Adriana Jaramillo: Finding Magic And Loving Self-Exploration

If you could describe yourself in one word what would it be?

Curious

Name 3 things you love

Exploring, indulging in deep genuine connections and a massive plate of Indian food

Who or what drives you?

Raw emotion is at the wheel. I’m living in a permanent state of awe, romance, thrill, and anxiety. Painting is my way of exploring, celebrating and healing all at the same time.

What is your passion?

Art, travel and community are etched into my soul

When did you realize it was something you loved to do?

I was actually “born” twice. The first time I discovered my love for art, I was three years old. When my mom realized I loved drawing (as evidenced by the blue Crayola marker designs left all across the living room, whoops), she created a safe space for me where I could explore my artistic side and allowed me to draw whatever I wanted on her closet walls. Pretty badass idea, mom! Fast-forward to years of kid coloring books, elective art classes and late nights in the kitchen sketching away. When I got to college, I stopped—no more paint-stained hands and charcoal smudged clothes. And it stayed like that for ten years. Traveling woke me up again. I was ATVing through Sedona, wide-eyed with wonder and taking in the dreamy red rock canyons when a blue bird darted across. And the whole moment just melted into a painting in my memory. It hit me that something was missing from my life. And that void was art.

What do you do to better your skills?

I look up to other artists. If there’s an opportunity to take a free class somewhere, I jump on it. I love learning and have no problem admitting that I’ve got a lot to learn! I also stay inspired—I seek out amazing people who give me the urge to run to my canvas and paint because they’re walking examples of living passionately.

Who do you look up to in your line of work?

I’m a tadpole in my journey, so I look up to everyone! However, the goddess of all goddesses will always be Frida. I remember being eleven, flipping through her biography and just feeling absolutely fascinated by how fearless she was.

How do you deal with self-doubt?

Stuff my face with cereal and watch cartoons. Ha! Well really, self-doubt is a bitch that’s always looming over my shoulder. I find that if I call the shots by welcoming self-doubt in when it wants to creep around, it gives me a chance to explore what is causing the self-doubt to begin with. Instinctively, we try to push those negative thoughts away. But that resistance will only keep self-doubt around. I say, “alright alright, come on in, have a seat, let’s talk about this”. And when I face those negative thoughts, I come out with an answer and a direction. I know what I need to do to eliminate it while staying humble.

What or who inspires you?

I’m inspired by those moments that make you feel damn lucky. In my case, it can manifest itself in the first breeze of a Miami cold front, a sunset in Barcelona, trekking through a rainforest. It always involves living furiously and freely. I look up to women who are out there doing the damn thing, traveling the world, being bold. And, cue the sappy music—I also married my muse so inspiration is endless.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I live for discovery. I’m almost always researching my next adventure, digging up travel bargains or sending messages to the universe to help me fulfill my bucket list. On my free time, I love uncovering local gems like theaters, bookstores, and parks or sampling cuisine I’ve never had. I call myself an events detective because I love investigating city happenings and scoping out novelty. When I’m not wearing my detective hat, I’m biking along the coast blasting reggae and totally enamored with the outdoors.

Where did you grow up?

I’m a second generation immigrant so I was born in Ecuador and lived my first couple of years in Quito before coming to Miami. I’ve lived here almost my whole life. I’m a Kendall girl!

How did your environment influence your ability to express yourself as a creative?

Miami is an incredible city with SO much color—in its landscape, its people, its cultural tapestry. Living here means living inspired. As the travelingpaintbrush, I’m moved by culture so being surrounded by an environment that’s rich in diversity, is a major plus. The local arts community is also booming and witnessing the growth of it all compelled me to act and do what I love.

How do you feel about society teaching women to constantly compete one another?

I think that was propelled by people who were scared of just how unstoppable women would be if they banded together. It’s cowardly and close-minded. Competition doesn’t require you to be vulnerable because you’re operating from a solo vantage point. You’ve got your eye on you and your goals only. It’s easier to be me, myself and I. Community, on the other hand, requires vulnerability—takes time, takes courage. It asks that you open up to other women, that you invite them to see your hopes and dreams, that you believe in the good hearts of others. It takes guts but it’s so rewarding! And it’s a shame that some of us give into the need to compete at all costs…because what you miss out on is the power of support that a tribe of sisters can offer.

When do you think female competition can be considered healthy and motivational?

A measured dose of competition isn’t always a bad thing. It can push you to work on your craft and really define your voice. I just feel that you don’t lose any shine by lighting someone else’s flame. Be ignited, be fierce in your passion—absolutely! But genuinely celebrate and acknowledge others who are on the same journey as you. That doesn’t make you weak.

Have you ever experienced cattiness from other women in your field?

When I’m not painting, I’m performing. I’m a professional Bollywood dancer. The dance world is notoriously known for cattiness and competition. In the dance field, I’ve seen some micro-aggressions, like eye-rolling and sarcasm. But I think that tensions pop up in any team environment and the problems were squashed with communication. In the art field, it’s not really cattiness I’ve experienced—but rather iciness. In my experience thus far, it’s more like so many people are just looking out for themselves.

Did that change your overall view on collaborating with other females?

I’ve come to realize that we all have different truths and not everyone has tapped into the awesomeness of a team. Because of the cards I’ve been dealt, even with the occasional cattiness from someone who’s sipped the competition-Kool-Aid, my truth holds that collaboration and community are life-affirming. So I’ll continue to seek out those partnerships because they make me a better artist, a kinder person, and a stronger woman.

What do you think we can do as women to begin changing the narrative?

Stop with the negative talk. Seriously, so much of our attitude is dictated by how we communicate and that includes the internal dialogue. Catch yourself complaining or criticizing and then zap those judgments. That goes for girl-on-girl hating and self-criticism. Try instead to find something beautiful or admirable or powerful and harness on that positivity. We have to actively unlearn this stupid narrative that puts the pressure on us to be the best at other people’s expense. In the end, we all want to feel loved and appreciated.

If there was one message you could tell the world, what would it be?

Live with love in your heart and the world will show you its magic.

What is the best way for people to see your work?

Catch my journey on Instagram or Facebook @travelingpaintbrushmia and let’s connect!