Artist in conversation: Vina Kent
“ I'm able to continually produce art that makes me smile, have a giggle, or sit back and think, "Wow, I did that?" ”
With over three decades of experience, Vina Kent has dedicated herself to spreading the joy of art, offering her expertise to both students and adults eager to explore various techniques in oil painting, sketching, and soft pastels. Her work is a vibrant testament to the emotions that flow directly from the heart, capturing viewers' imaginations and inviting them into a world where each brushstroke tells a story. From serene landscapes and lifelike portraits to captivating animal scenes, delicate flowers, and even intriguing horror abstracts, her work is a celebration of diversity and creativity.
Despite not following a traditional path in art education, Vina's passion and commitment to her craft have led her to pursue numerous art courses throughout her academic career and well into adulthood. Her dedication has culminated in becoming a certified Bob Ross Instructor, a role that allows her to share her love for art with others in a unique and accessible way.
Vina's academic background in forensic anthropology, alongside minors in history, English, and leadership, has enriched her understanding of art theory and anatomy. This interdisciplinary approach has not only influenced her artistic style but also enabled her to offer valuable insights into how art can complement and enhance any career path. As a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Vina continues to inspire and guide scholars, demonstrating the profound impact art can have on personal and professional development.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
Art was something I was born into. My family was rich with many talented artists of all media forms. This inspired me early on to create pieces of art that held special meaning to me depending on my mood or what I was going through in life. Art became therapeutic for me, and for some reason unknown to me, every piece of art I've ever created has always had some kind of heart mixed in or hidden in what I was drawing or painting. So, that kind of became my thing. Hiding hearts in each art piece that flows onto whatever medium I'm working with.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
I really enjoy whimsical, fantasy, and landscape style pieces. I'm always exploring these themes for ways to push and challenge myself or just make my project a true piece of who I am as a unique individual.
Can you talk about your preference for oil-based art and your occasional use of graphite and soft pastels? What draws you to these mediums?
I find these three mediums relaxing, soothing to a point. I can really get in and add tiny pieces of details that I don't feel I can in other mediums. I love oil painting because if I suddenly change my mind that I don't like how the piece is looking, I can change the flavor of it up with quick little fixes here and there, and it becomes something else entirely different than what I had intended, sometimes it works out better, sometimes it doesn't, but at least that option is there. I've found that I can do the same with graphite/charcoal and soft pastels as well. I really enjoy adding fine line work and tiny details to make my work as realistic as possible, yet appealing to the eye.
How do you continue to grow and evolve as an artist after three decades of experience?
When I create a piece of art, I'm doing it for myself. It's fun, and I'm able to continually produce art that makes me smile, have a giggle, or sit back and think, "Wow, I did that?" It's always satisfying when I can look at something I've created and know that my heart and soul have flowed from the brush/graphite/pastel into a piece of art that leaves me with joyous vibes.
Of all the projects you've worked on, do you have a favorite or one that holds special significance to you? What made that project stand out among others?
I have an oil painting that I did for myself as a representation of me in a collage style. There are bits and pieces of things from my life within that painting that just lay out my whole life in small ways. From my Latin/Viking heritage to my love of anthropology and history and even my Zodiac sign. It tells my story and that is why it means the most to me.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
I always welcome feedback. I want to know what inspires others and how I can incorporate that feedback into pieces I work on in the future. I love a good challenge. I'm always pushing the boundaries of new ways I can create something with a different technique or style that expresses what others feel inspired by.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
My life has been rich with many obstacles, changes, dramas, and memories that keep me going. I find myself at my desk or in my bed daily, thinking up my next piece. I live with seizures, fibromyalgia, gastroparesis, and heart issues. I've had several health scares and been hospitalized and even put on ventilators and in medically induced comas, essentially losing days of my life that I have no memory of. But through it all, I've come out fighting to get my life back. My husband and kids keep me wanting to fight. But those aren't the only things I've had to learn and grow from. So, I take from my past and present to keep me moving forward in a positive way with gratitude in my heart that I have another day I could make someone smile.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
Honestly, I'm speechless. I never thought in a million years my art was that good, despite others telling me on loop that I have a unique talent. So, I feel blessed and beyond words for the opportunity to have so many others see something I created that holds tremendous meaning to me.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Long term, I'd like to open my own art studio and teach art to others who don't feel like they have any talent, and show them otherwise. I will continue to submit my work to galleries, do shows, promote my art on social media, and get my work out there in any way possible, so that eventually, I can have enough money to open my studio.
