The Creatives

The Creatives

We collaborate with talented photographers, writers, and other creatives on a regular basis, and we’re continually inspired by how they pour their hearts and souls into their crafts. Follow these creatives on social media and don’t forget to check out our account, @viemagazine.

In this Art and Culture issue, we asked the Creatives: What drives or inspires you to create, and why do you think art speaks to you in this way?

Jojo Anavim

Artist, “Pop Art Eye Candy”

Instagram: @jojoanavim

The biggest thing that drives me is the need to get the thoughts and ideas I have in my head into the physical world. It’s hard for me to go more than a couple of days without creating. It’s almost as if I need to create to function. As far as where these ideas manifest and the source of my inspiration, I’d say the bulk comes from my own childhood and trying to channel that consciousness I had, which was a very idealistic view of the world.

Jojo Anavim

Talula Christian

Artist, “Finding Magic in Art”

Instagram: @talulachristianart

For me, creating felt like my chance to create my own world. Being able to bring my own voice and my own ideas out of my head and into existence is extremely fulfilling. As a kid, I felt very inspired by the animations and illustrations I saw in movies and books. I would also spend hours watching classic movies filled with beautiful and ornate costumes. Those animators, illustrators, and costume designers created magic for me. I grew up wanting so badly to be able to create that magic, and that magic is what I’m hoping for every time I create something new.

Talula Christian

Tim Hussey

Artist, “Art and Honesty”

Instagram: @thusseystudio

I need to be always making something—whether it’s with paint, a camera, or just making up a story to entertain my girls. This drive was developed at a very early age. Being an only child, I had to find ways to create a play partner—to sort of compete against myself. Art became the tool of choice because I had several creative cousins whom I admired. I believe if you start creating other realities while very young, this practice becomes a fixed part of your brain—almost like a twin you can flip back and forth between.

Tim Hussey

Julia Kate Mace

Artist, “Innate Creations”

Instagram: @letmecreateforyou

My environment inspires creativity. A big factor of that involves community and culture. When I am impacted by other humans, it manifests my own creative spirit. As long as I continue to feel fulfillment, gratitude, and success, I am driven to create. Success speaks to knowing myself and my boundaries. It is important to define my quality of life in the creative process. For example, I ask myself if this project is going to stretch my capabilities or just take up my time. I love to create and when it speaks to someone, that is when I know it is meant to be, and that feeling is magical.

Julia Kate Mace

Douglas Van Howd

Artist, “Sculpting the Wonder of the Wild West”

DouglasVanHowd.com

What really inspires me are experiences I’ve had with nature and wildlife in the out-of-doors. They are etched in my mind, and I know I have to paint that beautiful scene or sculpt that beautiful animal in all its detail. Artistic talent is definitely a gift but it is also important what you do to develop your talent. Once I committed to putting my talent first before other interests, it became my full-time job. I could no longer just create when I felt like it. Because I was disciplined about it, I have been able to make it my life’s work and do what I love full-time. That means I sometimes have to do projects that don’t inspire me. I once had to create a painting of iguanas in the Galápagos, and I did it because I was supporting my family. I did get paid in advance, because not everyone appreciates having lizards in their living room!

Douglas Van Howd