by Thea Blyth Biallas
Welcome to my Asylum
Growing up I experienced many family struggles and the art world was where I felt free and safe. I would dedicate hours to art projects but I found my artistic niche during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time I was just beginning university and the pandemic made socializing nearly impossible, thus enforcing a sense of loneliness and leaving me with lots of free time. This is when I discovered my passion for marker art, which later turned into a dedication to mixed media, primarily with markers and pencil crayons.
My struggles did not stop at a young age and I still continue to find myself facing many harsh realities, many that I know others can empathize with. Now, through my art I seek to evoke these emotions where viewers can resonate, reflect and realize they are not alone. Many of my artistic themes range from self discovery, overcoming challenges and getting out of your comfort zone.
When I am not portraying these heavier themes through my art, I seek inspiration in my everyday surroundings, by thinking of the unknown and by using my dreams. Art is hidden all around us and I search for it to be displayed on a permanent scale.
Why Asylum of the Psychedelic?
The word asylum has multiple definitions, but the general idea is that it is a word that defines a place of refuge, safety and retreat. This is what I evoke through my art. My art acts as a psychedelic asylum for those seeking a retreat from the real world, an escape from their struggles or emotions, and a place where they can find peace and freedom.
What inspires me?
Personal experiences
Everyday we are faced with challenges and hurdles. Art provides me an outlet where I can overcome these struggles while also sharing them to my community and others who may be experiencing something similar.
Dreams
My unconscious mind often finds itself in extravagant worlds. By writing, sketching and audio recording my dreams, I am able to be reminded of these worlds, enabling me to recreate them forever through art.
Thinking of the unknown
I love how endless the universe is and I love thinking of the unimaginable. By doing so I am able to use the unknown as a form of artistic inspiration.
Other art
Sometimes I come across a piece of art that is truly inspirational. Sometimes it is an artistic technique, style or drawing that makes me think of my next art piece, something I would not have thought of before.
My surroundings
There is art all around us. Whether it be in graffiti, flowers swaying or the formation of a tree. Inspiration hides in everything and by searching for it I can often find inspiration hidden in plain sight.
Nothing
There are times when nothing seems to inspire me. When this happens I often use my time to practice certain techniques or I will aimlessly doodle with the hopes of creating another masterpiece.
Experience in the Creative Industries
2025 - 2026
Fine Art Masters student at UWE Bristol.
2024 - 2025
Communications Specialist volunteer for a non-for-profit urban agriculture organization in Lima Peru. Responsibilities included taking videos and photos, creating a website for the NGO, managing and creating the social media content, and helping within the gardens.
2021 - 2024
Editor-in-Chief at my universities arts magazine. Some responsibilities included overseeing a large team of volunteers, managing social media contents, events and publicity, and comfortability as a leader in a fast paced environment.
2020 - 2024
Honours Bachelor of Arts student at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo Canada. Some topics that were studied include the Creative Industries, Visual Communication & Culture, and Spanish Art, Music & Media.
2023
Art Instructor at an all boys camp on lake Hurontario. Some topics taught include watercolour, perspective and sculpture.
2022
Studied art history while a student at the Colegio de España in Salamanca Spain.