This article was curated by Start Shows

Vanessa started painting in high school. Some of her earlier inspirations include Bob Ross’s “happy trees” and his mountain painting techniques. Her work caught our attention at the most recent Start Show gallery in Tribeca. Vanessa is currently a mechanical engineer and resides in New York City. We sat down with Vanessa for an exclusive segment of 'Respect The Artist'.

How did you get your Artist name?

I needed to come up with a username for my art instagram and that’s the best I could come up with.

How did you get into creating?

My parents always encouraged me and my siblings to pursue our natural talents or learn new, fun, and creative skills. Therefore I’ve always been in the creative lane, drawing and coloring since I was a toddler. My father, namely, would sit me and my siblings down with a clipboard and paper and would demand us to draw. He had a funny way of being very authoritative when he would encourage us to learn or create. I used to make my own comics that were pretty much rip offs of my favorite manga/anime. But I started painting in high school. I can’t place my finger on exactly what sparked the shift from drawing with pens and pencils to painting with acrylics, but something or someone in high school suggested I give it a try, and that’s mostly all I’ve done since.

How has creating changed your life?

For a while it didn’t really have that great of an impact. I mean it was nice to be known as the artist kid in class, make something and show it off to my parents and friends and receive kind feedback from them. But for a while it was just something I did so I can enjoy the finished piece, feel proud of it, and then post it on tumblr. It didn’t really start to change things until recently, after graduating college. Now it feels like something serious that I can do to support myself and my family if I work hard enough on it. And it’s given me something to feel good about on a day to day basis. It’s made me feel productive.

Where are you from?

Bronx, NY. I grew up in that area around yankee stadium and then later years off the grand concourse on 170.

How did growing up in your neighborhood/city affect you?

I was a very at-home kid, up until i was an adult. I didn't go out much. I developed a love/hate relationship with the Bronx pretty much. I love being from the Bronx, I love the culture. But I hate walking the streets and feeling like there’s a creep over my shoulder or like I could get hurt at any given second. Halloween was pretty much ruined for any kid that wanted to trick or treat because of gang initiations. Silly stuff like that. I feel like it affected me in a way that affects most kids like us. We’re more on guard, try to be ready for some stupid sh to pop off, and most of all we mind our business.

What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?

YouTube videos, Instagram, tumblr mostly. I would just copy styles/techniques that I saw other cool artists do or copy paintings that I liked.

What does your current setup look like?

Like a 10x6 ft room with a wrestling mat on the floor, a kicking dummy on the mat, a corner next to the window with my easel, chair, and supplies. And then canvases scattered everywhere.

Who inspires you? Why do they inspire you?

My fam inspires me. I just want to do my best to support them and give them everything they need, and i want to be happy.

What is your goal when you create?

To make something that just aesthetically makes sense at the moment. I more so enjoy the end result than the process.

Why do you create?

I’m good at it and the end result makes me feel good. Its nice to feel that sense of pride and accomplishment when you make something thats cool to you and its cool to others as well.

What's your go-to song right now and why is it important to you?

It's hard to say but I will force myself to pick one. Nobles by The Alchemist ft. Earl Sweatshirt and Navy Blue. The original cut thats on youtube not Apple Music. This song hits this past year nail on the head. Figuratively and literally. It just paints a picture of what June 2021-present has been like for me and probably the rest of my family. And its just a dope song.

What is your dream as an artist and what steps are you taking to reach your dream?

I want to have my own space, a large space to put on the “Every Feeling” show in its entirety. I have a vision for what its mostly supposed to look like, and I’d love to see it realized one day. The steps I’m taking includes putting my work out there by contacting galleries, artists, other creatives. Just to talk to people, gain some experience, exposure, make friends and genuine connections. Sell some art so I can get some capital to support myself, family, and this art thing.

What is the best advice you would give someone with a dream?

Everything could flop but its okay. Its better that you try, you will absolutely, unequivocally feel WORSE if you do not at least try.

Tell us about your most recent release

The first part to “Every Feeling Since My Dad Died” shortened to “Every Feeling” is a painted series that is basically a collection of paintings that document my state of mind before and after my father’s passing. It finally made its debut in the oneartspace gallery in Tribeca, NY. I think it went pretty well, it was a good time. Onto the next.

Check out 'Every Feeling' https://instagram.com/whatnessapaints?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Instagram: https://instagram.com/whatnessapaints?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

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