Meet Alisha Joelle in Downtown Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisha Joelle.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been doing art basically as long as I’ve had the motor skills to create it. It’s always just been second nature to me. It helps me cope and express things people might not understand through words. When I was a kid, I was always kind of an outsider, I felt like I was from another planet, but my journey with art has really been integral to me finding myself and my voice in the world.

I always loved art class in school, high school was where I really started developing my skills. I would draw through every class. The art classes I took really helped me explore all sorts of methods and media and pressed me to push my limits. My parents have always been supportive of me and my pursuit of art too which has always really meant a lot to me.

As far as my career in art goes, I’ve only just begun to scratch the surface, but ever since I started, my life has been flooding with beautiful and amazingly vibrant and creative people and awesome opportunities. I can’t wait to further push my own limits and see what places I will go.

Has it been a smooth road?
Honestly, the biggest obstacle I’ve had in my career has been myself and my own anxieties. I always had reasons and excuses, but the truth is, it was all in my head. Not to downplay my trials or act like I have it all together now, but that was what was always stopping me from even attempting to share my art with the world.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Primarily I am a visual artist, I also write privately, and I have just started modeling.

My paintings tend to be statements. Often, they are a commentary on society or sometimes politics or whatever I feel at the time. I draw inspiration from anything I can: travel, nature, other people and artists, anything can be fuel for creativity. I have recurring elements like third eyes and blanked out eyeballs. I am very interested in the things that are not visible to the naked eye but are part of the human experience whether or not we’re consciously aware. Although I typically have a specific message in mind, I love to hear other people’s interpretations of my work.

As far as modeling goes, I love collaboration and being a media for art myself to help others achieve a vision. I think everything is art if you look at it right, and I love living creatively; modeling is another way for me to achieve that.

All in all, I just want to live and breath creative expression and every step I take toward that is invigorating for me.

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
I’ve had a few really exciting moments surrounding my art but I think the biggest step for me so far has been having a table at TrapxArt. That was my first time showing any art in many years and I hadn’t really sold my art before that event. I had one month to prepare so I really had to kick it in high gear to get ready but since then I’ve been doing more events, live painting, and really starting to get to know Phoenix’s vibrant art scene. That was such an awesome experience and I know there will be more to come.

I want to add a thank you to DJ Möscöné for inviting me to TrapxArt, Angel Rose for making that connection for me, as well as all of my friends and family who help me, support me, and cheer me on and anyone else who shares love and support with me while I chase my dreams.

Contact Info:

• Email: oriiixaoriginals@gmail.com
• Instagram: @oriiixa

Image Credit:
Mae Blunt, Kwaku Amoabin

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