Interview
Natasha Anisi
Natasha Anisi creates medium-sized paintings on canvas and three-dimensional substrates, exploring the intricate relationship between sunlight, nature, and emotions. Growing up in the often-cloudy Siberia, she developed a deep fascination with the interplay of light and the natural world, which she captures using various media and techniques. Her work delves into perceptual, emotional, and spiritual dimensions, crafting a personal Sanctum Santorum. Anisi earned her M.F.A. in painting from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2024. In 2009, she pursued continuing education in painting at the Maryland College of Art and Design in Baltimore, MD. The artist resides and works with her family in Central Florida, United States.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Art has been an inevitable part of my life since childhood and pursuing a career as an artist was never in question. Despite my artistic journey being a complex path of loss and rediscovery, I am grateful to have found my way back to my art practice later in life, as this has made my connection to art more meaningful and my practice stronger.”
What inspires you?
“Growing up in the beautiful but often cloudy Siberia, I developed a profound connection to sunlight and its interplay with nature. I love observing how light passes through the leaves and flowers, igniting the color with luminosity and glow, making it appear as if the essence of life is glowing from within it.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“The emotional response to the light is essential in my paintings. I depict it by weaving sunlight's sensation into the magnified scopes of the natural world. This zoom-in perspective signifies a deeper, more intimate connection with nature, like a child who instinctively buries their face in their mother's hug, seeking the warmth and comfort of her presence.”
How would you describe your work?
“The light in my art serves as an ethereal medium with which I create a contemplative space that nurtures a deeper connection with the world and ourselves. I aspire this light to shine forth from my work and into the lives of others to inspire to see the world through a brighter, more profound lens.”
Which artists influence you most?
“The work of Russian realist painter, Abram Arkhipov, influenced my art from a very young age. I love the essence of light and rhythm that radiate from his paintings. I also admire the work of contemporary artist, Olafur Eliasson, with its immersive qualities that extend beyond traditional boundaries and engage with perception, space, and time.”
“I love observing how light passes through the leaves and flowers, igniting the color with luminosity and glow, making it appear as if the essence of life is glowing from within it.”
What is your creative process like?
“In my process, I always begin by glazing the whole canvas with a vibrant yellow hue. It is the ultimate starting point, the foundation layer depicting the source of the lively light. Then, I create layered prisms of transparent shapes, overlapping each other, trying to get the sense of glowing chlorophyll in nature. In this process, I gradually retreat, moving layer by layer towards more opaque, darker values that define the perspective from the shadow. In most of my works, the vanishing point is from the shadow, directing the viewer's attention towards the light.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“The power of art is strong yet subtle. It resonates not only on aesthetic but also on emotional and intellectual levels. It can provoke thought and spark conversation. As society evolves, the artist's role will increasingly involve leveraging digital platforms and emerging technologies to reach broader audiences and address global issues. I see artists as essential catalysts for change by reflecting, inspiring, and envisioning new possibilities for a more connected and compassionate world.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My recent MFA Thesis exhibition, "Illuminating Light: Ethereal Interplay," took place in the historic Citi Arts Gallery in Orlando, Florida. In the presented body of work, with each brushstroke and color palette choice, I attempted to harness the ethereal qualities of light, mirroring not only how it filters through the natural world but also our lives, influencing mood, perception, and well-being.”
Website: www.anisistudio.com
Instagram: @natashaanisiart
