Today we’d like to introduce you to Desirae Ofori.
Hi Desirae, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
For as long as I can remember I have always had an artistic gift. Whether it was drawing, sketching, or doing arts and crafts – being creative is just something I’ve always been. I even went to performing and visual arts magnet schools. I didn’t know it was something I could do as a profession; it was just something I liked to do.
I went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling, then a Master’s Degree in Licensed Mental Health Counseling. I practiced for several years as a therapist and then as a Long-Term Health Care Case Manager. I found myself unhappy with work, feeling stressed out, struggling with panic attacks, and at a loss of what else I could do.
Outside of work I enjoyed being creative as a mom lifestyle blogger and making hand-painted wedding aisle runners. Since both were beginning to take off and had potential for me to make a living, I decided to make the career shift at the end of 2017. January 1, 2018, was my official start date in my new career and I haven’t looked back since!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would definitely say it has not been a totally smooth road; more like a rollercoaster. I was a first-time business owner, and brand new to the art scene. However, I’ve had a lot of support and encouragement from family and friends.
Some of the struggles have been learning how to run a business, how to price my work, getting over limiting beliefs on how talented I am and most recently settling on the type of abstract art I wanted to be known for.
With having access through social media to see so many different types of Artists, it’s hard to not compare yourself to what everyone else is doing. I’ve had to learn that what I have is unique to me, to focus on what comes natural and what brings me the most joy to create.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am best known for creating fluid and inspirational abstract artwork on canvas and turning my paintings into digital design for use on stationery, apparel, and various functional products.
My most familiar art style is Acrylic Pour. After pouring the paint I move it around by tilting the canvas, mouth blowing or use a blow dryer to make soft movement, and use my fingers to glide through the paint to create more specific designs.
I also enjoy working with Alcohol Inks. They are similar to watercolors but much more vibrant and fast-drying. I enjoy using it to create soft and vibrant billows and ethereal looks. My current favorite tools include a handheld pump blower, heat embossing gun, and a thin tip paintbrush to move the inks around to create the design I like.
I always find a way to bring inspiration to my Art, whether it’s through the title, adding hand-lettered inspiration, or using the art to create inspirational products. What sets me apart is that I’m not limited to one medium or one type of surface – I’ll put my art on anything possible. The possibilities with commissioning art or a design from me are endless and I love thinking outside of the box.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I tend to be a more calculated risk-taker. I often think of all the different angles a risk could play out. I also am very strategic in whatever I choose to do – so if there’s a possibility that the risk could lead me to a favorable result then I’ll take it.
There are other times that I’ve over-analyzed a decision so much that I just get tired and think why not, what have I got to lose? Overthinking often leads me to increased anxiety so I try to limit it. At the end of the day, I’ll either get what I hoped for, get more than I hoped for, or learn what not to try again.
My current perspective, especially in relation to my Art practice is to “let go, let flow, and have fun”. I mean after all; my artwork is fluid and abstract – you have to be willing to take risks at some point. It forces me to let go of my inner control freak – and I’m grateful for that!
Contact Info:
- Email: Desirae.ofori@gmail.com
- Website: www.dekelisartstudio.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/dekelisartstudio
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/dekelisartstudio
- Other: www.dekelisartstudio.etsy.com
