BABE #375: AYSHA MISKIN - Artist
Aysha’s work is colorful, humorous and often questions the world around her. Garnering inspiration from real-life, authentic situations and fellow humans finding their way, Aysha creates art that implores viewers to speak their minds and stay true to themselves. You can often find her drawing, painting and embroidering in her Jacksonville, FL CoRK District studio while continuously welcoming new projects and commissions that allow her to keep learning and growing. She’s a thoughtful and genuine artist and human who believes there’s enough success to go around and everyone deserves a seat at the table.
The Basics:
Hometown: Jupiter, Florida
Current city: Jacksonville, Florida
Alma mater: University of North Florida
Degree: TBD
Very first job: Lighting technician for my high school’s theater
Hustle: Artist + Gallery Assitant
The Interests:
Babe you admire and why?
It’s a toss-up between Rita Miskin (my mom) and Kaela Miskin (my sister). My mom paved her own way to becoming a nurse and ran my dad’s medical practice along with raising four daughters. She takes no prisoners. She’s dominating, and makes things happen. If she didn’t have kids, she’d definitely be the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Kaela is a gift from god(dess) and has the sweetest heart. She cares about everyone and she’s really good at making me feel better about my poor life choices. She’s also an amazing nurse who’s currently getting her master’s degree. Smart, nice, AND pretty? Who is she?!?!?! MY FUCKING SISTER. I couldn’t be prouder.
Favorite fictional female character? Why?
Miriam Maisel! She’s an icon. She has something to say and isn’t afraid to say it. Her entire life fell apart, and she still manages to pick up the pieces and make everything better (and in heels and a girdle). She wants to continue having it all—a family, a job, independence—and reminds women that it’s possible to do so.
Go-to coffee order and/or adult beverage?
Vodka Soda FOREVER
Current power anthem?
“Bad Girls” by MIA
What would you eat for your very last meal?
A lot of different types of pasta
What’s something you want to learn or master?
Coding, the stock market, the universe. Everything.
If you could have coffee with anyone in the world, who would it be?
Forget coffee. I would want to have a dry martini with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.
What’s your favorite artist or piece of work?
My favorite artist has to be Ashley Longshore. She is so authentically herself and it really shows in her work. We both come from non-traditional backgrounds, which makes her that much more amazing in my mind. She wanted to have it all and didn't stop until she got there. I really hope I get to meet her one day and just thank her. She keeps me going whenever I feel like I need to go get a degree in art in order to be taken seriously. My favorite piece of artwork is the Guerrilla Girls’ “What Do These Artists Have in Common?” It literally speaks for itself.
The Hustle:
Tell us about your hustle, providing an overview of your job and roles.
I’m a one-woman mixed media show. To break it down, I have my computer days where I have to email people and apply to things I’ll probably be rejected from. I have my commission moments where I do projects that weren't my idea but are paying my bills. Most importantly, I have my art moments, where I work on my own projects. I often have to pivot into networking and then do a back handspring into events at nighttime. Sometimes there’s room for a good private car cry, which brings everything back down to earth, followed by motivational pep talks to myself. And then we’re back!
Walk us through your ‘typical’ day. What kinds of ‘hats’ do you wear in your work?
I wake up, put on some type of overall/comfortable leisure pant (my scribbling suit—shoutout, Jo March), and head to the studio. My studio is located in an arts district that’s very close to my house and I get there by 9AM every day. I usually start the day with a drawing exercise just to get warmed up, then it’s a mixed bag from there—opening the computer and doing administrative work, gauging what needs to happen in the coming weeks, and shifting over to working on commissions. If I have a meeting, I’ll leave the studio to tend to that. The afternoons are generally dedicated to working on my own artistic concoctions.
How have your job and roles differed from what they looked like before the pandemic?
I'm really lucky to have a studio space at CoRK where I am able to leave my house and still continue to keep working in a safe environment. I was working as the gallery assistant at the University of North Florida before the pandemic hit; I'm waiting until the end of the summer to find out if the budget will allow me to stay on. I’m keeping my fingers crossed because it was a really nice way to break up my week, get out into the world and talk to people who are studying art and really passionate about it.
Have you always had a passion for art and creating? Where do you think this stems from?
I have a learning disability with a sprinkle of dyslexia, so for me, art was something I just understood. Art is a universal language. Everyone has had emotions evoked by some form of art at some point in their life. It always felt like a really safe space for me to use my imagination, where failure was impossible. I got really serious about it two and a half years ago and finally came to terms with who I am as a person. Then I got out of my own way.
What’s your favorite medium to work with and why? Has this changed over time?
I’m back to loving drawing, which is where I started with my artistic practice. I love embroidery, but it’s a little time-consuming and I’m currently seeking some instant gratification in my work, which drawing allows. I have fun ideas when I draw, which fluctuate, but I’ve had good luck with it lately. It’s more relatable for people, too—viewers can see my drawings and relate to them immediately.
