Are you willing to put your art out into the world—to put yourself out in the world—knowing that you may not get the validation you seek. My conversation with Southern California abstract painter PRIYA SHARMA ASENCIO digs into the nitty-gritty reality of making the transition from a prior profession (in Priya’s case advertising media) to being a full-time painter, including the highs and lows of showing your work in public forums like art fairs and growing into your art practice within the social media gaze.

Priya’s dogged optimism has helped her weather the disappointments and recognize how all of her art experiences are interconnected. Rather than relying on external measures of success, Priya is learning how to validate herself first and appreciating the relationships each new stage presents.