Valeria was born in Moscow but at age 6 she moved with her mother to Catalonia, as she always dreamed of living next to the sea side. Now the Barcelona based artist VALERIA VASI is expecting two baby girls herself. As an artist her pieces are focused on combining art, design and functionality. Thank you Valeria for the visit to your home!
On the top shelf; Valerias Triangel Vase Cobalto Blue and Bubbles Vase.
Artist and sculptor Valeria Vasi.
The Weight of the World – Sculpture inspired by the work of Etel Adnan for L&B Gallery Barcelona.
Creative office.
Hello Valeria, what are you into at the moment?
– Hi there! I’m about to release a couple of new pieces soon, so these days it’s all about finishing the last details … so exciting to see the results!! I’m a very dedicated and creative person but who overall wants to have fun in whatever I do. I have drastically changed the path of my career to create and lead my own project, to have the freedom to do what really fulfils with my own timings.
How would you describe your work?
– My pieces are focused on combining art, design and functionality, in which geometry and simplicity are very relevant. The shape and volume converge to create small functional sculptures with defined lines. The idea is that the emptiness of matter acquires as much importance as its presence.
Where are you in life right now?
– I’m in a very joyful moment right now, it feels that everything I wish for is coming together and I feel so grateful to have achieved that feeling in my personal and professional life. We are always trying to look for something else because we think there is something lacking in our lives but the fact is that we create our own reality.
Valeria is expecting twins.
On shelf; Gaia Vase, Bubbles Vase, Kaori Vase and Liquid Vase.
Valeria Vasi’s pieces are hand-crafted in Barcelona which makes each piece unique and authentic. Left; You Vase.
And your artistry?
– I come from a fashion background and I believe that aesthetics in general were very important to me since early age. My mom used to be a painter when she was younger, so the world of art was always present and she tried to raise me in that environment. Now one of the things I enjoy the most besides designing, is carrying the art direction of the brand. I think it’s important to have a very personal and unique approach not only with the pieces but with the way they are presented.
What is a desirable object to you?
– An object that makes you feel something, might be linked to a memory, or simply because of its beauty but definitely something that brings you an emotion.
Where does your inspiration come from? Your go-to inspiration source?
– Traveling has always been my main source of inspiration, specially discovering different cultures. One of the countries that I’ve been most fascinated with is Japan. I had the chance to travel there several times and there is something about their approach to arts and crafts that is just so incredible. One of my main source of inspiration is definitely the Japanese floral art of Ikebana. There is something really special about the aesthetic. The approach to plants and flowers is so delicate and fragile that I find it so captivating. I believe that the Japanese have a very unique approach to craftsmanship and they put so much effort and love in each thing they do, that the result is always astonishing and the level of expertise is so high.
You live in Barcelona, but was born in Moscow I read. How was your early life, why did you end up in Spain?
– Yes, I was born in Moscow and when I was 6 we moved with my mom to Barcelona. I think we were fated to move here, as my mom always dreamed of living next to the sea side (something that seemed impossible in the URSS era). She met a group of Art professors that were doing a residency in a Moscow University and from that friendship arose the possibility of coming to Spain. My dad still lives in Moscow, so I mainly spend my childhood between these two cities and I feel very lucky to have seen such different cultures. This has allowed me to have a wider visual references. Later on, I decided to move to Paris, where I started my career in fashion and where I spend some years before coming back to Barcelona.
You are expecting a baby soon, how has your pregnancy been?
– I’m actually expecting two baby girls, and I have to say that the pregnancy has been really good! There are so many advises and things you hear about pregnancy, but ultimately it’s your own path and experience and it will be unique for every women.
Wow, twins, congratulations! Have being pregnant had positive effects on your creativity?
– Not really, I would say quite the opposite. I think that my body and mind were entirely focused on creating two little human beings that there was no room for my creativity to spread. However there were peaceful moments were I just enjoyed the time alone with my babies and after that some great ideas came up. But overall all my energy and thoughts were more into the little ones.
To the left; Vacuum Vase Ash Wood.
My pieces are focused on combining art, design and functionality, in which geometry and simplicity are very relevant. The shape and volume converge to create small functional sculptures with defined lines. The idea is that the emptiness of matter acquires as much importance as its presence.
When are you at your happiest?
– When I have the time to have a long coffee in the morning (with no rush) with my husband and the sunlight is going through our kitchen. When I’m next to the seaside. When I spend time in good company with my beloved ones. When I have the freedom to create and drive my project in my own pace. When I have a good meal. When I have 8 hours of sleep and no stress.
A recent book you read?
– ‘Earth’ byBarbara Marciniak. An incredible author with a controversial look at our purpose on Earth.
What are your dreams in life?
– Right now to have two heathy and happy baby girls.
Do you wish to recommend something?
– Yes, to don’t stress so much in life and do what really fulfils you, even if it’s hard to achieve. We have unlimited choices in life, we just have to pick wisely.
What do you struggle with?
– Impatience.
If you could, you would…?
– Have all my friends and family in the same city.