Interview: Kasvei / @kasvei

Kasvei’s works are a mix of macabre and motley, often incorporating climbing vegetation that adds a touch of creep or dream-like quality. With her versatile style, she paints subjects from cute candy corn to skulls and bats, showcasing her prowess and curiosity in all things new. Read on to learn about the Finland-based artist.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I find inspiration from the smallest details, different colour combinations and nature. I also get inspired by music and what kind of “mood” I’m in. 

What are some of the music you're inspired by?

I choose my music based on the mood I’m in. Lately, I’ve been loving Jonathan Young, 2Cellos, Billie Eilish, and Bishop Briggs. I often listen to soundtracks from movies and games too, like Skyrim, Disney, and Godzilla.

When do you feel you’re most inspired?

I feel most inspired when I’m well-rested and my environment is tidy so I don’t feel like I have any obstacles to start painting. I think the mood I’m thinking about is straight up ‘happy’.

What mediums do you prefer to use? 

My favourite medium is watercolour and I love that I can accept mistakes and not thrive for perfection with it. There’s something about making a physical piece that makes it more important to me. It’s also very peaceful seeing colours mix with each other, playing around with opacity, and making lots of layers.

How do traditional pieces differ from digital ones?

For the longest time, I used to not keep my own art. I would sell it, delete it, or throw it away. But now I actually like keeping some of the pieces I make and would even consider framing them. I don’t feel like digital pieces share the same value, because I think there’s a strong feeling of self-acceptance when I choose to keep a traditional piece, which is very empowering to me.

How would you describe the Mossery Sketchbook to others? 

I’m in love with your sketchbook and I talk about it a lot! I think it’s an affordable, high-quality, and beautiful sketchbook that everyone should try. It also makes me feel really special when I personalise my name on it.

Tell us about your creative process—what is it like from start to finish? 

I don’t really think too much about what I’m going to draw before I start and just build it up as I go, with watercolour pieces I like to sketch with red lead to give myself more of a freedom in the sketching stage, I try and choose 2-3 main colours for the piece and then I just start and enjoy the painting progress with some coffee and music.

Do you believe in talent? Why? 

I believe everyone can create art in any shape and form, so I don’t believe in talent exactly. But I do think that some people can have a more creative mind that can help with finding one’s style. 

How do you handle criticism, and what are some of the toughest challenges you've encountered? 

I enjoy the fact that my art isn’t liked by everyone, because that would be pretty boring. I don’t strive for perfection, so there is always room for improvement — I don’t believe that there are right or wrong opinions or criticisms. I do struggle with having kind of a ‘same-face-syndrome’ though, I’m still working on that!

‘Same-face syndrome’?

I don’t consider myself any good at drawing facial expressions, so the faces I paint might look similar to each other. I also tend to use the same kind of poses because they work well for me.

What’s one of the best advice you’ve ever received in life? 

‘Remember, you’re valuable.’

In return, what advice would you give to your younger self? 

It really gets a lot better, trust me.

If you’re given only one word to describe yourself, what word would it be and why? 

‘Compassionate’, because my friends say so. :)

Tell us a secret. 

I have Aphantasia (a condition where one does not possess a functioning mind's eye and cannot voluntarily visualise imagery) so I’m not able to visualise anything, making my creative progress a bit different. 

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You can follow Kasvei’s works on Instagram, support her Etsy shop, or personalise your Mossery Sketchbook here.