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

Alright, Larisa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

My career initially began in Non-Profit Management and Development Organizations. However, 20 years ago, while working in Moscow, I found myself burnt out from office work. Seeking a creative outlet, I enrolled in silver smithing classes first and then added art courses to infuse creativity into my jewelry making. I was captivated by my teachers’ instruction and found joy in working with soft pastels. The studies continued for 6 years, and I knew that I can not see my life without it. I was creating various products, participated in various markets, I developed my style in jewelry: illustrated jewelry. As for the art – soft pastels became my primary medium in my artistic expression. 9 Years ago, with the birth of my first kid, I left the corporate job, with the intention to pursue my artistic life full time.

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

I am an artist and jewelry designer, living in Brattleboro, VT, with my family.  I am passionate about art and jewelry making. In my art  I love  infusing a sense of whimsy and curiosity into everyday life.

My artistic journey has been shaped by my deep-rooted fascination with psychology, myths, folktales, animals, nature, and travel. Through the mediums of soft pastels and digital illustration, I breathe life into an imaginative universe that oscillates between the quirky and playful, and the dark and light.

While I have dedicated the past 20 years to honing my creative skills, it wasn’t until nine years ago, with the birth of my first child, that I committed to pursuing my artistic passions full-time. Drawing from my background in Literature and International Development, I infuse a unique dimension into my work, exploring a diverse range of themes and ideas in my creations.

In addition to my artistic endeavors, I take pride in founding the Leopard Frog Art Shop Studio and Gallery (2 years ago) . I am especially proud of the name choice, I wanted a store to have a name connected to Vermont state, and Leopard Frog is officially a Vermont State amphibian, but no one knows about this fact yet :) Here at Leopard Frog we share this information proudly!

At Leopard Frog Art Store and Gallery we create and present art that isn’t just seen but experienced – art that’s tangible, fresh and authentic. Our space serves as both my studio for creating art and jewelry, and a cozy gallery that features not only my own work but also the creations of other talented local artists. With a blend of local art and distinctive gifts (!!!), our establishment occupies a niche between a traditional gift shop and an art gallery.

We are excited to provide a space for our customers to enjoy the artistic expressions of local artists and express their own creative essence through art. Leopard Frog mission is simple yet profound: to infuse beauty into life, one art piece at a time!

Our store is located in the charming setting of the Old Red Barn on the route to Mount Snow, our location is truly unique. Surrounded by neighbors like Jamaican Jewelz (yummy food), the Vermont Bud Barn and Vermont Grow Barn, our space has become a destination in southern Vermont for both locals and tourists alike.

Our creative spirit has no bounds! This year we proudly started our wholesale journey and we are excited for new partnerships and collaborations.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is an opportunity to connect with my customers. Seeing people choosing my work, coming back for my work, wearing my jewelry inspires me to create more. There was one art work that I made, called “Inner Animal” it depicted a calm looking woman, with the screaming cat inside of her. Often times people shared : “I know how it feels”, and that felt very rewarding . Believe me, I know how it feels too :)) Art has an amazing potential to connect people. The connection that I create with my customers is the most rewarding aspect.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, of course.  While my shop has a mission to be a unique destination place which showcases the work of local artists, my personal “why” or goal or mission that is driving my creative journey is connection. I notice something in the world, and I want to make it into tangible object – whether jewelry or art. When people see it, and smile, or want to buy it for themselves or their loved ones, that feels really important. Also as an immigrant, who lives in Vermont – that meaning of connection becomes even more important for me personally. I can bring something in from my culture of origin, mix it in with my experiences and observations in this world, and as a result share, add something valuable and unique into my new world and into my new home. When I observe people connecting to my art – It proves my understanding that experience of “what it means to be human” is universal and that we should remember about it. All in all, people are looking to be seen and understood. I am seen and understood through my art. I am extremely grateful for that.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.leopardfrog.shop
• Instagram: @leopardfrog.shop
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larisa-volkavichyute-554b423/
• Other: My linked in page is pretty outdated:) Comment: my interview is a mix of answers that are more personal as an artist and creative, and as an artist who also runs represents its own shop and a gallery

Image Credits
Larisa Volkavichyute