Volta Voloshin-Smith

I grew up in post-soviet union Moldova where I spend my youthful summers helping my grandmother in her garden. Being a part of the process from planting to harvesting left an imprint in me to appreciate the fullness of the food in front of me and all the journey it took to get here. 

Coming to America opened up my eyes and stomach to the possibilities of food from many other cultures. Exploring other cultures helps me connect with my community and I carry that inspiration with me when I paint. 

Painting food brings up a sense of belonging, of sharing a meal and sharing in each other’s triumphs and losses. It is how I tether myself to my environment; always inspired by a local chef’s recent creation and moved to the point of tears upon seeing beautiful and fresh produce. 

My art aims to uplift, to encourage, to color. I embraced watercolors as my chosen medium because of its effervescence and soothing qualities. My intention is to combine the joy of vibrant colors and the calm of watercolors for an experience of pure, unfiltered joy, the kind we all used to have back before we were told who we needed to be by society.