you give yourself. You never know who will be inspired by what, so the best thing you can do is keep creating.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I have an Instagram @ali.delphia. I will also be putting up my own website, very shortly! This will allow people to see some of my past work and commissions, as well as contact me for any personal commissions.

Contact Info:

• Email: abaionno922@gmail.com
• Instagram: ali.delphia

Image Credit:
Myself!

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