Meet Damaris Santos | Multi-medium artist and creative

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

Hi Damaris, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
When it comes to knowing whether to keep going or give up, it’s a complex subject that really falls upon one as an individual. For me I have a strong belief to never give up to keep trying and making what brings you joy, because if you like it then those who are similar to you are going to like it too. We live in a world full of niches and different cultures. So it can be tricky finding your flock but that’s the beauty of never giving up. You get to learn what other groups like what you do and make, while looking for your people. In everything there are growing pains but eventually it’ll work out, even if it doesn’t seem like it or there isn’t actual proof, that’s what hope and experimenting are for. That’s what I believe my art and my book, ‘The Life and Times of a Wise Slime’, are doing for me, they keep me going and stop me from giving up.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art has always been inspired by media and education. I love anime, cartoons, animation, culture, history and nature. I often would watch a show and start daydreaming what the next episode would be like, which would inspire me to think of my own world and characters. This rush of imagination often gave me the want to make art, whether it be fan art, scenery landscapes, animals, or something new, I’d always just create it based on what I find beautiful. I’ve been doing art since I was a kid, my mom was a craft artist and she showed me how to produce art in a fast manner, I even won a talent show in school once for creating a poster sized drawing in under a minute. During college I’d often submit art to NDK Denver’s open gallery and auction, which eventually paid off because since 2018 I’ve won best in show or 2nd place in the passing years. The in 2023 I was hired by contract to be an art educator for CHAC gallery, which connected me to the 40west hub and Santa Fe arts district. I got to do a few murals as well thanks to CHAC. Though it hasn’t been easy, I like to keep my prices fair for the average individual to purchase so I only mark my artwork at a cost of supplies time two. That’s why I’m able to purchase new supplies for another painting and still have a little bit of profit, but this method isn’t enough to live off of. So I had to keep working full time jobs which unfortunately were not the best for my mental health. As many have seen, plenty of Colorado companies, nonprofits and business would rather keep to what’s only legal and take advantage of their employees instead of what’s both legal and ethical. So as modern terms go it wasn’t easy having to deal with toxic work environments all while following my passions. I’m still proud of what I’ve been doing and for being so strong. I accomplished many things so far and I still have more to go. From winning several contests, to self-publishing my first fantasy novel, to participating in major art events, I’ll keep continuing until I reach my goals of opening up my own consignment shop which should lead to my own cultures and nature’s Museum.

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.
If I were to treat a friend to a fun weekend I’d first take them to an escape room and treat them to a few local restaurants like Kyoto Ramen! Colorado has so many fun escape room and they really challenge you to be creative. The next place I’d take them would be the Santa Fe arts district. We’d check out the galleries and shops before having lunch at Taco Selene! Maybe if we have time check out the Colorado history museum and Denver Arts Museum. After that I’d probably take them Belmar to check out the mall, the park and watch movie. Finally after that we’d have dinner at Sukiya Ramen off of Broadway. If it was still open we a check out the wizards chest and some of the local shops. For the final day we’d go Round one in southwest plaza, then try the escape rooms there and eat at the food court.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Overthinking and staying quiet only help those who never want to reach a goal. Speak up, talk kindly to those around you and you’ll eventually find the kind souls willing to help. I dedicate this shout-out to my friends. Thank you to each and every one of you willing to read my story and support me in any activity I’m working on, especially Patchlocke, who dedicated time not only to reading my manuscript but also to help with grammatical errors and writing suggestions, going above and beyond to help. Not to mention always being there to check out my art and offer advice in the day to day.

To Brynjar Barsocchini, for always cheering me on and enjoying my art. For sharing it with friends, for connections and for helping me keep the creative ideas flowing. To Dr. Elizabeth Renee Fajardo, for connecting me to CHAC, other Hispanic communities and always being there when I need a hand. To Danielle Cunningham, for offering to be the proud editor of my book and supporting each other in our art journey.

I struggle with dyslexia and occasional anxiety, yet without all of your support, I wouldn’t have gotten this far. Thank you with all my heart!

Website: https://shadowsantos-arts.yolasite.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadow_santos/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shadowsantos/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shadowsantos

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@Shadowsantos-Arts

Other: Tiktok
https://www.tiktok.com/@shadowsantos_arts?_t=ZT-8xixFeFXa5W&_r=1

Image Credits
All pictures were taken by me. The group picture is a photo of a sip and paint I taught at Dos Abuelas Puerto Rican food.