Conversations with Vivian Varasdi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vivian Varasdi.

Hi Vivian, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born in Santo Domingo, where my connection to art began at a very young age. As a child, I was constantly drawing, painting, and coloring, completely fascinated by the freedom and expression art gave me. Recognizing this passion early on, my father enrolled me in Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes, one of the most prestigious art institutions in the Caribbean. It was there that I formally began my journey as an artist.
As the years passed, life led me in different directions. I pursued a college education in television production and went on to work in various roles within the TV industry. While creatively fulfilling in its own way, my path gradually drifted away from painting, and my artistic practice was set aside.
Everything changed when I was expecting my daughter. That moment reawakened something deeply rooted within me. I returned to painting with a renewed sense of purpose, buying canvases and materials to create meaningful, beautiful pieces for her. Through art, I wanted not only to express myself again but also to teach her values, kindness, awareness, and respect for the world around us.
This intention led me to write my first children’s book, The Bottle That Was Left Behind, a story centered on recycling and environmental responsibility. Wanting to go further, I began incorporating the very materials I consumed, especially plastic into my artwork. By embedding these elements into my pieces, I aim to raise awareness about the growing issue of plastic pollution and the impact of our daily choices.
I later wrote my second book, The Enchanted Balloon, which highlights the often-overlooked consequences of releasing balloons into the environment. Through both my writing and visual art, my message remains consistent: we must become more conscious of the footprint we leave behind.
My work is driven by a desire to inspire change, beginning at home. I want my daughter to grow up experiencing the same connection to nature that I was fortunate to have a world that is vibrant, healthy, and respected. Through my art, I hope to contribute, in my own way, to a more mindful and sustainable future.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Being an artist is inherently challenging, not only because you’re constantly evolving your craft, but also because you’re navigating a world filled with incredibly talented artists, both past and present. There’s a constant sense of comparison, and at times, it can feel overwhelming to find your own voice and place within that landscape.

For me, one of the biggest struggles was stepping away from art for a period of time. Life took me in different directions, and I had to rediscover my creative identity later on. Starting again required vulnerability, discipline, and the courage to believe that my voice still mattered.

Another challenge has been turning my passion into something meaningful and impactful, especially when my work carries a message about environmental responsibility. It’s not just about creating something beautiful, but also about connecting with people and encouraging awareness, which can take time and persistence.

Despite all of this, the journey is deeply rewarding. When you reconnect with your purpose and begin to create from a place of authenticity, it makes every challenge worth it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a multidisciplinary artist and storyteller who creates eco-conscious artwork using both traditional and repurposed materials. I specialize in incorporating recycled elements, especially plastic, into my paintings and crafts as a way to transform waste into something meaningful and thought-provoking. My work sits at the intersection of art and environmental awareness, with the goal of inspiring people to reflect on their everyday impact on the planet.

In addition to my visual art, I am also a children’s book author. I’ve written *The Bottle That Was Left Behind* and *The Enchanted Balloon*, both of which focus on teaching younger generations about sustainability and the consequences of our actions in a gentle, accessible way.

What I’m most proud of is being able to combine creativity with purpose. My work is not just about aesthetics, it carries a message, especially for future generations, including my daughter. Everything I create is rooted in a desire to educate, inspire, and contribute to a more conscious and responsible world.

What sets me apart is the intentional use of materials that people often overlook or discard. Instead of simply talking about environmental issues, I physically integrate them into my art. Each piece becomes both a visual experience and a statement. My background in storytelling also allows me to connect emotionally with my audience, whether through a painting or a children’s book, making the message more impactful and lasting.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I see luck as the result of preparation meeting opportunity. It’s not something random it’s something you grow into. I often think of it like bamboo: for a long time, it grows underground, building strong roots where no one can see it. Then, when the moment comes, it rises quickly. That’s how I approach my journey as an artist, I’m constantly preparing, growing internally, and developing my craft so that when the right opportunity appears, I’m ready for it.
Looking back, I do feel I’ve been incredibly lucky. My book, The Bottle That Was Left Behind, has been selling even without any advertising, which tells me the message is connecting with people in an organic way. I’ve also had opportunities like creating 400 hand-painted champagne flutes for the Palm Beach Opera, which was a meaningful milestone for me.
So while I do consider myself lucky, I also believe that those moments are the result of consistent effort, passion, and being ready when opportunity shows up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vivianvarasdi.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivian_varasdi/
• Other: https://byvivianvarasdi.etsy.com