November 09, 2020
Q & A with Brooklyn Artist Viscaya Wagner
How would you describe your work?
I would describe my illustration work as playful, color-minded, and human.
Can you give us some insight into your process for creating your artworks?
It generally always starts in my sketchbook. I will draw out different concepts and play around with compositions - a lot of emphasis is put on the composition in my work, so getting that dialed in is always the challenge. After that I bring it into the computer to start building out all the elements and play with the color scheme. Once the piece is flushed out in all those areas I will send it off to a client, or if it's a personal work or commission I translate it to a canvas, mural, or any other application to finish it up!
Is there a typical day in the studio or is every day different?
Every day varies quite a bit depending on my work load for the week. Since COVID, things have been particularly up in the air... I haven't been living in my apartment in Brooklyn, so my access to space and structure in my life is lacking. But I remind myself everyday how lucky I am to have flexibility, and I'm constantly trying to be better at adapting to new challenges :)
What inspires you when you are creating your artworks?
My primary inspiration in all things is the natural world, and much of my work speaks to our relationship with it. Taking walks and going for hikes is the biggest way I recharge and get re-inspired. Oftentimes the things that inspire me the most don't always show up directly in my work, but the spark they give me drives my motivation.
What would your dream project/collaboration be (apart from working with Consequence of Change!?
I would love to do a wine label or the branding for a restaurant or bar :)
Who are your favourite artists and why?
Oh boy, this is so tough! I have a running list of contemporaries, but I will stick to the classics for now :)
Matisse is an obvious choice, but he truly is such an inspiration. His use of color and freedom of form has always been an influence for me.
Georgia O'Keefe's entire ethos and being is unrivaled - the way she lived in and around her inspirations, her sense of style and taste... perfect.
And Elsworth Kelly will always be a staple in my mind. I love his ability to distill color and form.
