About the Fantasies of Youth

The Fantasies of Youth by artist Elayna Sturm translates dreams into something tangible. Via intersectional research and multimedia artwork, they channel stories of a personal mythology. Elayna’s work combines elements of land, queerness, and spirituality that together reach across the realms. Intertwining historical contexts with their own lineage, lived experiences, and yearning, Elayna hopes to buoy hearts and souls alike. They hope their work inspires people to reach out to one another, get to know themselves, and honor Earth’s gifts through awe and aliveness.

The Fantasies of Youth first came about in 2017 when Elayna started vending with hand-embroidered up-cycled garments, hand-made jewelry, and film photography prints. After taking a break for their undergraduate studies, Elayna relaunched The Fantasies of Youth in 2023. The Fantasies of Youth has shifted and grown over the years keeping its core of wonder, hope, and dreaming of new better worlds.

About Elayna

Elayna’s mediums range across murals, visual art, fiber arts, and creative writing. Elayna is a lover of singing, a friend of trees, a hopeful curious witch, realm traveler, and interdisciplinary artist. Born and raised on the North Shore of Massachusetts, with ties to the Bay Area of California and the Olympic forests of Washington state— Elayna now resides in Western Massachusetts.

Elayna graduated from the Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA in 2021 with a B.A. in Visual Arts, Botany, and Community Resilience Studies.

Elayna is available for commission work, murals, and events. You can reach out to Elayna — and or keep up with their work— via their newsletter, website, instagram, or email.