What are some of your most memorable pieces, projects, and/or collaborations?
The most memorable has to be when I embroidered 100 eyes in 100 consecutive days. I had to take the project on trips with me a few times, and I just remember my boyfriend asking, “Why not make them beforehand?” and I just told him I would know that I was lying if I did—the goal was to make one a day, so I had to remain true to that. My favorite collaboration was creating a zine called Nickname with my friend Hurley Winkler, who’s a writer. The project really put both of us outside our comfort zones. Hurley is a huge collaborator on the majority of my work in general. Having someone who believes in what you’re doing is a key to progress. ’m thinking about curating a show centered on collaborative works made by groups or pairs. Allowing people to see that art doesn’t have to be such an isolating experience is important. Plus we are living in an age that is lacking human connection in a lot of ways. People need people.
What’s your approach to new artwork? When and where do you most enjoy creating?
New artwork ordinarily stems from conversations with friends and life out in the world. While I’m able to concentrate on my work best when I’m by myself, I get great ideas from conversations with others and my ideas really branch out when I talk them over with other people. If the project I’m diving into requires a new technique or new knowledge, I turn to my BFF Google to learn how to make it happen. I think it’s important to keep learning things I don’t know how to do. I need hours to dive into a piece in my studio. I don’t take lunches a lot of the time because I’m riveted by what I’m doing (#intermittentfasting).
How have your past professional and academic experiences and lessons prepared you for the work you do today? How have they not prepared you?
No one is ever prepared. You can plan all you want, but life is always going to throw something else your way. I worked in bars and restaurants for a long time and I learned to expect the unexpected and go with the flow. Any bump in the road is easier with open arms, a can-do attitude, and a quick Google search. My academic career was anything but a walk in the park. I’m sure all of my professors are just happy that I'm out of their hair. One of the last classes I took was called The Business of Art.
The professor brought in a grad student who was in his final semester to talk to us about his experience in grad school. He didn't say anything constructive and basically told the class how he got stiffed because he was a man and his professor was a woman and he was overlooked in so many ways. He said a lot of negative things about all the women in his program. Anyone who knows me knows that I wear my emotions on my face, and I certainly had them on full display that day. He asked me in front of the entire class if I had a problem. Of course I had a problem—he was talking about how he’s been so unfairly treated because he wasn’t a woman, but he had privilege written all over him. I had a choice to stay silent or tell him how unprofessional he was for calling me out in front of the class. I went off on him and just told him that maybe he was overlooked for a scholarship not because his professor favored women, but because his work wasn't as good. That really ticked him off. One of the girls turned around and told me I wasn't a feminist because I was being so “rude” to this guy. I left class that day and was like, “Well, there goes my A.”
Long story short, my professor called me a few days later and said, “Look, I probably should have brought someone who’s actually finished grad school, and I understand where you’re coming from.” Apparently the guy who came to class was really upset by what I had said to him and asked my professor if there was any truth in what I had told him. I got to keep my A and he didn't last long in the job UNF hired him for. I learned the value of speaking up for myself in that class. Using your voice is so important. When you see something that you know isn't right, speak up. It’s scary to speak up, and not everyone will agree with you, but at least you can sleep at night knowing you said what you wanted to.
What would you say is your biggest career milestone to date and why?
Waking up everyday and getting to come into my studio and work. I took a lot of risks and really scaled my life back in a lot of ways to be here and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I’m lucky to have supportive parents who have helped me in more ways than I could ever thank them for. My teenage self would be really proud of where my life has led me. I’m not an amateur artist anymore—strangers pay me money for my work!
How would you say being a woman has affected your professional experience? What can we do to create more equal, uplifting (and well-paying!) spaces for women in your industry?
I could give a thousand answers to this question, but here’s the condensed version: We have to first view ourselves as artists who are equal to any other artist. And for people purchasing art, if an artist ever tries to give you a buddy deal/friend discount, reject it. Pay artists what they’re worth so they, too, will believe their worth.
Are there any female-specific challenges you face in your work? How about female-specific victories?
Just being a woman is a challenge, especially in a world designed for and run by men. I’ve had a few instances with certain men who were complimentary of my work at first, but it didn’t take me long to realize that they didn’t care about my work, they just wanted to get in my pants. I have countless women friends who’ve been in similar positions and it’s really discouraging for all of us. Sometimes I feel like my work doesn’t get valued or even seen because of it.
What’s the gender ratio like in your industry? Do you see it evolving? Why or why not?
Go take a look at Congress—that’s basically the gender ratio in art, too. I go through waves of wanting to just be an artist and not a “woman artist.” It’s 2020 and we’re still having two different dialogues about artist identities. In some ways, I feel that woman-specific spaces are beneficial and important because they open up conversations about women’s issues that men don’t think about—safety, violence, economic inequality, reproductive injustice. But we have to find ways to continue facilitating these gender-specific spaces while including more women and people of color in spaces that are ordinarily dominated by men. Evolution involves all parties doing work, meeting in the middle, and lifting up marginalized groups.
