We had the good fortune of connecting with Selene Koster and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Selene, how does your business help the community?
My artwork is an extension of my voice, and I use my voice to bring awareness to certain causes, such as CPTSD (Complex PTSD), racial equity, and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Each painting holds a message close to my heart. I’m using my voice to encourage others to use their own, and I hope that they can see themselves reflected in my work if they don’t have the option to use their own.

I want those voices to be heard.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Playfully Powerful.

I did not realize it at the time, but I was choosing animals that had a sense of power, and yet playfulness to them. That inner-child combined with the adult me are portrayed in each canvas. Fun and loud, bright and vibrant in color, not afraid to speak their mind.

It is my voice, as I use it to bring awareness to certain causes. It excites me that I may encourage others to use their own voice, whether through art or in another muse.

Where I am today has been a challenge, as I went through so many mental health hoops. It took so long to realize who I was and to stay true to myself, and I have my art and therapy to thank for that.

I learned it is important to take time to discover who you are, be proud of who you are, and to be patient with yourself as you grow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If the weather is nice, there are some nice outdoor activities you can visit in Phoenix! I highly recommend the Japanese Friendship Garden, for a quiet and beautiful walk next to a koi pond. I also recommend the Botanical Gardens, where art meets nature.

Got hungry after all that walking? Asi Es La Vida is a Mexican restaurant with fun décor and delicious food, that I cannot wait to visit again someday.
The Musical Instrument Museum is perfect for any hot day, with plenty to look at and explore.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to TaLisa!

She is my senior from the same art institute we graduated from, and I’ve always looked up to her. Her participation in Her Flag, an organization celebrating the 19th Amendment, is inspiring.
She has always supported my art, collecting pieces throughout the years and giving me artistic advice.

You can see her work at:

www.TaLisa.art

Instagram: www.instagram.com/selene_koster

Facebook: www.facebook.com/selene.koster

Other: https://radnaut.com/collections/selene-koster

Image Credits
Nathaniel Lynde Zybrena Crawford Porter

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