Worthy to benefit from evidence that nature's apothecary is humbling love with scientific validation. Ondarella is a process driven, self-taught visual artist living in Midwest, USA studying nature and people to dialogue about overcoming adversities of health and wellness. She has an AAS in integrative health sciences from ACHS, where she studied various holistic modalities to support health goals and address concerns. For the past 19 years, Ondarella has been adapting natural formulations using aromatherapy blends, herbal decoctions, and nutritional observations to eliminate and support optimal health outcomes. In efforts to support health goals, she uses art to spark curiosity about wellness through experiences and learning.
Mind Med Aura Altar was her first solo exhibition in Ann Arbor, MI. Additionally, she has participated in group exhibitions at Lawrence Street Gallery, Ann Arbor City Hall, and Ypsilanti District Library. Furthermore, local markets have hosted her art practice, where she dialogues with the community.
She was born in Southeast Michigan and was fortunate to explore dance, theater, and visual arts. Her first memories of art were creating a chapbook about a magic wand and submitting to an art open call for cartoon characters in a popular basketball movie. Until 14 years ago, her favorite mediums were graphite, ink, and colored pencils because they were accessible. In adulthood, she discovered acyrlic painting and art became an emotional support, a connection with her natural environment, and a way to honor women through imagery in privatized spiritual practices. In the future, Ondarella is determined to learn in art and integrative practices while growing deeper, meaningful relationships in her community.
Statement
I am a self-taught visual painter using nature's apothecary for relating to others' health and wellness journey. I do paintings on canvas paper, mixed media paper, or traditional canvas. Go to mediums are water-based, like paint markers, pen, and acrylics, to freely activate my right brain and loosen up. Working from reference photos, I paint my subject in an abstract way and begin layering colors. Blending and shading are more visible in acrylics, which helps achieve an abstract expression. Then I detail, glaze with fluorescent acrylics, and use watercolor ground to work in oil pastels.
Through my artwork, I will display that wellbeing unveils in natural modalities through images honoring the feminine and masculine. I am called to do this work from my experiences as a spiritual, though not religious, black woman implementing various practices for wellbeing. In the process, I realize that sharing my art and experience may benefit another individual on their whole being journey. Our dialogue in art and community has potential and purpose to learn from each other and hold space for healing.