Meet Britt Vasina | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Britt Vasina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Britt, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my art business really started by chance. I was struggling with anxiety a few years ago and had been looking for some type of activity that I could do to help with that. I remembered how much I enjoyed drawing and painting in High School and figured I would give that a shot. It worked like a charm to calm my mind so I just continued, really thinking nothing of it. After awhile, I decided to create an Instagram account to capture my work – sort of like a time capsule – really thinking nothing of it and then people just started following along my journey. One of my best friends encouraged me to start selling my work and the rest is history. It’s been quite a ride the past few years and I really had no clue what I was getting myself into but I’m so grateful for having took the leap!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In my work I strive to compose a story for others to discern. Most of my art does not have innate meaning but instead is meant to take on the narrative that the viewer seeks. My palette is unpredictable and evolving but most work is composed in acrylic or watercolor paint. Having a distinct brush stroke has given my work identity and the use of texture provides movement, depth and intensity. Compositional balance is something I look for in each of my pieces whether that is with color placement or structure. Layering is also something that I find holds my process together. Inspiration comes from the calm and peace that I find on my travels and outdoor adventures. My goal is to portray those emotions in every piece that I create. As a primarily self-taught artist my style and techniques are constantly evolving and I prefer to not be “boxed into” any particular category. Getting to where I am today has been such a journey of persistence and consistency and it has not been easy. I think the biggest motivator for me to keep going has been seeing my work in client’s homes and the sense of calm I still get each time that I create. I had no clue how much I would learn as a business woman the past few years and all the time that goes into all the other aspects of the business aside from the creating. It’s a lot more than I could have anticipated. I hope that my story inspires others to continue working for something that they really love, and to live authentically and not ever limit yourself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Anyone who comes to visit me in the Pacific Northwest is sure to be in for a roadtrip or two. I live in Portland, Oregon which is such a beautiful and green city (most beautiful in the summer). I would start out the trip with a hike up Mount Tabor or maybe up to the Pittock Mansion, both with expansive views of the city and the surrounding Cascade mountain range. Next I would taking them for drinks at Hey Love or Ron Toms and then dining at a local neighborhood restaurant. One of my favorite spots outside the city is a quick hour and a half East along the Columbia River to a little city called Hood River. Here there are amazing wineries, hikes and small shops. An hour and a half West drive will take you to the famous Cannon Beach and the rocky formations of the coast.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would never have ever started offering my art or sharing it if it weren’t for my friend Whitney – owner of Whitewood Events. She has been my number one cheerleader, supporter and my first collector. Though all my friends and family have been supportive, Whitney was my OG encourager and I never would have had the confidence to actually go for it without her.

Website: www.brittvasina.com
Instagram: @brittvasina
Linkedin: Brittney Vasina
Facebook: www.facebook.com/brittvasinaart
Other: www.brittvasina.etsy.com