Unveiling the Artistic Journey of Vykky Ebner: A Fusion of Personal Experience and Creative Expression

• Posted on 22 September 2023
• 0

In a heartfelt conversation with Vykky Ebner, known as @VykkyDammit on Instagram, we embark on a journey through her unique world of art, inspired by life's highs and lows, and the challenges faced by disabled artists. She invites us into her realm, where art is both a canvas for her experiences and a sanctuary for her soul.

Her artistic odyssey began during childhood, where her passion for drawing took root. While pursuing a formal education in illustration, she encountered a profound setback—an acute episode of mental distress. Unyielding in her pursuit of creativity, she spent the next decade engrossed in painting, design, and solitary museum visits.

A pivotal moment came in 2009, when Ebner's art gained recognition at The Everson Museum's "60 Artists in 60 Minutes" event. Here, artists had one hour to craft or complete a live painting. The audience immediately connected with her work. Her piece, inspired by her personal experience with mental health challenges, elicited intense interest and earned her an award. This moment catalyzed her artistic trajectory, leading to an internship at The Everson and deep involvement in Syracuse’s local art and artist scene.

Ebner's muse is her own life—a tapestry woven with threads of her journey through schizoaffective disorder and, more recently, a harrowing encounter with domestic violence. Her former partner, a doctoral candidate in physics, not only contributed equations to her artwork but also left an indelible mark on the themes and concepts that now permeate her creations. 

Her creative process is an intricate dance, a symphony of ideas and disability challenges. Ebner, despite her struggles, perseveres. Obsessive writing becomes her canvas's backdrop—a channel to liberate her innermost thoughts. The equations interlace with images and collage elements, crafting a visual narrative.

Ebner's artistic signature is a marriage of dark content and obsessive writing, though she acknowledges its continuing evolution as she refines her approach.

She draws inspiration from a diverse spectrum of artistic influences—Basquiat, Cy Twombly, and Hilma af Klint, among others. Nature, Lake Ontario, and the crucible of her own personal trials further ignite her creative spark.

Among her creations, "Upside Down Two-Headed Deer" holds a special place. This poignant piece, currently exhibited in Malta, symbolizes her mother's battle with cancer and the tumultuous emotions that accompanied her during that trying period.

Her preferred creative environment resonates with the melancholic strains of goth wave and post-punk music, serving as a conduit for concentration and imagination. Often working in her living room, her adaptable space accommodates her artistic endeavors.

Faber-Castell brush pens, Microns, and Golden high flow acrylics are her trusty tools, instrumental in bringing her visions to life.

Ebner believes in the transformative power of art, as a medium for expression, solace, and a voice for the marginalized. Her own art, deeply rooted in her life's narrative, seeks to resonate with others and tell her story.

In our conversation, she candidly discussed her living situation in disability housing, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the contributions of disabled artists and the unique challenges they face.

Towards the interview's close, Ebner addressed a distressing aspect of her artistic journey—her work being copied by professors without credit or compensation. She passionately advocated for the recognition of disabled artists and the protection of their creations from uncredited replication.

Vykky’s advice to “up and coming” artists: frequent museums, draw from personal experiences, create art that echoes your own unique journey, explore unconventional sources of inspiration, and, most importantly, never bring anything original into a class!

Vykky Ebner's artistic voyage serves as a testament to the transformative power of art, where personal struggles and triumphs coalesce into captivating creations that speak to the soul. Her journey is not only a narrative of resilience but also a rallying cry for disabled artists to be acknowledged, respected, and credited for their contributions to the world of art.

Vykky's works will be on display until September 30th at The Art Store. She also has multiple upcoming shows on her calendar, including the (R)emain show by (R)evolution, held at The Gear Factory on Saturday November 11th from 3pm-11pm. 

Learn More About Vykky Ebner:

https://www.facebook.com/VykkyEbner

Instagram: @vykkydammit