We had the good fortune of connecting with Misty Vento and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Misty, is there a life experience you can think of that you feel has had a profound impact on your life or career?
The biggest impact on my careerand life in general was definitely losing my 4 year old son in 2012. I had been an artist most all of my life but had abandoned it due to some life changes and circumstances. When I lost my son it was a reminder to find my way back to myself and what I love to do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve loved art since I was little and always had some form of creative job most of my life. I started drawing in elementary school, then a gymnast and dancer. Out of high school I became a makeup artist and it was my passion for over 15 years. After having my first daughter in 2000 I picked up a paintbrush again after years. I took a part time job at a children’s boutique and I began painting nursery furniture, decor and murals. I could be a freelance artist and be home with my 3 children. In 2010 my life changed with a divorce and I abandoned art all together to get a full time job and support my kids. After my son passed in late 2012 I knew I had to find my way emotionally, which reminded me I’d always needed art in my life. I started making jewelry on the side as a form of therapy I could focus on and slowly, it let me back to painting, my first love. I know now that I’ve always needed art and painting soothes my soul and give comfort in my healing process.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Dallas is a beautiful city with so much art and personality. I’m not really a city girl or out on the town much. I love the Bishop Arts District, hole in the wall bars and restaurants. I love to find hidden gems whether shops, restaurants and defiantly the outdoor murals and art around the city. And I’m so inspired by other Dallas artists.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have many support systems thank goodness. My friends and family have always known I’m an artist (which has taken many forms over the years). I’ve always solely worked by referrals and word of mouth and I’m blessed with people who believe in me and support my work. Since losing my son to an accidental drowning a huge part of my healing is the drowning prevention family that I’ve become a part of. I am involved in parent education with The Fort Worth Drowning Prevention Coalition, also the NDPA and a member of Families United, it’s our mission to spread awareness with our stories and help prevent more drowning tragedies.

Website: Www.mistyventostudios.com
Instagram: @mistyventostudios
Facebook: Misty Vento Studios