This month we partner with Vermont-based illustrator, Viscaya Wagner. Viscaya is a multidisciplinary designer, artist, and illustrator. She says, "This piece represents a connection with something greater than oneself and the importance of taking care of each other. For me, that is what builds passion for this life."

For a little more about Viscaya, here's a short Q&A! 

Where is home for you?

Home has always been Vermont, where I was born and raised. I’ve lived in a few places over the years and have finally returned to my roots.

What is your definition of a successful life?

I imagine that’s constantly changing and evolving for me, but the first things to come to mind are: showing my love, practicing gratitude, caring for my loved ones, pursuing my goals in spite of fear, living my beliefs.

Describe your perfect day.

Waking up slowly, making coffee and a big breakfast, having nothing to accomplish - then strawberry picking, jumping in the river, eating ice cream, and margaritas on the porch with yummy snacks! Maybe throw in some sweet friends too!

How did you get into design?

When I was a kid I used to spend summers in my dad’s office and I remember someone describing to me what a logo was. I loved this idea of an image somehow encapsulating a person or idea, so I started making “logos” for all his employees - interviewing them about their lives and generating something to represent how I saw them… they were terrible, but the exercise was so captivating. I think I knew from then on that I wanted to do something in that arena, and my family is made up of artists, designers, and makers so I was very well supported. I went to college and studied Studio Art and focussed all my internships on graphic design experience. The rest is history! I love that my career can include such a diverse range of approaches for solving problems and creating experiences.

Where do you find inspiration?

I would say my greatest source of joy and inspiration is from the natural world. I’ve always felt my best when I’m close to unobstructed nature. But I also think traveling and experiencing new cultures can do the same thing for me  - anything to change my environment and be present in that time and space.

What's your dream design project?

There are so many to be excited about, but lately I love the idea of working on a wine label!

Which designers or thinkers influence/inspire you?

My parents, my partner - Tanner Bowden, my friends - Eliza Carver, Sidney Howard, Chase Pellerin, Bailey Sullivan, Vincent Conti, Anthony Eslick, Michael Boswell, David Silverstein, Kyle Stecker, Tereza Wozniak, Simi Mahtani… and so many others. 

So many people who I’ve found online - Bailey Elder, Cody Hudson, John Zabawa, Javier Reyes, Stephen Rockwood, Niall Greaves… the list is endless. 

And then there are the OG’s - Isamu Noguchi, Georgia O'Keeffe, Matisse, Calder, Anni Albers, Ruth Asawa, Donald Judd, Cezanne, Hilma af Klint, Helen Frankenthaler, Ellsworth Kelly… and beyond!

What was the inspiration behind this design?

This piece represents a connection with something greater than oneself and the importance of taking care of each other. For me, that is what builds passion for this life. 

In what ways does the theme of Passion play out in your life?

I think my world runs on my passion to create, to put forth, to challenge myself, to build a life I feel inspired by… it was an example set for me by my parents, and I continue to feel lit up and ready to learn, play, and explore.

At the moment, what is your favorite…

Color: Plum

Food: Burrata and grapefruit salad with chili crisp

Song: Paprika by Japanese Breakfast 

Quote: “You can find out how to do something and then do it, or do something and then find out what you did.” -Isamu Noguchi