Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Trattner

Hi Wendy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

I was born in Wisconsin and had a wonderful childhood—until everything changed at age 7, when I unexpectedly lost my parents. I moved in with my aunt and uncle, who mistreated me, and spent the rest of my childhood bouncing between families. Those years were filled with grief and insecurity, and, frankly, they were some of the hardest of my life.

But facing loss and hardship at such a young age also shaped me. It made me resilient and curious, sparking a lifelong quest to understand the world and its meaning. By the time I was 8, I was already asking big questions about life and immersing myself in science as a way to find answers. That curiosity led me to MIT, where I studied mechanical engineering, fascinated by how science could solve real-world problems.

At the same time, I’ve always been a creative soul. Drawing, painting, and writing poetry were my outlets for processing grief and expressing emotions I couldn’t put into words. Art was a constant in my life, even as I pursued a career in science.

After graduating from MIT, I joined a climate tech startup and, for the first time in years, felt secure. That stability gave me the space to reconnect with my art. I’ll never forget a moment in 2021 when it hit me: painting was one of the only things I did purely because it brought me joy. That realization changed everything.

I decided to take art seriously, and since then, it’s become my life’s work. What started as a way to cope and process my emotions has turned into a full-time passion. And the rest is history.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

One of my favorite quotes is “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” My journey has been anything but easy, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

One of the hardest things I had to do was decide to quit my job to pursue art. I spent 7 years getting my degree, building the foundations of a successful engineering career, and doing everything ‘right.’ I’d found an amazing role at a super cool sustainable fashion robotics startup. I had a great team, a ton of autonomy, and my work had direct impact. It was literally my dream job.

It was so hard to throw that away, just because I had a knawing feeling that I was missing something. It wasn’t loud at first—just a tiny spark of dissatisfaction—but over time, it grew into something I couldn’t ignore. I had to confront the truth: the life I had built wasn’t fully aligned with what truly made me happy.

Leaving the security that I’d built for myself, after having no security for most of my life, was a challenge to say the least. It was painful, actually. It took me months to work up the courage. But once I finally did it… I grasped a sense of fulfillment and joy I never imagined possible. Sometimes the hardest choices lead to the most meaningful growth.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I’m an abstract artist and content creator. I express myself through painting, using bold colors and textures, and each piece is tied to a story—whether inspired by music, personal experiences, or existential themes. I specialize in creating vibrant, expressive art that connects with people on a deep emotional level and is rooted in positivity and beauty. I share my work and journey on social media, mainly instagram, in the hopes of finding people who connect with my story.

What sets me apart is my background. I’m not traditionally trained in art; I transitioned into it after working as an engineer at innovative startups, where I developed problem-solving skills and a unique perspective. My art often blends my love for science and creativity, pulling inspiration from nature, technology, and the human experience.

I’m most proud of my ability to take risks and share my story openly. My journey from engineer to artist wasn’t conventional, but it allows me to create work that feels authentic and accessible to people from all walks of life. I want my art to inspire others to embrace their own creativity and pursue what makes them feel alive.

Any big plans?

I’m in a reflective and exciting phase right now. I recently completed my first art collection and held a show that exceeded my expectations—I sold 10 out of 14 paintings, which was a huge milestone for me. Now, I’m taking time to evaluate what’s next.

I know I want to focus on improving my craft, honing my unique style, and building relationships with collectors who connect with my work. I’m also exploring ways to take my art practice to the next level, whether that’s through larger-scale projects, collaborations, or expanding into new mediums. While I don’t have all the answers yet, I’m excited to embrace this period of growth and discovery.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wendytrattnerart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendytratt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendytratt
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wendytratt