Today we’d like to introduce you to Cecilia Cassarino.
Hi Cecilia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My artistic career started in my home state, Vermont. I grew up exploring the green mountains. I found inspiration from the natural beauty that surrounded me each day. I would build fairy houses and collect little critter figurines which reflect in my work today.
I used to love to draw anything and everything growing up. Sometimes I would even bring a drawing book on hikes. In the fifth grade, I was given a job at a family-owned restaurant. I would draw characters of the customers that came in to dine. They even paid me for the pictures. It was my first transaction! When I became a high schooler, I started selling my work online my freshman year. I would sell pet portraits commissions, couples, celebrities, etc. They sold very fast throughout my high school career. I attended Green Mountain College where I studied Art, Documentary Studies, and Photography. Originally, my goal was to work in production design and documentary studies. In 2018, I studied at the Bangor University in Wales. This trip truly changed my life artistically. The folklore that surrounded so many places I visited inspires a lot of my whimsical watercolors. I’ve traveled a lot since then. I moved out of my home state to Asheville, NC. I’ve worked from my home studio in Asheville, Raleigh, and Atlanta, GA.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When COVID-19 first hit, a lot of small businesses and artists were concerned. My painting sales dropped, I was living in a small apartment, and my fiancé was full-time enrolled in graduate school. Painting commissions slowed, and there was no more constant flow of sales. I lost some inspiration. I had to detach from the negative mindset that my self-worth was based on my productivity. I had to learn to have patience. There was nothing I could control. Instead, I took this time to create art for MYSELF. This was the perfect time to reinvent my style.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I like to say that I specialize in “Whimsical Watercolors.” My watercolor illustrations bring me peace whenever I painting them. I was others to feel nostalgic and joyful when they see my work. I love, and I’m most proud of, my “comfort critters” illustrations. This is a series of watercolor illustrations involving woodland critters like mice, or chipmunks, enjoying tea on sunny day, camping in the woods, or even doing yoga. A lot of scenes I create are inspired by different activities I enjoyed as a child or even now as an adult. This series is for all ages.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I think every artist takes risks. Every artist has a different story. I’ve taken so many risks I wouldn’t know where to begin. I think staying true to your creative vision, creating what makes YOU happy, and sharing it with the world, is a risk. You have to prepare yourself for feedback, criticism, unwanted comments. Prepare yourself but never forget to stay true to your authentic style.
Contact Info:
- Website: Softsproutstudios.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/softsproutstudios
