Ari Strand

Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up with my mom being a photographer and my older sister a charcoal artist. Because of this, I have tried all different types of art throughout my life, using them as a way to not only express myself but to grow and learn who I am as a person. I started my time at UW-River Falls as a regular art major, and after taking Intro to Painting, I discovered the enjoyment of learning different ways to paint. Following my first studio painting course, I decided to get a BFA in painting.

My art throughout the years has been rooted in self-discovery. An ongoing way to understand who I am and my relationship with others. Painting has become both an academic and personal space where I can question, reflect, and experiment. Through bright colors, mark-making, and imagery I explore parts of myself and my appreciation for others that I often struggle to verbalize. Acrylic paint and relief methods in printmaking are what inspire me the most and what I’ve been most drawn to in recent years.

Growth has been a central focus in my work as I continue to develop my skills. I don’t have a set conclusive goal, but rather to continue to grow/learn as I keep creating art. I aim to push myself, explore techniques and visuals I’m not as familiar with. In the end, the goal is to remain open-minded and continue to deepen my awareness of myself and the relationships that shape me. I’ll never stop growing as a person, so there’s always more art to create.