Luiza Cardenuto is a Philadelphia Artist and Art Educator who believes art can be anyone's source of happiness and peace. She has exhibited in public urban spaces as well as traditional galleries all over the U.S. and abroad.
Tell us a little bit about your hustle and your happiness journey.
I am an artist, but I wasn’t always one. I battled with the decision to become one for quite sometime growing up. I did not fit in. I felt misunderstood. I simply had no other interests besides drawing and when I moved to USA at age 16, I was officially labeled a misfit. I was a super shy immigrate from Brazil, who didn’t speak English well, didn’t understand the culture, yet the punks, cubans and goths in my high school came to my rescue. The rest was history; I became an artist. I made jewelry all the time, and sold it at my school. Quickly, I became known as the Brazilian Hippie girl who makes art.
Art school seemed to be a given and the only option at this point. First, I got my AA in Miami, then I headed off to NYC to pursue my calling...and my BFA.
When I graduated art school I had a strange, eerie feeling that the art world was not for me. Nevertheless, I kept going even though I was disenchanted. I still am. But, art is here, art is always here. I think that creativity has saved me and kept me sane.
Now, I am in Philly where I make art and teach art 24/7. It doesn’t get much better than that!
What do you do to de-stress after or during a long, stressful day?
I have to do yoga everyday now that I am 26. I feel that my body is getting stiffer by the minute. So I stretch and pull, I bend and bounce. It’s what keeps me moving and what keeps me smiling.
Where do you go for inspiration?
To get started at the studio, I have been getting into meditation. I typically do about 20 minute sessions. My mind is an interesting place to go.
There’s also nothing better than traveling, I go back to Brazil every chance I get as well as visit somewhere new every year. I love to be outside, to see different plants, to look at the sky and experience nature. She’s the ultimate teacher and inspiration.
Lately, I have also been going to the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia, and the Natural History Museum in NYC. I live for that stuff.
What are you currently reading or listening to (podcasts, books, blogs, etc.)?
I listen to a lot of lectures from philosopher Alan Watts and Terence McKenna.
I watch the occasional TED talk, some videos by Jason Silva and I get my comedic relief from Porta Dos Fundos, a brazilian comedy Youtube channel.
I recently discovered the magical world of comics. I’ve been buying graphic novels to read by Scott McCloud and others. I’m also a sucker for National Geographic magazines, I love their photography.
As for books, I am reading “A Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley again. My all time favorite book is “fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone just starting their happy hustle journey?
I’d say- look deep within. There’s always something new to learn about yourself. Make it fun and interesting.
What are some of your favorite quotes or words to live by?
“Change is the only Constant” - Heraclitus
“There’s always spring after winter” -Buddha
“Trying to be happy by accumulating possessions is like trying to satisfy hunger by taping sandwiches all over your body.”- George Carlin
In one word, sum up your life as a Happy Hustler.
Steep.
What are the three core values of your hustle and how do those values relate to your happiness?
- Fulfillment (if it doesn’t fill, it doesn’t spill)
- Whatever I do, I always ask if I feel fulfilled when doing it. I think it is important to check in with myself and see where the urge comes from.
- Persistence (measure once, cut twice, and vice-versa)
- I am definitely a mistake-making-machine. Often the same ones. But persistence is like the oil that keeps the tin-man going, so he can get nickel-plated by the Wizard in Emerald City...right?!
- Lightness (life ain’t so serious)
- I’ve learned to take things lightly by letting go of control. I live with a certain level of detachment that I think is necessary to keep my sanity.
Connect with Luiza:
Website / Facebook / Instagram
This feature was sponsored by APOP Studios’ Creative Stress Management Workshops. Schedule your group stress management workshop today! Great for work and school events. Email info@apopstudios.com or find more information at: www.apopstudios.com/movingmindfully.