Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sheila Vultaggio. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sheila, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Well, despite having studied Fine Arts, I found myself marginally rusty after not having practiced my craft in almost a decade. So, picking up where I left off required me to go back to the basics and spend significant time re-studying and brushing up on my skills. I experimented with various mediums and techniques to discover a style that resonated with me.
As an artist with fast-paced and sometimes messy tendencies, I often found myself hindering my own progress, which inevitably showed in my execution. To combat this, I made a conscious effort to remind myself to slow down and focus when I’m working with certain mediums. Fortunately for me, my sister and my husband are my biggest fans, even so, they are also my toughest critics whose valuable advice and honesty has helped me to overcome my creative blunders and polish my skills.
Reflecting on my journey, I would not have done anything differently to expedite my learning process. I realized that going at my own pace allowed me to take the time necessary to play around with the different materials, plan and strategize ahead, and be methodical in my process. Skills such as, seeing colors differently, proper tool maintenance, applying proper techniques and conducting in-depth research has also been the most essential in my creative process. I credit my college professors for ingraining these crucial skills as it has stayed with me all this time.
Sheila, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Growing up, my favorite subjects would be in anything that required me to be creative. I was always drawing and making things. The creative drive has even followed me into my career where I get to use 3D modeling software. In the beginning of my career, I would make time to paint when I got home but still felt lost at what I was trying to achieve. It wasn’t until the last few years that my synapses really started to fire. Fast forward to today, looking at the main mediums I am using now, all began with when my husband and I purchased our charming historic home in rural Rock Hill, SC. We spent countless hours revitalizing and renovating this house. As doing so, my hands-on experience with construction materials during this time gave me an intimate understanding of their unique qualities. One thing led to another, and I found myself blending some of these materials into my seascape series and large abstract pieces.
While abstract seascapes are close to my heart and are the most requested pieces in my collection, I will occasionally accept large, contemporary mixed media paintings as well but it depends largely on my availability and resources. It’s such a wonderful experience to bring unique and beautiful pieces to life for my clients. You can find more original works on my website.
My Artistic style is influenced by my personal background and experiences, and I express this through abstract forms inspired by the seascape and cultural motifs of Asia. I am most grateful for the progress that I have made in my craft and the journey I have been on. I have worked diligently to develop a creative portfolio that truly reflects me and created a website that I feel effectively represents my artistic vision.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Water is a central theme in my work as it embodies resilience, clarity, and persistence. It moves through obstacles set in its path with grace and flows into the unknown with energy and tenacity, representing the qualities I attempt to inspire. My goal is to advocate the importance of maintaining good mental health by creating imagery that exudes a sense of hope and excitement for those who experience my work. Art has always been my form of therapy, so I encourage others to draw, write, dance, or whatever motivates them and gives them mental clarity and comfort as well.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
As an artist, the most fulfilling aspect is seeing the culmination of my hard work. Witnessing my followers and collectors experiencing the same positive emotions that I aim to represent through my artwork makes it all worthwhile and encourages me to keep sharing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sheilavultaggioart.jimdofree.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheilavultaggio/