Artist Statement

My work is an invitation to pause—a quiet space for reflection on what truly matters. I create messages that fortify the spirit, invite courage, and center integrity. Each piece is both an offering and a reminder: to show up, to act with care, to move through the world with intention. Rooted in mindfulness and shaped by my work as a therapist and educator, my practice bridges inner work and social responsibility. I want to invite people to be present. In a world that often distracts and demands urgency, I aim to make work that steadies us, strengthens us, and gently calls each of us toward the best in ourselves.

Bio:

Desirée Aspiras is a therapist and educator whose work bridges creative, contemplative, and justice-centered approaches. In mental health, she integrates mindful, creative, and socioculturally-attuned modalities to support self-awareness, healing, and growth. In her teaching, she draws from contemplative and critical pedagogy to foster reflection, relational learning, and liberatory inquiry. Her creative practice includes letterpress, poetry, book arts, and collage. She is also an Acosta Institute Fellow, and the founder of Printmakers Against Racism and Deep Breath Press.