Meet Monet Ridenour | Disabled Artist, Photographer & Model

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

Hi Monet, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
In life there are many risks you can take or be faced with. You have one of two choices in that moment. To either; One, stay in your comfort zone and take no risks at all and keep doing things the way they always have been. Or Secondly, take that step into the unknown and take the risk no matter how big or small.

All my life I have always heard throughout school and life in general there is risks. But, lots of people are afraid to take that risk in fear of failing. The reality of failure is a learning experience to know how to do things better for next time.

In school I read this quote by Helen Keller. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”

As a chronically ill, disabled child unbeknownst at the time. I was told from a young age that I would no longer be here when I was about 18-21. I really reflected in what I wanted to do because I thought I would no longer be here.

Risk has been a huge factor of my life both in just trying to manage to live through the endless battle that is my health and what I loved the most. I was sheltered from how sick I truly was little did I understand it but my mother only wanted me to live my life as normally as possible I think was her reasoning. She passed away in 2009 of cancer. Some things will forever be a mystery for me. Both her and my grandmother pushed me to do the things I loved and wanted to do.

I have been in so many uncomfortable situations where I was faced to make a decision and I was afraid of messing up but I decided if it wont kill me or harm others what’s the harm in trying.

Embarrassment is a temporary feeling as well. For example when modeling Someone last minute didn’t want to preform. It messed up the whole thing and was creating chaos. I stepped up and said whelp I guess I’ll do it then. Being afraid of large crowds, not knowing the routine, having a outfit fitted to me backstage trying to learn the choreography last minute. But, thankfully then can can is supposed to originally be funny and haphazard I completely butchered it. I was out of sync, one of my shoes flew into the crowd (thankfully not injuring anyone) lost my other shoe, stopped early ran away to the other exit and went on the hunt for my shoes in the venue while making sure I didn’t hurt anyone. Little did I know our performance was actually a hit!

You truly never know what can come of making a risk. You never know what may come of it. No matter how horrible you think it may be. No matter what emotions come up push forward and give it a try and make memories doing it. The story above now is one of my cherished memories.

I have many more stories like this because I learned that feeling of fear or anxiety trying something new is something to look forward to. Because the outcome of some of those risks has put me where I am today and I am thankful I had people encouraging me to take that risk too. I want to encourage others as well.
The worst thing you can say at the end is that you tried and can say you tried rather than not at all.

With any risk there are endless possibilities for the outcome. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Things may seem daunting, horrifying, come with extremely hard work, have embarrassing moments.

But, within that I have met wonderful people, gained so many wonderful memories while figuring out what it is i personally love. I’ve tried many things from my artwork and expanding techniques and styles, modeling of all sorts, have explored almost every avenue of photography, traveled so much, and so much more!

So, I’d personally say there’s more risk in not taking the risk at all in anything you want to do no matter how big or small go out there and try things!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an artist I have an innate capacity for noticing and focusing on the fine details in artwork of my own and others!

It’s the little things that create a bigger picture. The color and shine of fur in the sun, the softness in the breeze and leaves, the little bugs hidden in a flower no one stops to see. I’ve always focused and tied this quality on the fine details in my work, even photography!

I love Macro Photography probably because you can see the fine details in the world I see with my eyes for details. I learned a lot of different types of Photography during my studies at Hallmark Institute of Photography. But, no matter what I’m doing I have always focused on the little details.

Being a disabled artist comes with its own set of challenges with trying to manage a small business and having multiple health ailments, going to doctors, getting treatments, having more test done, and more. I’m no stranger to needing surgeries. But, even with all my appointments weekly if it wasn’t for my health I wouldn’t be able to create like I do as well. Id most likely have a 9-5 job if I wasn’t disabled.

I have always loved art from a young age! I used to have the channel set to make sure I woke up to Bob Ross in the morning before school. I never believed in myself I could make art like him as a small kid and would get frustrated when I couldn’t draw how I liked. One morning before school I had missed some of the beginning of the episode and Bob had said, “Talent is a pursued interest. Anything that you’re willing to practice, you can do.” I then decided to keep practicing with art and photography. I enjoy creating its what brings me joy and I’m sure I will continue for a long time more!

I encourage anyone that is an artist feeling discouraged to keep going. Create what you want. you don’t need to treat yourself like a factory worker needing to follow what everyone else is doing. You are a unique individual and create things YOU enjoy! If it wasn’t for you it wouldn’t have existed in the first place. I have struggled with this myself and was wondering why I wasn’t enjoying myself creating anymore ” just trying to stay relevant” on social media.

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.
I rarely get a chance to go out and do things because of my chronic illnesses. Like watch TV/Go to the Movies, Play games, and have food allergies so it makes it hard to go out to eat. Then on top of it if its somewhere new, Is the place accessible for my powerchair needs?

It’s a challenge but, I still have a handful good friends that don’t mind these things and find things to do together!

We could go thrifting, do art together, will lounge at their place together. There’s a few places I enjoy that are accessible including the Denver aquarium and the Denver zoo!

I haven’t gotten a chance to go to the science center yet so that could be fun! If feeling adventurous we could go for a drive in the mountains and take photos! Silverton and the surrounding areas are gorgeous! There’s a lot of hidden good eats in the small towns in the mountains. See what is local its never steered me wrong!

There are a lot of things to do in Colorado in general and anything you pick is sure to be a blast!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want this Shout Out to go out to all of my friends, family and supporters. I appreciate the encouragement you all have gave me over the years. I have had a lot of crazy chaotic moments in my life, yet, you have stayed to listen to and watch my story unfold. My health has not been forgiving and without your support getting me through has been wonderful through it all. Without you during the last year I doubt I would be doing this interview today because the art or modeling commissions you had gave me have went to taking care of my health. Little knowing what dire of a situation I was in!

Thank you for helping me with treatment! I know I haven’t been able to work on my art as much as I’d liked to this year. But, it gave plenty of time to plan! I hope to bring more smiles and inspire for you all to get out there and create! Thank you all for your continued support I really couldn’t be doing all of this with out you!

Website: https://lnkfi.re/NotYourAverageMonet

Instagram: instagram.com/notyouraveragemonet

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotYourAverageMonet

Image Credits
Monet Ridenour