Today we’d like to introduce you to Agnes Russo.
Hi Agnes, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story is a story of a countryside girl born and raised in a beautiful place. My family was a simple family so I quickly learned that to succeed, one has to be strong and work hard. I went for my dreams. With a big backpack and enough money for one month, I took a train to the city that I called HOME for the next five years of my university time. Working and studying was not easy but I was grateful for each and every moment of it. I was supposed to start working as a preventive psychologist but, after receiving my master’s degree, I felt the need to study more. I received a scholarship and moved again, this time to Italy!
The story continues, I met my husband and we chose Norway for our first together home; why not? To persons from two different countries living in a third one, fair enough – right?
Norway was such a big lesson for both of us. Another language, a new culture and so much to learn. Far away from our friends and families. I fell in love with minimalist Scandinavian style that, hopefully, you can see in my artwork. The moving adventure was still on, so after our first daughter was born, we received the opportunity to move to USA.
I was not sure about that… I knew that integrating would have been a process requiring time. After my son was born, we decided to stay in USA longer. I missed my family and friends… they were so far away. I thought I needed to find a little bit of time for myself. Yes, self-care is very important but sometimes it is so hard to remember it. You know… the guilt of taking those crumbs of the day for ourselves… I found my balance and tranquility in my evening and night painting time. It was so easy… I just needed a piece of paper and my watercolors… how special was that?
While painting in my night bathrobe, I didn’t have any idea that I would have taken my relaxing painting to the next level. My family and friends gave me the courage and strength to go for it. I started to share my work, my process and growth. Simple but yet special story.
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?
I feel like I was raised to be a fighter. I remember the time when nothing was certain. I learned to live here and now and appreciate every day. I’m trying to never give up when facing challenges. I learned that in challenging times is god to stop and breathe. I have been living in five different counties and had to learn four different languages to be able to work and communicate with the people.As you may know, moving is not easy and the integration part can be overwhelming. My biggest challenge right now was the lack of time.
When COVID-19 started, we decided to home school our two kids and unfortunately, I had to scale down my work. Not having a family close by and not feeling supported was definitely a big challenge for me. I struggle with growing my business, painting and had many days when I was feeling like a hamster in the wheel. These moments teach you the deepest values in your life. My family is my priority and I needed to figure out how to make it work. Well… what I normally do when I am overwhelmed? I go for a run and take more challenges to distract myself. I decided to study, to create my website and use my time to explore different styles in the quest for my creative voice. In the darkest day, I try to remember the poem by ks. J. Twardowski “When GOD close the door, HE opens the window…”
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Art was always a part of me. Sometimes a silent one, other times a very open one. In early years I loved to express myself through writing… poetry has a big place in my heart. Drawing and painting guided me during my high school and university. I remember that my art teacher used to say to me: “Your work is beautiful; spend more time on it and will become outstanding.” Yes, I was not always a very patient student. My painting was always about the abstract. Maybe simple for others but so deep and metaphoric for me.
My work evolved from very energetic abstracts movements to quiet, transparent, and light one. I mostly work with watercolors, acyclic, paper and canvas. I love simplicity, minimalist and yet elegant style. I take my inspiration from our beautiful Mother Earth, feelings, conversations and music. My memories and longings play a big role in my work as well. I want my art to be a piece of serenity and tranquility that every house can welcome.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My family is my priority, my sweet little humans growing up far away from our families. My husband and I are the parents, cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles to them. It’s a big shoe to fill and such an important part of their lives to fulfill. Teaching them our mother languages, nature-friendly way of living and taking them to Europe when possible it is hard but worth every effort. They are gems and the future of our lives.
My five most important values are freedom, kindness, love, adventure and creativity. My freedom is my time family and flexibility. Kindness speaks for patience, empathy and good. Love is my happiness, joy, peace and serenity. I meet adventure in growing, being bold and travelling. You can see my creativity in my vision, appreciation of beauty and really good imagination. These are my top five or maybe I should say top six, including my family at the first place.
Contact Info:
- Email: agnes@agnesr.art
- Website: www.agnesr.art/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agnesr_art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgnesRart-1967000663368897
Image Credits
AgnesR Art and Isabel Shaw
