Conversations with Elvia Watkins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elvia Watkins.

Hi Elvia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been creating since before I could remember. I recall my mother mentioning my Pre-K teacher pulling her aside to tell her I’d be an artist one day. While my peers were still drawing stick figures, I had already begun drawing full figures.

It was uncommon for kids our age to draw a full face, hair, all 10 fingers, and an actual body rather than “sticks”. Well, my teacher’s prediction seemed spot on. As my academic years progressed my skills only improved.

The other kids constantly asked me to draw cartoons for them and many of my assignments ended up on display in the halls. As I entered my college years I focused more on my studies, but many of the things I learned in that time came to influence my art and other desires as well. I studied psychology and became spiritually connected to myself and nature.

Now, I have a redbubble shop, Tangible Soul, for my art and am a certified therapeutic art life coach! I also just started an upcycling/recycling business to hopefully aid the planet as well as strengthen our communities.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an artist, a life coach who specializes in therapeutic art, and an aspiring conservationist. I simply allow my creative juices to flow through my art and I upload them to my Redbubble shop. There you can find my work on clothing, bags, home decor, and more! As a life coach, I help others navigate their thoughts and emotions through art. It can be as simple as relieving stress to figuring out what it is you want out of life. Again, all this is done through fun and calming artistic measures! It isn’t therapy. It’s just therapeutic!

Lastly, I can not help but be concerned for our planet and the state it is in. I have a strong desire to do my part in aiding it however possible. That urge is what led to my upcycling/recycling business. If you have unwanted items that are taking up space, I’ll gladly take them off your hands and either resell them as is to those who are looking for those kinds of items or I’ll upcycle them to bring them back to life, so they can be used once again! There is so much overproduction of items as well as pollution from things being thrown out. I found this to be a way to connect with the community as well as reduce, reuse, and recycle! I hope to reconnect us with our fellow human beings as well as our home, Earth.

So far, I’m glad to put out things that aren’t “normal”. So many things are beginning to look the same and I value the unique qualities and quirks that people possess and aspire to encourage others to show that off more often. My heart is open to the many difficulties we as people have been facing in these recent years as well and am too familiar with the different types of pains we can experience.

I wish for my fellow human beings to feel less alone, so I’m elated to provide an ear or helping hand. I’m not against therapy, but recognize that it isn’t always affordable or comfortable for others. Mental health matters. Self-care matters. And I’m here to support those who need/want it. Lastly, I’m proud that I dared to put myself out there as a conservationist. There is no replacement for our beloved Earth. I’m happy that I will help reduce waste, help others save money (and space), and still get to be creative in the process!

I’d say the thing that sets me apart is my heart. Through my art, I allow myself to be vulnerable and connect with others who may “feel something” from what I create. Through my life coaching, I will help others become the leader of their life, their mind, and where they want to be. I’m not against anyone. I want us all to win! I’ve never seen myself as a leader because I know that we are all capable of being leaders of ourselves and still coexist with whatever differences we may have.

As a conservationist, I’m happy to now walk about what I talk about. I’m no longer just posting about good environmental news or informing others on things they can do, but I’m doing the work. Even if I make a small impact, it’s an impact nonetheless.

What matters most to you? Why?
Reconnecting people to the magic that is within them and around them is what’s most important to me. Simply as human BEINGS, we are so curious and amazing. It’s crazy to simply BE. And I don’t think that’s something people realize enough. Our existence is truly incredible.

Along with that, our Earth is incredible. She has everything we need for free! She does so much to protect us daily, but we have unfortunately messed up that balance. Life can be so simple. Everything we need is within us and around us.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tangible__soul?utm_source=qr&igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg%3D%3D
• Website: https://www.redbubble.com/people/tangible-soul/shop?asc=u