Daily Inspiration: Meet Anastasia Shubina

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anastasia Shubina.

Hi Anastasia, 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?
I am an artist born in Ukraine. Ten years ago, I made the courageous decision to move to the United States.

As a child, I had a passion for painting, but life’s demands took me away from what I loved the most. School, college, university, finding a job, and building a career—all the while, the idea that artists don’t make money was constantly reiterated to me. As we grow older, we often forget the things that brought us the most joy as children. That’s why I always encourage people to reconnect with their younger selves and seek out their true passions. By delving deep within, we can find the answers we seek.

In 2021, a tragic event struck my family, leaving me lost and unsure of how to continue living. It was then that I returned to my artistic roots, reigniting my love for abstract art. It was a turning point, the moment when magic began to unfold. Every day, I devoted myself to painting, creating and bringing my visions to life.

Today, I am fortunate to participate in various prestigious art shows across the United States. I recently signed a contract with a prominent gallery in Soho, Manhattan, New York, where my work will be exhibited. I’ve had the opportunity to showcase my art at events like Art Basel, the New York Art Expo. Moreover, I have sold my paintings at fundraisers to help raise money for Ukraine, my homeland. The ongoing conflict in my country, with Russia inflicting pain and suffering on my people every day, is a deeply personal issue for me. I have dedicated several paintings to the devastated lands and lakes of Ukraine.

However, my desire to grow, evolve, and expand has led me to explore new avenues. That’s how I ventured into the world of fashion and started my own clothing line. I design unique handmade shag jackets, a family business now shared with my mother, who hand-knits the jackets in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. In March, we released our first collection, and we are currently working on our second one, named “Poison Drop.” We intentionally offer each jacket in limited quantities to ensure that every customer can stand out from the crowd. While some may believe that these jackets are only suitable for festivals, that couldn’t be further from the truth. I wear them while running errands, hiking, and embracing the outdoors—they are incredibly warm and cozy! We also provide long versions for both women and men, and we gladly offer custom designs to cater to individual preferences.

My journey has been filled with challenges, but it has also been marked by growth and determination. As an artist and entrepreneur, I aspire to make a difference, not only through my artwork but also through my unique fashion creations. I hope that my story inspires others to rediscover their passions, pursue their dreams, and stand out as individuals in a world that often encourages conformity.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey hasn’t been easy, and it continues to challenge me every day. Each morning, I wake up and make decisions, some good and some not so good. That’s just how we’re wired as human beings. We’re all learning and growing on this planet, constantly striving for success.

Success, in my opinion, is a combination of talent and hard work. Having talent alone is not enough if you don’t take action and make moves. Unfortunately, it won’t take you very far. As for me, my passion lies in creation. I’m filled with a million creative ideas, but when it comes to marketing and social media content, my mind gets overwhelmed. This is the toughest part for me in the business world.

That’s why I’ve been considering hiring an assistant, hopefully in the early part of next year. I believe finding someone with a different mindset than mine would be a win-win situation. They could complement my weaknesses and help me overcome the challenges I face in marketing and content creation. It’s all about finding the right balance and building a team that supports and uplifts each other.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My artistic journey revolves around the creation of captivating and thought-provoking works of art. Abstract art holds a special place in my heart, as I am fascinated by the emotional impact that colors can have on the human soul and psyche.

For me, inspiration is drawn from the very essence of life itself. I delve deep into my internal world, tapping into my feelings and forging emotional connections with others. Through my art, I strive to evoke sensitivity, healing, and a profound stimulation of the senses. I firmly believe that the act of creating beauty is a powerful tool that can help individuals connect with their inner selves and discover hope, even in the darkest of times.

When it comes to my artistic process, I am captivated by the large-scale art. I allow the motions of my body to guide the composition, infusing my work with an organic and fluid energy. It’s almost like a visualization game to me, where I explore the potential of colors to evoke different emotions and sensations. To add depth and texture to my pieces, I employ mark-making techniques using oil pastels. Mixed media is my preferred medium, as it allows me to combine acrylic, oil sticks, and soft pastels to bring my artistic visions to life.

In my eyes, being an artist is like being a magician. I create illusions that transport viewers to another world, inviting them to explore the realms of their imagination. Each brushstroke and every creation I make carries with it a deep desire to inspire fellow artists and to share my love and creativity with the world.

Art has been my guiding light, illuminating the path through the ups and downs of life. It allows me to navigate the complexities of my own emotions while forging connections with others who resonate with my work. Through my art, I strive to infuse the world with a touch of magic, offering a glimpse into the profound depths of the human experience.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
That’s a great question! I don’t really post my a lot of my life on social media, I like to keep things private but it’s always fun to learn surprising facts about someone.

1. I’ve been a gymnast for a long time and I actually got to work in a circus, just like I always dreamed as a kid.
2. How heavy canvases are!
3. I absolutely love french fries! They are one of my all-time favorite foods.
4. I share my home with two adorable cats.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ashuarts.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/___ashuart/ https://www.instagram.com/ashu.cult/