authentically and sustainably share my story? What legacy do I want to leave behind? How can I contribute to making the world a better place with the resources I have? The artists I am around push my creative drive and love of life.

sM | What have you accomplished in your residency?

NS ── In my residency at Immersive Van Gogh, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, had beautiful interactions with people, and created five new paintings. I often have a habit of being an introvert; the residency pushed me into being open to all kinds of energy exchanges that I wouldn’t always be open to. Because I was open to interaction, there were moments that I cried, laughed, loved, imagined, and collaborated with so many people. I am grateful for all the people that I was able to meet, and all the raw human stories that were shared. Since I was given the privilege of painting full-time, I was able to make more paintings than I usually would as well. Overall, I feel very accomplished within the experience and I am grateful for the opportunity.

sM | What social issue does your art speak to the most?

NS ── I believe that, in America, the capitalistic infrastructure makes a lot of money off creating insecurities, depression, sickness, and division within our society. Growing up in the lower-middle class, I understand how the lens we are taught to see ourselves in is often detrimental to our physical, mental, and spiritual health. I focus my art on spreading the message of self-love, self-acceptance, truth, unity, and unconditional love. We are too often taught that our worth is based on temporary material gain, and my goal is for my art to teach people that they are enough for simply existing. I believe that the social issues of separation and insecurity amongst the people must be addressed for the longevity and integrity of humanity.

Follow Nina Stewart on Instagram: @ninalouise_art, or visit her website: www.ninalouise.art.