Bio

Anastasia Zielinski is a multidisciplinary artist and arts educator. Her practice centers around painting, fiber-based collage, and installation. She received her BFA with a minor in art history from Pratt institute. Ms. Zielinski has shown her work nationally and internationally, and has created site-specific installations for INSCAPE arts, Shunpike’s Storefront Seattle, Spaceworks Tacoma, and CLAVO. Recent residencies include Casa Lü (CDMX), and eeeee (CDMX). Anastasia is one of the 2023 recipients of the Jerry Goldstein Foundation award. Ms. Zielinski currently lives and works in Bend, Oregon.

Artist Statement

My work explores the physical world and our connection to it. Time spent outside is vital to my wellbeing and artistic practice. My process starts in nature with walking meditations. As I move, my surroundings dissolve into patterns of color and light and I experience a sense of wonder, creative energy, and a desire to share these positive sensations with others. My art documents the plant life of public spaces, gardens, parks, and lands. Rather than highlight grand vistas and panoramas, I focus on the variety of vegetation that thrive in the often-overlooked areas along the way. I am particularly drawn to moments of overgrowth and density, where there is no foreseeable end to the foliage. These mysterious environments inspire dense, detailed compositions that spark wonder and draw you in.

www.anastasiazielinski.com  

When did you realize you wanted to pursue art professionally?

I grew up painting, but also dancing, acting, and studying music. My high school was set up so I could only focus on one art form, and I chose visual art. The summer in-between my junior and senior year of high school I participated in the Rising Star program at Savannah College of Art and Design. From then on, I fully dedicated myself to creating a professional career as an artist.

Whether artist or friend, who has continued to inspire your work?

I wouldn’t say there is one person in particular who inspires my work, instead I would say that I am motivated everyday by women. I have been lucky to know, work with, and befriend some seriously amazing women. I cherish and nourish my female friendships because we urge each other to be bold, celebrate each other’s successes, and encourage each other to try again when things don’t work out. A few artists I am inspired by are Nina Vichayapai, Jules Monson, Lupe Quesada, Isabel Paredes, Nicole Mazza, Hur Boree, Mulyana and Raul De Lara.

What do you enjoy exploring through your art?

My work explores the natural world and our connection to it. Through my art I document the plant life of public spaces, gardens, parks, and open lands. Rather than highlight grand vistas and panoramas, I focus on the varieties of vegetation that thrive in the often-overlooked areas. I am particularly drawn to moments of overgrowth and density, where there is no foreseeable end to the foliage. These mysterious environments inspire dense, detailed compositions that spark wonder and captivate the viewer.

Looking back, what advice do you wish you could give your younger self?

Document, document, document! There are many projects from my younger years that I don’t have usable photos of. It’s worth it to pay a professional to document your work for you, it’s how most people encounter our art. Don’t have the funds? Get creative, trade your art or services for theirs. Make sure you have quality photos or videos of temporary work. I have created several fiber-based installations and was told there would be professional photos taken only to find out too late that wasn’t the case.

The second thing I would say is put yourself out there. Rejection doesn’t feel good but is an inevitable part of a creative career. I have always believed in my work and the quality of it, but I didn’t always believe in myself or the power of my unique voice. I spent my 20’s living in NYC and never took advantage of my proximity to the art world because I lacked confidence. Now, at 40, I have both confidence in my work and my voice. You will never know what you can achieve if you let fear of failure keep you from trying. You are powerful, your voice matters, believe in your dreams and persevere!

What is one thing you hope your audience walks away with after experiencing/viewing your work?

A sense of calm and wonder paired with a deeper appreciation for the natural world. You don’t have to live in a remote area to see and appreciate nature. Walk around your city, your neighborhood, enjoy the parks and gardens, really look at all the plant life that exists in unlikely locations and not only survives but thrives there. Get lost staring at your house plants, admiring their unique forms, patterns, and colors. Hopefully this renewed awareness results in a desire to take care of and preserve the world around us.