ARTIST ARIANA VAETH

Ariana Vaeth is a Baltimore raised artist based in Milwaukee. Ariana creates intricately staged self portraits, constructing records of intimate moments between close friends. Ariana was a 2017 Mary L. Nohl Fellow and recipient of the inaugural Fellowship.art grant. 

What are you most proud of? "I am most proud of my friends. They are my most valuable teachers since leaving Undergrad. LaNia Sproles and Cecilia Palacios are the smartest people I know and I am humbled by their accomplishments and how they treat others."

Is there something new that you've started doing in the past 4 months? "I am rekindling my relationship with my oldest brother. I really needed him at the end of May. He answered the phone so quickly.  I love that I am so much like him. His resilience is accompanied by shared laughter. I will never let that much time pass between us again."

Is there something you’ve stopped doing/caring about in the past 4 months? "I can honestly say I am less clouded by the opinions of others.  I know who my loved ones are.  I can see my inherited quirks I get from my parents and brothers. It is a hilarious revelation."

What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up? "Gawd, I can't believe how behind I am."

What’s your favorite thing about Milwaukee (or place)? "My favorite place is my Aunt Tammy's house. Tammy and I found each other in the winter 2014 at the bus stop in front of the ole Pick n' Save in Shorewood. Since then, her home has been my home. While I get ready to explore North Carolina for a couple of months, her house is the unofficial gallery for my artwork."

Who do you think needs advice and what would you like to tell them? "I am in need of advice, whether I am ready to listen is a different story.  I appreciate the advice that I am not able to hear for a while, but suddenly in the middle of my tomfoolery I see the picture. It must have been strong enough philosophy to stick with me until I was ready for it. Wisdom with a long shelf life."

View Ariana's work on Instagram @arianavaeth