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Meet The Artist | Devon Reiffer
My art practice is based on the belief that we all come into existence as inherently good people who share the same innate desire to be loved unconditionally without limitation. The patterns, beliefs, and ideas that we absorb in our youth set dualistic ideas that limit our understanding of what it means to be human. The human experience is complex. We are not meant to be placed into categories or black and white boxes. So when we fail to fit in the confines of false ideals and unrealistic societal expectations, it negatively impacts the perceptions of our own self-worth, especially for those of us in LGBTQIA+ community. I create art with the hope that you will see yourself in my work, connect to the idea that we're not that different, and help create a space in which we continue to move forward towards a more accepting and loving world. There is space for all of us, you just have to see beyond what you've been conditioned to believe. I began using my art practice as a platform to further visibility for intersecting LGBTQIA+ identities through layers of charcoal and gesso. Art speaks a universal language that surpasses all preconditioned barriers and visual art is another platform to make space for others to be seen in their truth. I use art to remind those that are struggling that they are not alone and that there are safe spaces accessible to them, I use shades of gray to represent the spectrum of gender, race, ethnicity, age, and sexuality within the acronym and highlight our commonalities. In choosing to live my truth as a genderfluid, LGBTQIA+ artist, I’ve spent a decade working to be seen beyond the stereotypes of my labels and now I'm doing my best to help others be seen beyond theirs. It is our innate right to be acknowledged and accepted for exactly who we are. We are all souls in shells. All different and all the same because of it. I am an artist for social change with a mission to create work that allows us to truly see one another and reconnect to our humanity. What did I learn along the way? I realized that there is nothing more important than living a life in authenticity because once you learn to love and accept who you are, the inner peace found within becomes your power. That power is self love and self love is what changes the world. Everyone deserves peace. Regardless of living in a world that continuously tries to convince you otherwise, I'm here to remind you that you are enough, always have been, and always will be. Your story matters, the space you take up matters, and you are an equal part to the story we are all co-creating. Join my #bethechange mission by following: @ DEVONREIFFER FB | IG | Twitter | LinkedIn |