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

Hi Saraya, why did you pursue a creative career?
Art has always been a way for me to express myself and it’s become very healing for me. I want to do what I love with my life and Art is that. Creating makes me feel alive and grateful for the gifts the Great Creator has given me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My favorite artistic style I like to call “Lines of abyss” which represent how we are all connected in the great abyss of the Universe and how life never ceases to exist. The way our journey’s intersect and paths cross create a beautiful experience. Like all other artists I’ve worked hard to get here. Of course it was not easy but that is part of the journey. I graduated from art college in 2009 and felt burnt out from creating. I thought maybe I got it wrong and wasn’t meant to be an artist. I was also dealing with a lot of unresolved trauma and I fell deeper into depression. I started painting around 2011. The first piece I painted is called “Umbrella Blue”. Since I was a kid I’ve always used art to express my subconscious. To overcome I did the only thing I knew to do which was ask God. I asked the Great Creator and the Universe to help me heal because of the deep pain I felt. I didn’t want to be here but I knew there was a reason for me to exist. So I created through the pain and believed I would find peace. I surrounded myself with people that believed in me and encouraged me. My friends believed in me before I did. In 2019 I started connecting with the art community here in Nashville and have met so many amazing people. I have learned that I am enough as I am. I don’t have to be what anyone thinks I should be. I am weird and awkward and a big kid. We are all trying to understand who we are on this journey while finding happiness. I create art to heal my inner child and I hope it helps others heal too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them horseback riding and to the Planetarium at the Adventure Science Center! Horses in the galaxy sounds like a great time! Nashville has a great variety of food. Truefood Kitchen is one of my favorites. Hawkers, Deepsea Vegan, Sedona Taphouse, Baja Burrito, Sunflower Cafe. Food is a love language. We would have to stop by the PSV Store to hangout too. The energy in there is always a vibe and they always have cool events!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom, Anita and my gramma, Isolde. They are the sweetest women I know in my life and I am sweet because of them. My gramma painted and my mom is very creative as well. She always introduced me to new mediums and different creative outlets and for them I will always be grateful.

Website: https://charlidoesarte.square.site/

Instagram: CharliDoesArte_

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