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

Hi Cyenda, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
I think often about my end goal as an artist. I have no idea where i could realistically end up, but I’ve always wanted to be as Jean-Michel Basquiat put it “a rockstar” There is something about bearing your soul as an artist, putting every inch of yourself forward, that makes you want to push the limits of what is possible. For a long time I had found myself inspired by the now infamous Kanye West, despite his many controversies, because of the innovative while simultaneously ubiquitous nature of his work. People like Kanye, Hayao Miyazaki, Beyonce, Kerry James Marshall and other artists inspire my style also inspire my work ethic, as i always try to emulate the way they push themselves to be the best creatives they can be. Although it may sound ambitious, Id love to be part of the canon of great Western artists in some way, making a difference in what people consider beautiful or important. In the meantime though, I’d at least be happy to make a living off creating and selling my artwork.

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.
My artwork, often described as surreal, “trippy”, or fantastical mixed media drawings, is inspired by artists such as Takashi Murakami, Kara Walker, Kerry James Marshall, and many other great artists throughout history. What sets me apart from other artists is not only my high level of execution, but my unique range of personal style. Typically my work surrounds journeys into my own subconscious expression, ranging from Japanese inspired mixed pieces of magical creatures to a Klimt inspired oil pastel piece of an interracial couple making love. My journey as an artist started as a child. I would sit at the coffee table for hours playing with glitter glue, paint, paste, paper, and any other material I could get my hands on. While I was often ostracized as the “weird kid”, the only thing i found refuge and respect in was my art. In many ways it was a safe haven. As i grew older, many people may have expected to me to give up art and find a new path, but for me it was more than a hobby, it was my passion. While I’ve never had any technical formal training, I’ve never given up my ambition, taking any art class that was offered to me in school and beyond. Finally in May of 2024, I hosted my first art exhibition at Corazon Gallery. In addition, I’ve showed at the A.R. Mitchell museum’s “Resonance” show, been displayed on the TSC “La Morada” student digital magazine, and won the Corazon Gallery’s Black and White show, despite my submission being in full color. I’m even exhibiting my work at my second solo show January 24th at Ziccardi’s Bazaar in Trinidad, CO. Now at 22, I feel like I’ve learned a lot about the ins and outs of the art business, but mostly the courage and work it takes to make yourself successful in any way. If people take anything away from my story, I would like it to be that hard work, determination, and a unrelenting belief in oneself, is all it takes to make a difference in this world large or small.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
While many people may think the small town of Trinidad, CO doesn’t have much to do, I’d say you just have to know where to find it. First off Mutiny Trinidad, a local coffee shop where I work part time has a lovely range of books, games and comics, as well as a great atmosphere and amazing coffee. Besides that, the Cafe on Main Street is a lovely place to go eat, and one of Trinidad’s many thrift stores such as PALS or Shirley’s Thrift is always my favorite spot to do some shopping. If you’re more outdoorsy, Trinidad Lake State park is a lovely place to camp or just a spend a day, and Fisher’s Peak State Park is just as entertaining.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my family for always supporting my creative endeavors, my art teacher Ily Reiling for helping me refine my craft, and all of my favorite creatives for inspiring me to do what I do everyday.

Website: https://cyenda.com

Instagram: @cy.enda

Youtube: @cyenda

Other: tiktok: @cyenda

Image Credits
Cyenda Stormant (artwork and photography)

Jason Frank of Frank Images Trinidad (scans)

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