2026 Create Change Residency

Application of Ariam Sium, for Geza Sium

Trusted Candle Logo Design

• Date: October 2025
• Location: Atlanta, Ga

Here lies a work example from my creative awakening, which was catalyzed by being the business consultant for the startup candle brand, Trusted. In this example, we’re able to see how I collaborate with other creatives and facilitate a safe space for our concerted efforts towards creating the official logo. Collaboration was both enjoyable and rewarding since we all were working towards the same goal but we understood our different perspectives and art styles would allow us to reach a much more unique result. We ended up going with a design that was predominantly influenced by my submission. The act of simply playing and the result of my “play” being valued by my peers made me realize that I’m not just great at business – I had some creative talents that I was ready to explore.

A defining turning point came when I was hired as a business consultant for a candle brand. The role expanded beyond strategy into creative direction, where I led the planning and execution of a photo shoot—sourcing the location, directing the visual narrative from camera to movement of the model, and styling on set. Seeing the final images come together was the first moment I recognized myself as an artist. That experience revealed my ability to move fluidly between concept, collaboration, and execution. Since then, my practice has been shaped by curiosity and a commitment to exploring how art can create connection. I realized my greatest strengths lie in being a storyteller and an alchemist of beauty.

Stoop Stories Documentary Rough Cut

• Date: October 2025
• Location: Brooklyn, NY
• Time Stamp: 1:11 – 3:11

When I moved to NY to pursue my artistic venture, Geza Sium, I knew that I desired community. I wanted to be surrounded by like-minded people pursuing their joy and purpose. I wanted us to work elbow-to-elbow, collaborate, and enjoy and feed off of each other’s energy. I set that intention very clearly in my thoughts, words, and prayers. I set out to explore New York City with an open mind and let my curiosity be the navigator. By doing this, I have met so many wonderful creatives, neighbors, and friends. This was how I connected to Stoop Stories and was asked to be a part of their docu-series, where they connect NYC neighbors across generations and differences to reduce loneliness and increase compassion and joy. Here you see me and Aleathea, meeting and sharing our stories as we create collage art together. It was a truly beautiful experience.

Smoke Stick Conception

• Date: October 2025
• Location: Brooklyn & Manhattan NY

While fashion will be a dominant part of Geza Sium, I wanted to introduce the world to GS before the line’s December 2026 release. I got the idea to create a Smoke Stick because I had been using a cigarette holder for my smoking activities. I found that it added beauty to the everyday, and I’ve always been captivated by the beauty found in the movement of smoke. Here, I’m able to finalize my vision for what material and design I wanted to use for the Smoke Stick. This inspiration came from my background: my physical playground of Brooklyn and Manhattan, and my cultural background in the Eritrean Eastern Orthodox Church. I believe that my ideas are given to me by God, and it is my job to not only recognize the vision he gifts me, but to manifest it physically into the world. This has always been my process.

Learning + Practicing at Brooklyn Industries

• Date: November 2025
• Location: Brooklyn Navy Yards

My process entails committing to a vision before knowing exactly how it will be realized or with what materials. I initially researched producing the Smoke Stick in metal, consulting metalworkers in the diamond district. After shifting toward a mosaic glass Smoke Stick, I discovered that traditional glass-blowing methods were not suited for creating such a small, intricate object. This led to further research, where I found a startup in Germany that developed a powder allowing glass to be 3D printed and then fired into its final glass form. Around the same time, I began taking pottery classes at Brooklyn Clay Industries to practice creating earthenware pieces (which will be one of the offerings from Geza Sium down the line). This is why I consulted with Reuben, who is both an expert and a thoughtful teacher, on what methodology or studio I should pursue for the production of my Smoke Sticks.