We recently connected with Anastasia Zielinski and have shared our conversation below.

Anastasia, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Definitely, I think about this a lot. There’s something comforting about the idea of a “normal” job, especially at the end of the month when funds are tight. I remember sitting down recently, crunching numbers, and thinking, “Man, wouldn’t it be nice to have a steady paycheck? I could finally make some real moves financially.” It was one of those moments where the weight of responsibilities hit me—marketing my community studio, scheduling classes, ordering supplies, and trying to find time to create my own art. It can get overwhelming.

But then I remember my journey. For years, I balanced working 30 hours a week in a bar with 20 hours in my studio, leaving myself only one full day off. I was exhausted and felt stuck, not seeing the growth I wanted. It wasn’t until the pandemic that I fully committed to my creative pursuits and shifted to relying solely on my art for income. That switch was nerve-racking, but it’s been liberating.

Sure, the income can fluctuate, and there are times I feel the pressure. But honestly, whenever I start to doubt myself, something good comes through—an unexpected sale, a new class that fills up, or just a moment of inspiration that makes it all worth it. I’m not just making a living; I’m making a difference in my community by sharing my love of art.

I can genuinely say I’m much happier this way. It’s a hustle, but I’m building a life I’m proud of, one where I can chase my creative passions instead of squeezing them in around another job. I’m only beholden to myself, and the effort I put in directly impacts my work and life. If we only get one shot at this, I want to spend it striving, creating, and doing what brings me joy.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a multidisciplinary artist, arts educator, and the proud owner of FREAK’N ART, a vibrant community studio nestled in Bend, Oregon. My artistic practice encompasses painting, fiber-based collage, and installation art, all of which explore our relationship to the natural world. My work focuses on the often-overlooked plant life of public spaces, capturing the lush density of these environments in detailed compositions that spark wonder and captivate viewers.

FREAK’N ART was born from a desire for greater control over the teaching process, from scheduling and pricing to supplies. Initially, I was searching for a studio large enough that I could work and run classes out of. Through insight gained from my experience teaching in central Oregon, I understood that people want to expand their creativity but crave flexibility and a space where they could explore on their own terms.

At FREAK’N ART, we strive to cultivate a creative community through innovative art education. Our studio offers traditional art classes as well as DIY drop-in hours, where individuals can work on a variety of projects such as drawing, printmaking, and collage, at their own pace. We provide all necessary materials and guidance, encouraging participants to dive into their creativity without hesitation.

What sets us apart is our commitment to making art accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Our motto, “MAKE ART. FEEL BETTER!” reflects our belief in the transformative power of creativity. We’re dedicated to fostering an environment where artistic exploration is encouraged and celebrated.

We’re excited to continue expanding our offerings and growing our community. Stay up to date on new events, workshops, and creative opportunities at FREAKNART.com.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Absolutely, I have a compelling story that highlights my resilience. I signed the lease for my community studio, FREAK’N ART, on January 17th of this year. Two weeks later, I received the shocking news that I had breast cancer. I hadn’t felt a lump or anything; I had simply scheduled a mammogram because I was 40 and that’s what you’re supposed to do. The diagnosis was devastating, especially since I had lost my mom and a close friend to cancer less than two years prior.

As doctor appointments and tests began to consume my time, I made a conscious decision not to let cancer define my life. I was determined to pour my energy into my new business. The space itself needed a bunch of work before I could open it to the public, so I dove into crafting an environment that fostered creativity. I often retreated to my own painting, art became my refuge, offering an escape from the overwhelming thoughts about my health.

Now, almost six months after my lumpectomy and reconstructive surgery, I’ve opened this beautiful community studio. I’ve hosted numerous classes, collaborated with guest artists, and organized community events. My journey has even been featured in several articles and a mini documentary.

During challenging times, it’s easy to become consumed by despair. It’s crucial to keep striving for our goals and to work toward creating the life we envision. In dark moments, hope can guide us through. I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve built and overcome this year, and I know my resilience has played a key role in my journey.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my view, society has a tremendous opportunity to support artists and cultivate a thriving creative ecosystem, and a national minimum income would be a game-changer. Just imagine the impact if artists didn’t have to constantly worry about covering their basic needs—suddenly, there would be a surge of incredible music, theater, dance, and visual art enriching our lives. That’s a net good for society as a whole.

As a visual artist and small business owner, I spend about 80-90% of my time on tasks other than actually creating my work. From applying for grants and residencies to marketing and managing social media, the reality is far from the romantic notion of a painter locked away in a studio, painting all day. We need structural support that allows creatives to focus more on their craft.

Affordable housing and dedicated studio spaces for artists would also make a dramatic difference. Imagine public mentorship programs that connect emerging artists with established ones, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Additionally, implementing pension programs or matching 401(k) options specifically for artists could help secure their financial futures.

I have a wealth of ideas on how we could better support and nurture creativity in our society. The challenge is getting those in power to listen and act. When we invest in our artists, we enrich our culture and strengthen our communities, benefiting everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.anastasiazielinski.com (peronal portfolio) https://freaknart.com (community studio)
• Instagram: @freak_n_art (personal art) @freak_n_art_bend (community studio)
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560684340095
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasia-zielinski-08941623/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvmVofokN8M_OPrc1eIuQow

Image Credits

portrait of the artist by Nate Gowdy

artwork documented by Pushdot Studios in Portland, OR