At first glance, Philadelphia-based artist Ayiana Viviana Porter might seem like she wears many creative hats—travel/culture writer, photojournalist, and abstract artist—but look a little closer, and you’ll find that all her work is tied together by a common thread: the ability to express her love of art.
“I always start with free-form lines,” Ayiana shares with BrownStyle Magazine exclusively about her artistic process. “They weave and intersect without a plan, like our emotions and experiences intertwine. It’s my way of letting the story reveal itself, instead of forcing it.”
After deeper reflection, Ayiana found an even more profound connection between her art and humanity. “Our human journey is much the same. We’re all born into this world with a soul inside a physical body. That’s what unites us,” she explains. “If we started seeing each other as human works of art, how different would our interactions be? How much more unity would exist if we noticed how interconnected we truly are?”
Art As Self-Care, Love As A Palette
For Ayiana, creativity is a vital form of self-care. “Art is the highest form of self-care,” she says. “It gives the heaviness of life a place outside of my body to exist. It’s emotional therapy.”
When she first began painting, it was purely for healing, but the process was so transformative that she decided to pursue art full time.
When asked to imagine love as a color palette, Ayiana painted a vivid mental image. “I see love as white—pure, unconditional, free of selfish desires—mixed with subtle shades of blue to represent calmness and serenity,” she explains. “It’s what pure love produces in us and around us.”
Through her storytelling and brushstrokes, Ayiana redefines opulence by experience, not luxury goods. “Opulence is the freedom to choose how I spend my time,” she says. “It can be a glamorous night out or simply walking through my neighborhood, seeing the early Spring blooms and hearing the birds sing.”
Unity Through Storytelling, Nature, And Travel
Travel has deepened Ayiana’s understanding of human connection and unity. She describes a recent trip to Trinidad that made her fall in love with the island. “I visited the Nanan Caroni Bird Sanctuary and learned how Lester Nanan’s grandfather fought to protect that land,” she recalls. “Hearing how they united with nature to protect endangered birds showed me how powerful our connection to the land and each other can be.”
Through her camera lens, Ayiana captures not just places but the spirit of unity that binds communities together. And if she could photograph the essence of self-love? “It would be a woman standing in front of a mirror, bare and full of self-acceptance, arms wrapped around herself in a warm hug,” Ayiana says. “Self-love is embracing every part of yourself, flaws and all.”
Living The Soft Life On Her Terms
Prioritizing self-care as an artist isn’t always easy in a world that demands constant hustle, but Ayiana is committed to a softer, more intentional path.
“I don’t allow the world to dictate how I move,” she points out. “I align with my spirit and its needs, day by day. Some days, that means lying in the grass watching birds. Another day, it’s responding to emails and planning my next steps. Balance is key.”
One guilt-free indulgence she never denies herself? “Art supplies!” she laughs. “Canvases are pricey, but investing in my creative future is always worth it.”
When it comes to love, Ayiana says it is central to her work and philosophy. “Love is the greatest power in the universe,” she says passionately. “It transforms lives. It’s a source of life, care, compassion, and the essence of my storytelling. Through my art, I hope to inspire others to meet the highest version of themselves. That’s love.”
Learn more about Ayiana and her work at ayianaviviana.com!
A Peek Into Ayiana’s World: Rapid Fire Fun
We couldn’t resist ending our time with Ayiana with a few quick, playful questions:
- ✨ Paint or camera for a year? “Paint!”
- ✨ Favorite self-care indulgence? “Spa day—absolutely.”
- ✨ Theme song for her art? “‘Free’ by Perri Jones.”
- ✨ Opulence in one word? “Freedom of choice.”
- ✨ Dream destination to photograph? “The Amalfi Coast.”
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
