My name is Olivia Steele. I am a light artist, and I’m here in the Pink Room. My creative journey began in an unexpected place—Tulum in 2012. Back then, with very limited access to electricity, I found myself in desperate need of a way to speak to both myself and the world. That’s when I started making road signs.
The Genesis of a Creative Journey
In Tulum, necessity drove me to create a language beyond words. I was inspired to use road signs—a medium both simple and powerful—to express my inner world. As I put it:
“I was actually inspired to start making road signs when I was living in Tulum back in 2012, when there was very limited access to electricity, but I absolutely needed a way to speak to myself and speak to the world, and so I started making road signs.”
This creative act became my personal language, a way to communicate without uttering a single word.
Art as a New Language
Road signs became much more than navigational tools for me—they transformed into a medium for impact. I discovered that:
“Signs themselves are a very interesting way to take language, put it in a different context, and have an impact. It's so simple, it's so literal, but it can be so powerful and visually pleasing. How to say it all without saying too much in the most visually memorable, impactful, and poignant way.”
Every sign I create holds the power to make a statement, using minimal words to convey profound meaning.
Healing Through Creative Expression
For me, art is not just a form of expression—it’s a way to process, digest, and heal. Every experience becomes the root of my creative output:
“My experiences are basically the content and the root of what I produce and what I'm saying. It is my way to process, digest, and heal whatever it is I'm going through.”
In this creative process, I transform life’s challenges into visual art that resonates with both myself and others.
The Power of Public Art and Connection
Public art has a unique ability to touch lives, and it is one of the greatest sources of inspiration for my work. I believe in the transformative power of art to make a difference:
“My spirit is really moved by public art and the possibility to touch people, so if you can make a difference in someone's life, in someone's day, in someone's mental health, I think this is what fuels my soul, keeps me going, giving people the medicine that they need, because these words are so powerful.”
The idea that art can serve as a form of medicine—uplifting mental health and altering perspectives—is what continuously fuels my creative spirit.
Words as Seeds and Thoughts as Spells
At the heart of my work is the belief in the transformative power of words and thoughts:
“Words are seeds, and thoughts are spells. The shift in perspective is really what I'm after.”
I see every word as a seed planted in the mind, capable of growing into a new way of seeing the world. This shift in perspective is the essence of my art.
What Lights Your Spirit?
In the end, my creative journey is about finding and sharing what truly lights my spirit. It’s about channeling experiences into art that speaks to the soul—a way of living fully and authentically.
Discover Your Own Creative Journey
At Espiritú, we celebrate the beauty of creativity, tradition, and mindful living. Inspired by voices like Olivia’s, we invite you to reflect on what lights your spirit. What simple act or word transforms your day? Share your thoughts at #OurTribe, and let your journey inspire others.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who is Olivia Steele?
A: Olivia Steele is a light artist who found her creative voice in Tulum during a time of limited electricity. Her work transforms everyday objects—like road signs—into powerful statements of art and healing.
Q: What inspired Olivia to start making road signs?
A: In 2012, while living in Tulum, Olivia needed a way to communicate with herself and the world amidst challenging circumstances. The road signs became her medium for expression and impact.
Q: How does Olivia use art to process and heal?
A: Olivia’s art is deeply personal—each piece reflects her experiences and serves as a way to digest and heal from life’s challenges. Her creative process transforms raw emotion into visually memorable art.
Q: What does public art mean to Olivia?
A: Public art is a vital part of Olivia’s inspiration. She believes that touching someone’s life, even in small ways, is what fuels her creative spirit and serves as a form of ‘medicine’ for mental well-being.
Q: What is meant by “Words are seeds, and thoughts are spells”?
A: This phrase encapsulates Olivia’s belief in the power of language and perspective. Every word can plant an idea, and every thought has the power to transform the way we see the world.