Today we’d like to introduce you to Iva Pittman.
Hi Iva, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am creative most known for my work as a painter and singer/songwriter. I moved to Orlando from Georgia back in 2013 to become a music director of a church. I had much experience with playing for churches, singing, and directing choirs. However, I never would have thought that Orlando would reintroduce me to my love for painting. In 2016-2017, I had a few tragedies that hit my life which led to me being diagnosed with anxiety and depression. To avoid taking medication, I opted to use my gift as a way to cope which was the Art. Painting and singing coupled with my faith became my therapy and slowly helped me to progress back to a healthy mental place. What led to me now pursuing art, was my friends discovering my art in my home and then requesting my services for their events, album covers, gifts for family. Etc. The rest is history.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been the easiest journey. Art is not something that is prevalent in Orlando. In addition to the fact that the amount of successful black artists is very few. And let’s not even begin to mention the lack of black female artists as well. I’m learning that I’m making a larger impact in this field than I could have imagined.
Representation matters as well bridging the gap. I’m here to push inclusivity for all in this art world.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m the owner of 5 pm Art and Design. I’m most known for my portrait work which is a mix of surrealism and realism. I specialize in acrylic and oil paintings. I am most proud of my recent mural piece that I had the pleasure of doing for the Sam Flax Wall project. I had been wanting to get a mural in the city for 2 years and it finally happened this year. I think what makes me unique or set apart is I’m not known so much for what I do but who I am as an individual. I have a heart for God and his people and I use my gifts to share that. And it just so happens to be that I’m pretty dope at what I do when I share!
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
The best thing about Orlando is that it has so much potential for growth in so many areas! The inspiration can be found any and everywhere!
My least favorite thing about Orlando is actually my least favorite thing about Florida, which is the heat.
Contact Info:
- Email: ivalpittman@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/officiallyiva
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/officiallyiva
- Twitter: Www.Twitter.com/officiallyiva
