We were lucky to catch up with Wendy Costa recently and have shared our conversation below.

Wendy, appreciate you joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents started speaking about my creativity as far back as I can remember- easily by age 5 my father was telling me- ‘you can be a dancer, a painter, a writer’ etc. It was very important to my father that I understood the world would be my canvas. I remember he did not allow me to say the word ‘can’t’ in his presence- this early training I now know is the foundation of my subconscious mind. When you look at the work of Bruce Lipton and the new science on the brain, we know that until the age of 7 our brain is in theta, a hypnosis state ready for whatever program we put in it. My father was very ahead of his time, always telling me to imagine the outcome of things ahead of time. I grew up in the early 1960’s so this was certainly highly unusual for that time

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a painter and designer new to St. Petersburg, FL. I started my education in Fine Art and launched my design business in New York in 1987. At this time there was a big movement of handmade and made in the USA -and I was lucky to partner with businesses that chose artists to fill their stores with American made inventory. I was using my printing knowledge, experimenting with new Canon machines and reps from Canon who looked to artists to push the boundaries of the new technology. I went deeper into printing in the 90’s creating my own fabrics and fashion line, which led me to licenses for more products such as greeting cards by award winning companies like Meri Meri, and Sterling Publishing. My distinct style led me to meetings with Ben and Jerry’s to create a retail line, store windows for Stuart Weitzman shoe stores, and my business expanded to a small factory employing a team of people-all using suppliers from the US only.

I’ve had many proud moments; my largest order for DSW shoes, custom work for Selfridge’s of London, custom work for Neiman Marcus, and being celebrated by the numerous small boutiques that make up the main part of my business.

The best moments of my business are when young children see the art, see me painting and you can see a light go off in their spirit. After 35 years of commercial design, trade shows in New York, Chicago, Boston, and Philadelphia, I’m dialing down my wholesale business to focus back on small, one of a kind pieces of art-wearable and for home decor.

I now have a small studio in the heart of the warehouse district at Five Deuces Galleria Courtyard in St.Pete, and there I hope to really explore and develop my fine art paintings and a small line of unusual one of a kind gifts. The gift market was so perfect for me because I love birthdays, holidays, parties and giving beauty. In our new studio we will have themed parties that happen every second Saturday for Artwalk- the trolley drops visitors off right at the studio and I get to focus on all the little intimate one on one details I love about sharing my work.
Studio address is: 2135 3rd. Ave. S. St. Pete, FL. open for art walk and by appointment.

I will create a one of a kind line during the month and announce when the line is finished on social media. This wonderful little surprise package of art appeals to me right now in my career. I look forward to art food, creative installations, inviting musicians in and hosting guest artists. I share my studio with Kostar- a wonderful artist who cheers me on and is a partner in creative art party ideas.

I want to close with something very important to me. My father passed away last year and was the greatest cheerleader for my art. My art and studio are devoted to him. All of my paintings have his name (Nicholas) hidden inside.

My dear friend and biggest collector; Sandra Vardine brought me to St. Pete and single handedly changed my life and career, I devote my next chapters to her. I want to say that the power of mediation and manifestation from these visionary people changed everything about how I create and move through the world, it’s the very best way to be.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

One of my greatest influence for art making comes from the book “Art and Fear’ by David Bayles, Ted Orland. This book gets down to the mechanics of why you make art and how to not STOP making art, this has been invaluable to me from my early beginnings to now.
The inner mind work of pushing against obstacles consistently, brilliantly comes from the work of Bruce Lipton, Ph.D., a pioneer cell biologist who changed everything for me.
The power of training the mind to go toward what we want, is my greatest influence on my life and art career.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My next driving goal is to create an art collective, a friendly, inclusive space that brings in all kinds of creative people, and nurtures growth. I find too much bureaucracy is in the way of getting artists what they need. Artists need affordable spaces, easy access to grant money for supplies and projects, and easy ways to show their work. Young children especially need to learn the benefits of art making, meditation, and manifestation for self healing, growth, and self knowledge. There is an epidemic of illness in this country, and I believe young people are prey to corporations that want to sell them easy fixes. I feel it’s up to my generation to reach out to these young people through art.
I’m most excited about my long time dream to create a small cash award to a talented local female artist.
I am watching local talent and will announce my project soon. I’ll offer a simple application, no resume, no art school required, no application fees-that is my next goal-to create this grass roots wave of change.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wendycosta.com
• Instagram: @wendycostastudio
• Facebook: Wendy Costa Studio

Image Credits
wendy costa