Preben Olsen
How often do you experience creative burnouts? How do you remedy them?
I’m still really early in my career so I haven't really experienced creative burnout. I have the opposite problem of not being able to stop. I find myself juggling six projects at a time, which can be a blessing and a curse. Even though creative burnout hasn’t come up yet, I still experience self-doubt and get really down on what I’m doing. There is a lot of uncertainty in the path I’m on and some days I have to ask myself, “What am I doing here and is this worth it?” Whenever that happens, I have to give myself a few moments to be upset and cry and feel all the emotions, and then I give myself the “I’M AYSHA FUCKING MISKIN AND I’M NOT STOPPING UNTIL I MAKE THIS SHIT HAPPEN!” pep talk.
What are some common misconceptions about your job?
People never see all the other work that it takes to keep advancing. Networking, applications that get rejected, web design, social media, event planning, workshops. Having my parents worry that I’m always going to be struggling to land on my feet. Never really being taken seriously, being unvalued by clients because “anyone could do that.” Sometimes I wonder what it’s like to show up at an office and know what you have to do that day and just clock in and out. I don't have that luxury. So I celebrate my little victories and try not to dwell on things that fall apart. Everything that happens, happens because I put the time in and bust my ass to make sure people know I’m here producing and playing the game. People don't understand that being an artist means being a powerhouse in so many ways. I also didn't attend an arts college so I also don't have the luxury of a built-in network of people who can help get you further into the world. But I do have the good old internet and a lot of persistence!
Any advice for fellow babes at the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey?
No one got famous by sitting around, unless you are very attractive and a model scout saw you. This isn't a competition. There is enough success to go around for everyone, so share what you know and recommend people for opportunities. We all started with nothing before we built our way up. I’m a big proponent for passing along resources or encouraging people to apply for the same things I’m applying for. Make everyone hate how much they love you. It’s all about putting yourself out there in a really authentic way and being open. If you don't have your heart in it, people will see through you. My Dad always says, “Your word is law in the universe.” Basically if you say you are going to do it, do it, no excuses. People respect follow-through and it makes you memorable. As for fellow entrepreneurs, I’d advice that they get ready to work and work some more. This isn't a 9-5 gig—this is a rest-of-your-life, 24-hours-a-day kind of gig. If you stop, it stops. You need at least one person who believes in you in your corner, and if you don't have one of those, you need to be that person for yourself. Believing is half the battle. Failure is only based on how you see things. And more practically, I’d advise to always have a contract. Having things in writing will save you in the end.
Who are some women in your field that you look to for inspiration?
Lisa Hanawalt is a powerhouse who’s doing innumerable amazing things. I think about her whenever I get stuck. I also live for Tuesday Bassen’s line work. Jordan Casteel’s paintings are on another level. Karley Sciortino writes the blog “Slutever” and I just really enjoy how open she is and what she's putting out in the world. Here in Jacksonville, I really admire the curatorial work Hope McMath does at Yellow House. Crystal Floyd and Karen Kurycki are doing amazing work and they’re so transparent with me about the process, which is an attribute I strive to share in my own life. Sheila Goloborotko’s passion for connecting people and making art a universal experience always inspires me. Geexella is another person who I really admire for educating the general population and using their voice to always speak up (and they always play the best tunes while DJing).
What does your approach to work/life balance look like? How do you unplug and unwind?
I struggle with work/life balance on a lot of levels. My best friend Sam called me out a couple of years ago and said, “You need to use weekends as a free period and step away from the art.” It was a huge wake up call. I wasn't present for the people who mattered in my life. She's someone who is really good at getting me to take breaks and gives the most amazing pep talks. Honestly I feel bad for anyone who doesn't have a Samantha Otoya in their life. My boyfriend also owns his own business and isn’t great with the whole balance thing, either. I’m starting to become more aware of the balance and often have to be the voice of reason and say, “It’s time to clock out!” Sundays are our big days devoted to unwinding and leaving work at work. Preben will get on the smoker and we’ll cook together and we’ll watch garbage TV. And we try really hard not to talk about work! In our next lives, we’re coming back as people who don’t own small businesses.
Career and/or life advice for other babes?
Don’t let people stand in the way of what you want. You are the only one in your life who can change things. Life is about choices, so make the right ones. Sometimes sacrifices come in the form of missing a night out with friends or breaking up with the person who can’t support your dreams, but in the end, they will pay off. Comfort is the kiss of death. Don’t apologize for the skills you might be “lacking.” Show them what you can do without those. Show people the things they don’t want to or can’t see. Don’t ask for permission or apologize for taking up space or living your life how you want. Men do it all the time and no one bats an eye. You are never too old to chase your dreams. Step outside of your echo chamber and see whats happening in other spaces of your community/world. Never grow up.
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