Meet AAE. RUSSELL | Artist

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

Hi AAE., we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my own business because I saw a need for more uplifting art and intentional use of color in public and private spaces. I noticed how color and design sets the energetic tone for how you feel when you walk into a home or a skyscraper lobby, and how the lack of artwork say in a hospital room or office can also make you feel. I want to help influence the energy of spaces and places to elevate people’s energy within it to lower stress and increase overall health and wellbeing. I felt that my unique approach to artwork can have a positive change in the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a photographer and digital artist. For the past decade I have been editing everyday images into something more extraordinary by blending abstract and urban photography from my day to day life. What I am branching into now alongside this is the concept of creating “art with a dual purpose”, or “vitamins for your eyes”. By combining science and art, I am creating an industry in developing “healing artwork” with scientifically proven benefits on the overall wellbeing of the viewer. Future thinking, I believe artwork will not be a luxury but a necessary component in energetically intentional interior design of spaces and places – where technology meets art.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite places to go out in Grand Rapids is Max’s South Seas Hideaway because it has a giant collection of vintage and modern tiki art and decor. We would grab a bite there and then head out to Frederik Meijer Gardens, or maybe catch a live music show at Midtown in Studio Park. Any time of year driving out to the lakeshore then up to Traverse City and catching a sunset on the beach at Lake Michigan is always a good adventure.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to thank Cathy Bingham and Rebecca Thomas (Marie of Venus) for their mentorship, encouragement, and support on my journey. Also I want to give a shoutout to the Wellness Retreat Michigan community and Whitney Dawn Pyles for the inclusivity and many new friendships, as it has greatly helped my transition back to the Midwest from Colorado.

Website: https://aaerussell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aae.russell/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aae-russell/

Image Credits
Smartist photo app.