San Diego Moms: 2 artists worth visiting at ArtWalk Carlsbad

Depth, unity and motherhood are just a few characteristics attendees can expect at this year’s ArtWalk Carlsbad, which will feature two local mothers alongside 150 other artists. 

The 6th annual event returns on Saturday, Sept. 20 and Sunday, Sept. 21 — bringing fine art, live music and interactive art experiences above the scenic Carlsbad Flower Fields. 

Here are just two artists, who are also mothers, you should visit at the free event. 

Finding unity in art

For Vira Ustianska, the journey into the art world began with a childhood sketch at age seven — a moment that sparked a lifelong devotion to creativity. Her first professional commission, an industrial landscape depicting factory construction, marked the beginning of a career rooted in both personal meaning and visual storytelling.

Among her most powerful works is Unity, part of her “1000 Sunflowers” project. Painted in 2022, just before war broke out, the piece blends oil-painted sunflowers with the ancient Persian legend of the Simurgh — a mythical bird representing collective wisdom. In the legend, thirty birds endure trials to discover that they themselves are the Simurgh, symbolizing unity through shared struggle. 

“It was as if someone was constantly pressing the adrenaline production button, and we shrunk like the sunflowers in this picture, but still tried to keep an optimistic expression on our faces,” Ustianska said. “The sunflowers in this painting are different. Someone is bigger, someone is smaller, someone is stronger, someone is weaker — all of this doesn’t matter because winter is the same for everyone. Now, it reminds me of our evacuation. In our train, all people were the same regardless of wealth, status or age.”

At ArtWalk Carlsbad, Ustianska said she hopes her work helps “open the curtain to their true essence” regardless of the subject matter.

Balancing motherhood and artistry adds depth to her practice. Her daughter, who she said is empathetic and creative, inspires her to persevere and stay authentic. Though shifting between roles can be challenging, she believes motherhood brings resilience and emotional insight — qualities that enrich her art.

“I think being human and an artist is not an easy task because we live and work in different worlds,” Ustianska said. “Being a mom and an artist is more complicated, but it brings more benefits.”

Sculpting serenity and soul through art

Erika Givens has been immersed in the art world since childhood, but her professional journey began in 1999 after graduating from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena and joining Nokia as a graphic designer. Since then, she’s built a multifaceted career spanning graphic design, prop styling, photography, and her signature mixed media wall sculptures.

While Givens has installed large-scale works in luxury spaces — including a recent 33-foot ocean-inspired sculpture in a private Saudi Arabian residence — her heart lies in more intimate, meaningful projects. One such piece, Movement in Water 01, is an 8-foot acrylic panel sculpture created for the Serenity Prayer Room at Boston Children’s Hospital. Collaborating with designers and architects, she aims to craft environments that offer peace and reflection during life’s most difficult moments. At events like ArtWalk, Givens hopes to demystify the artistic process. 

“I enjoy introducing curious art observers to how and why I create what I do,” Givens said. “My goal is to be accessible and approachable and encouraging so that ‘art’  isn’t intimidating or out of reach. Anyone can do what I do — it just takes practicing how to see and practice using your hands in conjunction with your head and heart.”

Balancing motherhood and artistry, Givens draws inspiration from her three children — each uniquely creative and athletic. In fact, her home studio doubles as a family hub, where conversations unfold alongside clay and pencils. 

“Making things soothes the soul,” Givens said. “Each one has a creative side, unique to them and to me. I encourage them each to listen to their hearts and follow their passionate pursuits — wherever those lead while staying curious and brave and unconcerned about approval or opinions.”

What to expect from ArtWalk Carlsbad

ArtWalk Carlsbad focuses on fine art for sale by local artists, as well as those who travel from all over the U.S. and Mexico to show and sell their work. The event will display every medium of art, including painting, sculpture, glass work, fine jewelry, photography and more. More than 150 fine artists will be featured, along with interactive art for families at KidsWalk, a full palette of musical performers, food trucks and stands, and more.

This art show is a part of the ArtWalk San Diego brand known for bringing together all facets of the arts throughout San Diego, while promoting the experience of owning original art. Each of ArtWalk San Diego’s festivals support their nonprofit partner, ArtReach San Diego, a nonprofit organization aimed at increasing equity in visual arts education in K-8 schools throughout San Diego County by delivering free or low cost workshops to schools that have no other resources for art, focusing on Title I Schools.

The free event will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21. 

For more details on ArtWalk and its programs, please visit www.artwalksandiego.org.

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San Diego Moms is published on Saturdays. Have a story idea? Email hoaq@timesofsandiego.com and follow her on Instagram at @hoawritessd.