Once upon a time there lived an artist, who draw her dreams with ink and rain...

Interview with Alisa Vos

1. Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.

Hello, dear readers of the Goddessarts Magazine! Pleased and honored to be here.

My name is Alisa Vos and I am a multimedia artist, based in the Netherlands, with Ukrainian roots. I make dolls and collectible figurines, do photography, re-design clothes (bags and shoes), paint with acryl, create digitally, work with polymer clay and draw with ink and many-many more. I moved to the country of cheese and tulips 11 years ago to reunite with my love. Since then I am living in this beautiful country, so loved by many talented artists, and hoping to leave my own creative foot print as well.

I am a third generation of artists in my family. My grandfather was a painter and a drawing teacher. My parents - theater artists. Mom - painter, dad was a brilliant puppeteer. My older sister is a theater artist as well, and my brother is a craftsman with a passion for jewelry making. No wonder that with such a rich family history I am myself a (strange and unusual) artist.

2. Describe what a normal day looks like as an artist.

Good morning has to start with creative fuel - coffee. Unfortunately, it starts much more early than I would wish it to be, but first things first and art is in the middle. Like a spine, holding your body, creativity holds my life. I can't imagine my life without it. Even if it is a small bit per day.

3. Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?

My main inspiration comes from dreams, nature and meditations. I love mystics, interesting and inspiring stories, history and mythology. Since childhood I was drawn to the dark fantasy. For example, with my graphics I paint with ink and rainwater. This way it helps me to connect with nature. Also sometimes I add my own blood in drawings. It sparks controversy, but I think I connect myself to my works this way in a strong bond. I leave a piece of my Soul in each of my creations. So they can live long after me.

'Tuliposaurus' by Alisa Vos

4. How does your art life impact other parts of your life?

If I think about my art, I think of it as a huge part of my being. It is some vital organ that you can't live without. Even when you have to do "normal" job it is still for art's sake. You know, to buy new supplies and try new techniques, to exhibit or promote etc.

5. Could you share any difficulties and hardships you had to face in life and how or if you managed/overcame them?

My main difficulty is to be a creative immigrant. Daily life is full of challenge when you need to adjust with limited language skills in a different culture. Also once you move from your own country, there is no place for you there fully anymore. So you are balancing life on 2 chairs, while you are not here and not there. But, once again, art helps to overcome it. When I create, I am in my World. And there it is always cozy and safe. (And anything is possible!)

6. Tell us about your best experience in the art world so far.

One of the best things of the XXI century I think is a possibility to express your art worldwide! You can show your art to the world and see many other wonderful artists along this journey. It is truly inspiring.

'The runaway' by Alisa Vos

7. Share your worst experience in the art world.

If to talk about negative part of this path, I would say it is not being able to earn enough for making a living from your talent. So, instead of living comfortable (not even necessarily famous) life, creating daily, you need to think about paying bills.

8. What practical advice can you give to fellow artists?

Never stop learning! Especially from each other. And also no gatekeeping. If you know something - share!

9. Is the artist life lonely? Please share your thoughts and experiences.

Unfortunately, most of the time, I think, yes. Mainly because we spend so much time inside of our heads. Most of the artists are also introverts and selling themselves is being so difficult at times. I think it is a payment for creativity.

I create by a nickname ARTAVOS (ART by Alisa VOS) since 2015. My mascot is a Fox, named Pencil. (Why this animal, you might wonder? - Because my surname means Fox from dutch.) Him you can see over my site. Which you are always welcome to visit, by the way: www.artavos.com