Hi! My name is Ariana Paredes-Vincent (she/her pronouns).
I’m Peruvian-American, and was born and raised in DC.
I’m an Artist, Educator, and Health Scientist.
Through Studio Kusi, I strive to combine my passions for art, mental health, and social justice.
I believe in the transformative power of art and community to nourish and heal both our bodies and spirits.
At Studio Kusi, my goal is to provide a joyful, affordable, and welcoming space where my community can experience the joys of making things with their hands. I hope people leave feeling more grounded in their bodies and inspired to tap into their creativity.
What does Kusi mean?
“Kusi” means “Joy” in Quechua (one of the many indigenous languages of the Andean region). It’s also the name of the Peruvian hairless dog my grandparents had when I was growing up 
What I believe in:
- Community care = self care
- If we all made an effort to use our voices and talents, we can have a large impact.
- Creating art is healing
- Everyone is creative.
- We can learn new things at any age.
My journey with creating:
I’m one of six, and all my siblings have creative talents- whether visual arts, music, or writing. Growing up, I could never draw, write, or play instruments well, so I convinced myself I wasn’t creative, and labeled myself as “the one that was good at school, not art”. It wasn’t until I started taking pottery classes at Art Works Now in 2022, that I discovered my love for creating.
Once I started, I couldn’t stop! I craved making things with my hands every day – whether with clay, beads, wire, yarn, paint, paper (the options are endless!). During this time I was also struggling with my mental health due to sexual and relational trauma, and the more I created, the better I felt.
Creating became and still is my meditation and healing practice.