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Meet the Artist: Levi Visaya

Hello! I'm an artist based in Winnipeg, Canada although I was born in the Philippines. I will be graduating from Brigham Young University this April. I'm pursuing a degree in Art with an additional emphasis in Arts Administration and a minor in Business and Entrepreneurship.

Art is my favorite form of communication and self-expression has been art ever since I can remember. Although I spared my parents by avoiding the walls, I drew on myself constantly since I had gone through all of our paper and magazines. My dad, who is an engineer, recognized that this was something that made me happy. He would bring home large rolls of old blue prints for me to have my own canvas and so that it would be easier to keep me from being covered in ink.

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I love playing instruments, including the piano, flute, guitar, ukulele, and drums. I also played leading roles for musicals and helped build sets. Experimenting with new mediums is something I enjoy. When I started university, I first went into STEM. To be honest, I felt like I was just going through the motions. I understood what I learned but it wasn’t something I truly enjoyed. I slipped into heavy depression especially because I didn’t know anyone abroad. I didn’t have time to eat and my life only consisted of endless equations and work for chemistry, physics, and biology. While my family always expected me to be a doctor, they were supportive when I finally told them what I was going through. They were supportive of my pursuit of Art when they recognized that I find purpose within it.

In creating, I noticed that I embrace an interdisciplinary approach, drawing inspiration from various sources and techniques. Art has helped me through many lows and I have also met many amazing people through it. Because I strive to express a sense of joy, gratitude, and connection in my work, but I also don't shy away from being candid and expressing my reality as it is.

My hope is to contribute meaningfully to the world or at least offer some solace to those who don't feel seen or heard through my creations. Alongside academic pursuits, I am a committed to advocate for those who have suffered through depression and anxiety, and strive to inspire healthy living through example and helping others in need.