AAE is a Chicago native, and current resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan USA. Her life experience is colorful, working primarily as an outdoor adventure guide in Colorado and Central America. She recently pivoted her career to study digital art at Kendall College of Art and Design. A creative visionary, her work evolves from a deep meditation practice. Music, nature, skiing, and laughter are essential to her soul.
MISSION & VISION STATEMENT
I am an artist who plays with light. I turn everyday images into something extraordinary. I develop large scale art for corporations, yet also make my art accessible to the individual. I combine art and science. The intent of my artwork is to uplift the energy of the environment it is in, and nudge the viewer to be in the power of the present moment.
I began making Visual Meditation Art in 2019 to assist my personal meditation practice. Currently, I research the biological effects viewing it has on the human body. Visual Meditation Art allows you to meditate with your eyes open, and is "vitamins for your eyes".
I believe answers to problems are simple, and your personal energy is the most valuable currency there is. Despite external advancements in technology or accumulation of material possessions, we need to equally give attention to and develop our internal biology.
Human potential is most powerful when we look inward, reconnect to the energy of our hearts, and repair the relationship we have with the planet. Doing this work allows us the capacity to create a better world for everyone to live more joyous, harmonious lives.
"Our bodies are batteries for energy to flow through. To be grounded, be ourselves, and alive in the present moment - that is the best gift we can give ourselves, others, and the Earth." - AAE. RUSSELL
If you would like to apply to collaborate with me on the development of Visual Meditation Art please use the contact page.
CV
A webflow page for Visual Meditation Art: https://visual-meditation-art.webflow.io/
- 2020 KCAD Art AND Scholarship award recipient.
- 2020/21 Kendall Portfolio Scholarship recipient.
- 2021 KCAD Award of Excellence grant winner.
- 2021 Ferris Foundation Opportunity Award grant winner.
- 2021 Co-Producer Lily Guilder Fashion Show at Camp V.
- 2021 Telluride Arts Show featured artist.
- Summer 2021 Ottawa County Area Trust photography award winner.
- Summer 2022 Washtenaw Recovery art show.
- Art Prize 2022 Grand Rapids, MI KCAD Top Ten award recipient.
- 2023 CU Boulder Cannabis & Psychedelic Symposium panelist.
- 2023 Graduated with academic honors from KCAD.
- 2023/24 Producer of the (Im)Mature Masculine Podcast.
- 2024 Monroe Community Church "Groanings" featured artist.
- June 2024 Featured Artist at Hall Street Bakery, Grand Rapids, MI.