Meet Sabrina Tiscione, the artist behind our new Half Lotus design.
Sabrina is an artist and children’s book author/illustrator from Montreal, Canada.
She loves spending time out in nature, dancing like nobody’s watching and practicing yoga. Over the past few years, yoga has become more than just a practice for her but a way of life. Her ultimate goal is to create art that is just as healing as the process of creating it, which inspired her to paint with crystal sands to create digital illustrations on the theme of wellness.
When and where did your artistic journey begin?
My artistic journey began at a very young age. As a child, drawing and arts & crafts were my favorite activities! You would often find me doodling or making myself a spaceship to play in using a cardboard box and some paint.
When the pandemic first hit in 2020, I was stuck at home, jobless, after having recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree, and had no idea what career path I wanted to pursue. I viewed this as an opportunity to slow down, self-reflect, and focus more on what fulfills and nourishes me. I spent my days creating art, a hobby that I partly lost touch with when life became busier after childhood and throughout my studies. I also developed a newfound interest in crystals and their natural healing properties and eventually began integrating crystal sands into my acrylic pours. Painting felt healing for me during this time of uncertainty and I wanted to share some healing with others, which is why I decided to start selling these crystal-mixed paintings, along with other crafts that I had been creating.
I also took advantage of this time to write, illustrate and publish my first children’s book! It was this project that introduced me to world of digital drawing.
What style of art do you stick to?
I’m still experimenting with style. When it comes to painting, I’m enjoying acrylic pouring. I love to see the abstracted outcome – unique and beautiful every time.
A lot of my recent work has been created digitally. I like trying out different techniques, but I tend to stick to softer colors and styles.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I usually draw inspiration from nature, our connectedness with nature, the human body and emotions. I love the idea of using art as a way of visually bringing to life a feeling, an idea, or anything we can’t necessarily ‘see’.
Who do you look up to in your industry?
Hard to choose since there are so many amazing artists out there! Some of the first artworks on the theme of spirituality that I came across on Instragram and that really resonated with me were by Australian artist Annie Tarasova, also known as ‘DreamyMoons’. I appreciate the way she puts her heart and soul into her creations, and they are oh-so-magical! There is also Montreal street artist, MissMe, who I admire for the way she advocates for women and the marginalized, and is not afraid to push boundaries in doing so.
What training/certifications do you have?
Most of my artistic techniques are self-taught. I do have a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University, majoring in Communication Studies and minoring in Psychology.
My next goal is to get a yoga certification
How did you hear about Yoloha Yoga and why do you identify with us?
I had signed up for a membership at a hot yoga studio and was having difficulties finding the right mat. After plenty of research, I came across Yoloha Yoga. It was the first I had ever heard of cork mats and thought that idea was quite awesome! I immediately resonated with their eco-friendly values and respected the community aspect of the company.
What motivated you to create the Half Lotus design?
The lotus emerges from the depths of murky waters and blossoms into a beautiful flower – a metaphor for growth, overcoming life’s obstacles and rebirth. I liked the idea of having this sort of inspiration on my mat during my yoga practice.
The mirrored, opposite styles of this design, like yin and yang, represents the importance of balance in achieving harmony. You can use the line that runs down the middle to help with balance and positioning on the mat.
It was also a way for me to portray my own varied artistic styles, as I am still evolving as an artist.
What role does yoga play in your life?
Although yoga may have started out as a way for me to improve my balancing skills and to strengthen my core, over the years it has become more than just physical training but a lot to do with mental strengthening as well. Through yoga, I learn to live life more mindfully and deliberately. I am reminded to practice patience and kindness towards myself, and with others, on and off the mat
What is a mantra that you live by?
It may sound cliché but I always tell myself “everything happens for a reason”. It reminds me that everything is a learning experience, to stop worrying and to have trust in the universe because things are playing out the way they are meant to. Although I can’t always see the greater picture, I am learning to be ok with not knowing and ok with not having everything figured out.
Keep up with Sabrina for more – @sabritiscio
