We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alissa Landefeld a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alissa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

“Ode to Ukraine” is the most meaningful project I’ve created as an artist.

While earning my biology degree, I spent a semester volunteering as an English teacher in Ukraine. It was an impulsive decision—I knew little about the country, its culture, or its history—but during my time there, I fell deeply in love with it.

In 2024, my first year as a full-time artist, I created a set of Russian nesting dolls to display at a local gallery as both a commentary on Ukraine’s ongoing conflict and a heartfelt love letter to a country that profoundly changed my life.

Each of the five nesting dolls carries a unique, layered message, weaving together a powerful narrative. The story begins with a love letter to Ukraine, transitions into the tragedy of its modern genocide, reflects on its centuries-old struggle for independence, and highlights its unwavering faith and resilience. The final doll delivers a message of hope, symbolizing the enduring spirit of a nation and its people.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Alissa Landefeld, a self-taught oil painter and artist based in Provo, Utah, originally from the rugged landscapes of Montana. My journey into art has been anything but linear—I pursued a degree in biology, worked in microbiology research, and even presented my findings internationally. Despite that, the pull toward art never left me.

In 2024, I took steps to improve my mental health and took the frightening leap to pursue my art as more than just a hobby. I create original oil paintings, stickers, and minimalistic family portraits, often inspired by everyday beauty, natural elements, and the emotional depth of shared human experiences.

What sets me apart is my deep curiosity and scientific approach to the creative process, which allows me to create works that feel layered and intentional. I’m most proud of being able to connect with people through my art and hearing how it resonates with their lives.

To me, that connection is what art is all about. For potential clients and followers, I hope they see my work as approachable, inclusive, and throughtful—something that celebrates both the playful and profound in life.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

After years working in labs, I transitioned into sales, thinking it would offer better pay for less time. Sales felt like a natural fit for a bubbly woman in her 20s seeking upward mobility. While the financial rewards were real, the toll was immense.

Frequent travel and (mostly self-imposed) quota pressure left me burnt out, with my mental health at its lowest. I felt disconnected from the people and experiences I cared about and often privately and shamefully dealt with panic attacks and breakdowns.

During this time, I started painting more, and each brushstroke brought a piece of myself back to life. For the first time, I could truly feel again. I feared leaving high-stress jobs for art would mean losing others’ support, but the opposite happened—my relationships improved, and I was met with more love and encouragement than I ever imagined. That love wasn’t just for what I achieved but for who I am and what I create.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is deeply rooted in fostering connection and emotional healing. Whether it’s telling stories about difficult events like ‘Ode to Ukraine,’ creating memorial portraits that honor loved ones, or crafting nostalgic pieces that evoke joy and familiarity, my goal is to create art that resonates.

I believe art has a unique ability to process emotions, spark meaningful conversations, and bring people together, and I strive to channel that power into everything I create.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/alissalandefeld.art
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alissalandefeld.art/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alissa-landefeld/
• Other: Etsy: alissalandefeldart.etsy.com