Canvas of self-discovery: St. George artist unveils cosmic connection with captivating art

Written by Jessi Bang
February 4, 2024

ST. GEORGE — In a fusion of self-discovery and cosmic exploration, one artist’s transformative journey unfolds on canvas, echoing the profound shift that occurred when she left behind the only life she once knew.

The mural "Explosions in the Sky" is located in the relaxation room of True North Float in St. George, Utah, Jan. 28, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
The mural “Explosions in the Sky” is located in the relaxation room of True North Float in St. George, Utah, Jan. 28, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

“This mural is titled ‘Explosions in the sky,” Ohna Radiance said, pointing to a large mural inside True North Float. “And it really represents the journey that we all go on of learning who we are, our purpose and place in the large expanse of the cosmos. As we go on that journey, how can we release the layers and the parts of us that are not true to our essence, our authenticity and become more of who we really are?”

Growing up in Colorado City, Radiance didn’t initially dabble in the arts. It wasn’t until she took a job as a teacher’s aide that she discovered her creative side. Working with young minds and being creative was her favorite part.

But after seven years at the same job, she felt stuck and unhappy. In 2019, she decided to pursue art and signed up for the online Mastery Program with the Milan Art Institute – a program that takes individuals from their current artistic skill level to a professional artist in one year.

A painting by Ohna Radiance is on display inside Art Provides in St. George, Utah, date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Ohna Radiance, St. George News
A painting by Ohna Radiance is on display inside Art Provides in St. George, Utah, date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Ohna Radiance, St. George News

The first pillar of the program introduced her to oil and drawing skills. She went on to learn mixed media, how to find her voice as an artist and how to build her own brand and online presence.

“You learn the skills to literally paint anything you want, how to find what is truly you and what you want to say as an artist,” Radiance said. “So you’re painting within something that feels right. And then it’s ‘How do I share this with the world and find those other people that resonate with it?”

Three months into art school, she received a call from her brother Christian. He said he’d had a dream that she was on the edge of a cliff in danger and was concerned. She cried, telling him she planned to drop out of art school because she couldn’t afford the payments.

He offered to pay for her tuition and supplies in exchange for a mural she would one day paint for him in the future.

“He was the first real person to support me, besides myself and my dream, and it just gave me that fuel to keep going,” she said.

A painting by Ohna Radiance features an astronaut, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Ohna Radiance, St. George News
A painting by Ohna Radiance features an astronaut, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Ohna Radiance, St. George News

After graduation, she went all in and used her entire retirement fund to make her life as a full-time artist a reality. The school had encouraged her to find symbols that she was attracted to, which led her to paint many pieces that included astronauts.

“That was inspired by life experiences I was going through,” she said. “For me, the astronaut really was the symbol of the explorer side of me. I was exploring what an artist was and trying that on and also exploring a lot of my faith, leaving the religion that I grew up in and this desire to go out beyond the small world that I had known.”

At the same time, her brother introduced her to the float tank – a sensory deprivation tank where subjects float in saltwater for 90 minutes. During her float sessions, she began to discover things about herself that she never knew.

“As a creative mind, when you can turn down all of the external distractions, you’re really left with a blank canvas to just explore your mind and imagination,” she said about floating.

As she contemplated leaving her town and everything she knew, her brother opened True North Float. He invited her to work at the facility with the opportunity to hang her art on the walls. She also completed the large mural she promised she would create, which is located inside the relaxation room.

“My art is really inspired by discovery,” Ohna Radiance said. “Whenever we get to know ourselves deeper it connects us. Something I see within myself I can see in another, and the deeper I can love myself, I can love another. Ultimately enriching every part of your life.”

Radiance hopes her art will reach a global audience and encourage others to look within. She plans to lean into the integration of AI tools in art and keep pursuing her passion.

A painting by Ohna Radiance hangs inside True North Float in St. George, Utah, Jan. 28, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
A painting by Ohna Radiance hangs inside True North Float in St. George, Utah, Jan. 28, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

I am hoping my art goes into a space where people are really inspired to learn more about themselves,” she said. There are so many ways to express ourselves. Art isn’t meant to be perfect. It’s meant to express your inner world and hopefully evolve you beyond things that are limiting.”

Browse and purchase Radiance’s work locally at Uzona Souvenir & Gift in Colorado City, Cafe Elavato and True North Float. 

For more information, follow her on Instagram @ohnaradiance and YouTube @shinewithradiance. Email her directly at [email protected].

“Don’t be afraid to take the path of self-discovery,” she said. “It’s expansive and will lead you to places you’ve never dreamed of in your life.”

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessi Bang was born and raised in Utah and has a passion for nature and the great outdoors. She graduated from Kaplan University in California with a degree in criminal justice. She has extensive experience in marketing, content creation, photography and copywriting. You can find her showcasing outdoor adventures through her blog, “The Rambling Raccoon.” In her free time, she enjoys climbing mountains, trail running, working out and cuddling her two lovable pups.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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