Growing up with immigrant parents, Ariana Salamat says that she lived “a very sheltered childhood.” She found her own entertainment at home — from buying hand-me-down stamp collections and making her own handmade, embossed cards to making cell phone charms out of crystals.
Salamat says she has always gravitated towards creating. She operates under the pen name With Yans; some people also know her as “Yans” or “Yana.” The project was originally meant to serve as a photo journal of exploring different mediums and relearning to enjoy art.
“There was a period of time in my early adult life where I felt like art wasn’t a tangible future and strayed from it but eventually came back to what made me feel my best and created With Yans,” Salamat said.
Salamat describes her art as “open to all and any mediums: all art, no limits!” She’s been focusing on beading and pottery. When she decided she wanted to learn how to bead, Salamat said she bought “all the necessities” from Shaina Clemens, small business owner of Ridge & River.
“I enjoy being out of my comfort zone and trying out new methods and mediums constantly,” Salamat said. “I recently went back to school to pursue art and was introduced to ceramics and it has made me excited to create again.”
Salamat said she was initially very worried about beginning and navigating her art journey in Alaska, but has been pleasantly surprised with how loving and supporting everyone has been.
“I feel like Alaska does an amazing job at showing up for each other and uplifting each other,” Salamat said. “I’ve made so many friends through Alaska’s art community but through Instagram as well. “
Most importantly, Salmat said With Yans has taught her to slow down and “enjoy the ride.”
“I’m truly just so thankful for what With Yans has brought me,” Salamat said. “It’s opened so many opportunities and friendships and has brought me a community in what I love doing.”
Sam Davenport is a writer residing in Anchorage. She's a leo and a plant-person, and loves spending quality time with her dog, Aspen. She is a Real Housewives fan and has been called a Bravo historian.
