Today we’d like to introduce you to Aida Stone.
Hi Aida, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a visual artist, born in North Carolina but grew up largely in Georgia. I call Atlanta home. Currently, I reside in New York City.
At an early age, I began dancing. I studied all genres. I quickly started as a competition dancer and then moved into pre-professional performance dance. Dance allowed me to travel and experience training, competition, and performance across the country. At 15, I was accepted at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) into their Contemporary dance program as a residential high school student. I lived on campus for two years, trained and performed alongside other high school and college dance students. Here is also where I was exposed and developed my love for the visual arts. During my time at UNCSA, I was allowed to explore my visual arts interests. As a result, it made me realize my interest had grown stronger for it than my pursuit of dance. This led me back to Atlanta and to attending the Savannah College of Art and Design, where I pursued a major in sculpture and a minor in fine art photography. Much of my visual artwork, as well as some of my later self-choreographed visual performance pieces, reflect the emotions that I experienced at that time. Gender complexity and the impact that it may have on an individual is a theme that I often explore and bring to the forefront in many pieces of my recent artwork. Art allows a freedom for both its creator and audience to delve into issues that sometimes are difficult to discuss. It can be therapeutic, showcasing a combination of beauty and rawness.
Present day, I am attending the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), where I am completing my Fine Arts degree and a Bachelor of Science in Textile Development & Marketing.
I do not just create art for myself. More recently, I am designing and producing commissioned pieces for fashion designers. This last spring, I made a welded silverware headpiece. I am also a Photo, Fit, and Runway model, where I am often called to use my former dance training for various photo and video shoots. Additionally, this last spring, I came together with a former peer, Ana Grosh, and a small team of SCAD film students to produce a music video for Ana’s song, “Believe Me.” Ana brought me onto the team as the creative director, stylist, choreographer, and to perform solo; she also had me design the cover for her single.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has most definitely not been a smooth road. The idea of shifting away from a devoted 12 years of dance to now focusing on visual arts was a terrifying notion for me. I only had my senior year of high school to create a portfolio in hopes that my college applications would be accepted at some of the best, recognized art schools. I spent time researching all that one would need to know about art schools and varying art degrees to determine which would be the best fit for me. At the same time, I began pre-college art courses at SCAD in my attempt to be competitive with other applying high school seniors who had worked on mastering their art techniques and portfolios for much longer than I had. It was not easy, but in the end, it was worth it. I was accepted into many acclaimed art schools, both nationally and internationally, but ultimately decided to attend SCAD due to the merit and academic scholarships I received. My challenges did not end there. I was still behind all my peers in technique. I did not have the years of art classes that they did, and I had to work very hard to catch up and exceed. I spent many late nights, long hours, and received guidance from my peers, advisors, and professors, and I began to see my hard work pay off. I started to excel.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work in a lot of different mediums. I do time-based work, drawings, photography, collage, mixed media, accessory, and apparel design. My core focus and the work I am most passionate about is my sculptures. I am a large-scale sculptor with a concentration in metalwork. One of my most recent works, which I think greatly represents me as an artist, is LEGITIMIZE. I responded to the current and ongoing erasure, attack, and villainization of trans identities. The work deliberately illuminates and validates their experience. The piece centers on a metal bra with sharp, extending lines—symbolizing the inherent pain of existing as a trans woman today. The accompanying silicone gaff, tucking underwear below, represents the physical modifications and concealments many trans women employ for comfort and safety. By suspending these deeply personal items on delicate wire, the installation creates a stark contrast between vulnerability and resilience. The sterile presentation forces viewers to confront these typically hidden features. By artistically exposing the intimate details of the trans experience, it may somehow help to achieve a better understanding of the person. The raw, visceral nature of the presentation speaks to both the beauty and struggle inherent in humankind’s journey toward authentic existence.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
In all honesty, I have not had a stable and consistent mentor throughout my time as an artist or as a dancer. I have, however, met extraordinary teachers along my way whom I would meet with regularly outside of designated hours to receive additional help and guidance on my work. I believe it is crucial to go out, push yourself, and seek conversations and advice when it is offered. During my time at SCAD, I could not have been as successful without two wonderful professors with whom I formed a great teacher-student relationship. They are not only amazing educators but also spectacular artists. I will forever be grateful for my drawing professor, Fikrye Oz, and my sculpture professor, Martha Whittington, and their support of me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aidast0ne.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aidast0ne/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidastone/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aidastone
Image Credits
“Personal Photo” by Anirudh Dhannayak
