Today we’d like to introduce you to Roxana Cousino
Hi Roxana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Roxana but everyone calls me Roxy.
My parents are from two very different countries- my father from Chile and my mother from Philippines. I was raised in Orlando but born in Chicago. I am the third out of six children and I believe that is at the core of me becoming an artist. I felt boxed in and unseen at the same time. I also felt like a complete alien. I felt i didn’t fit in with friends or with my family. Mystery and fantasy were my safe havens and I often sought alone time by hiding under my bed or climbing into a tree. My mother, who was a talented artist died at the age of 36 from asthma. I recently outlived her and so i’m beyond grateful to be alive. My father was abusive and has been diagnosed with ADHD.
My mother taught me how to draw Pocahontas- an image found on my pillow and I remember being confused at why it was so bad compared to hers. I spent my teenage years playing with many art forms but never refined my skills. I enlisted myself into the USMC at 17 because i felt i lacked discipline and order in my life. I injured myself and was discharged 6 months later.
I made art here and there after coming back home but because I was Mormon, I felt as though finding a husband to start a family with was of a deeper urgency than a career.
I married at 21, & eloped to Utah- doing my best to fulfill the ideal of Mormon wife and mother. I had my son at 23. My son was 1 when I decided to leave Utah and the Mormon faith and come back to Florida. My beliefs had changed and I no longer found peace in the religion.
As soon as i arrived back to Orlando i registered for school to study Fine Art. I had not yet gained confidence or support in my creative ability. One day my brothers friend asked if I would accompany her to a tattoo session, I had just met her but i agreed to sit with her while she got tattooed. It was about an 8 hour session so i sketched while i waited. I was offered an apprenticeship and dropped out of Valencia community college after a couple years to commit to art full time.
Since then i have been committed to freelancing murals and doing tattoos and more recently-Tarot reading, which i would’ve never thought i would be involved in but- here we are. I live by the grace and kindness of the community around me and I am so grateful for the friends and support i’ve garnered along the way. Trusting myself and trusting my process has been pivotal to walking with faith and not quitting although many times i almost have.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Besides my own mind and battling demons that look like ADHD and neurodivergent tendencies- i’d say the biggest obstacles were believing that I was worth the effort of fighting for my dreams or desires I had since I was little.
And to be honest, a large part of my challenges took the form of family issues. Being the middle child, I often try to keep an eye on my brothers – two of which are autistic and schizophrenic and both have a history of violence and aggression. Family and mental health for sure- have felt like some kind of curse that I had to break in order to feel worthy of good things happening for me. Also, the energy of not being valued led me to ostracize and isolate myself unnecessarily. Not feeling supported or seen can really hinder you from the path you want to be on.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have been making art and writing poetry since I was young- but what I believe makes me different, is what makes anyone unique- my personality. I am a largely self taught artist although i have taken some art classes- most techniques i use are found through the active doing of my practice. I love every medium whether its sculpting or sketching- i transform myself while i create my art. In many ways, art is a therapy for me, And at my best, i’m inspiring others to play, to try and even to make mistakes. Thats my favorite part about being an artist really, is that i don’t have to be perfect. I just have to be true to myself, be true to me. Thats what “Roxenticity” (artist name) stands for, Rox & Authenticity. When people see my art they usually comment on the range of my ability and expression. I often don’t know what the end will look like. I aim to express and to enjoy and to love. Thats what being an artist really means to me.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Wow, what a good question. I think the biggest thing i’ve learned looks a lot like failure being more of a bruise than a tattoo. Knowing that as many ‘No”s that i get, all i need is one “yes” and i’ll be able to keep doing what i love a little longer. That being consistent and not taking things personal helps with rejection and miscommunication happens all the time. I have learned that being around others who are persistent and focused helps more than we could ever understand, so picking the right friends is crucial to being an artist for a living. Keeping your heart open is a huge lesson as well, to remain soft and allow any pain to come and go and not be attached to what you sell or don’t sell. Or not being hurt or saddened by the lack of support of friends of family. Just focus in general, knowing where you want to go and what you want your future to look like is essential.
Pricing:
- $55/30 minTarot reading
- $100/hr tattoo
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.enticeyourauthenticity.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roxenticity/profilecard/?igsh=OTZ2eWh1YmY3NXVo
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@readthesignswithroxy
