Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Aytenfisu.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Melissa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
The first art show I did was in downtown Montreal, Canada in 2007. I had been selling commissioned art pieces for a few years when I had a friend encourage me to attend a young entrepreneurs workshop, where I met my ‘art coach’ Michael Smith. Over the next few months, Michael walked me through the process of organizing my first art show at a gallery on St. Laurent Street in Montreal. That led to subsequent shows in Montreal, Edmonton Alberta, Macau China, New York City, and then finally back to University to do a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts with a major in painting/drawing.
Going back to school to study art was a dream; it didn’t feel like school at all. I spent every moment possible on campus, in the studios learning intaglio, lithography, photography, digital print media and of course, my favorite medium: painting. While I was in art school, I became determined to pursue a career in visual arts. Upon graduation in 2013, I moved to Houston, where I am growing my art practice with solo shows and group shows in this wonderful city that is ripe with opportunities in the arts. I currently work part time at my dream job as a teaching artist at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. I love working at the museum because I am constantly exposed to cutting edge, contemporary works from around the world. These artworks have inspired me to experiment with new techniques in my own practice, such as collage, mixed media, sculpture and ceramics.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
A career in the arts is never a smooth road because there is no formula or exact path to take in order to be an established artist. Every artist has carved out their own unique path through hard work and determination, including me! I became a single parent in 2018, my daughter was 13 months old and my son was two years old. Finding the funds for childcare, and the time to create art, while still nursing a baby was a huge challenge. Yet this experience became fuel and motivation for me. My mom Maureen is the biggest angel and she is one of the main reasons I can continue to pursue my career in the arts. She flies down from Canada to visit every couple of months and she stays for a month at a time to help me out with my toddlers. She is the best grandma in the world. Of course, my Dad and siblings are supportive as well. It truly takes a village. All the successes I achieve in my art career I owe to my family and network of supportive friends.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Aytenfisu Art story.
My experience growing up in a multiracial family of nine and traveling through Africa, Asia, and North America has directed my artistic practice toward themes of identity, mobility and social justice. My mom is Canadian. My dad is Ethiopian, they met in graduate school and raised seven children together. This unique family experience has allowed me to have a very inclusive, global worldview.
I’m currently pursuing solo shows, grants, commissions and travel opportunities. I am getting as involved in the Houston art scene as possible by supporting other local artists, attending their shows and networking.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Having supportive parents has been the biggest blessing or’ role of luck’ in my life and art practice. When I was in high school, I brought home a painting I had done at school that had won several awards and had been displayed at a city wide art show. When my Mom saw the painting, she got teary eyed and said incredulously, ‘you painted this?’ When my Dad got home from work later that evening, he saw the painting and said, ‘you can paint? All these years I’ve been pushing you in soccer. I should have been pushing you in art!’
My parents always stressed education and hard work, but when they recognized my natural ability in visual arts, they encouraged me to pursue my passion and they helped me out in every way possible.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2213 Isabella street
- Website: www.aytenfisuart.com
- Phone: 8326435648
- Email: maytenfisu@gmail.com
- Instagram: Aytenfisu Art
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