Meet Vanessa Ilnitsky | Fine Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vanessa Ilnitsky and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vanessa, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in Wasilla, Alaska surrounded by miles of woods and mountains that surrounded the entire matsu valley. The rugged beauty of the outdoors inspired a wonder inside of me from a young age- an appreciation for detail and nature and the warmth of the sunlight, which weaves itself into my work. I was also raised in a wonderful Christian household and my faith is my biggest inspiration to everything I do. Even as a little girl, I remember walking through the woods and climbing trees and talking to Jesus as I went. I am so thankful to know Him, and to have been raised in such freedom and to be able to worship Him through my work!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I strive to celebrate traditional values, hope, joy, family and life in all of my work. I try my best to weave my beliefs and heart into every picture I create. I love capturing tenderness and emotion which is why I’m so captivated by mothers and babies. I decided to take the plunge and start my business last year and it has been so blessed! My only way of exposure is through Instagram but it has been great! I have received lots of business just through it! It was much simpler than I imagined. I have learned to be more consistent with painting and most of all- to paint what I actually want to paint, not what I think people will buy. I want Christ to be glorified through my artwork and I desire all my work to point people to Him.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I moved to Iowa from 20 years in Alaska so my references would be much different than if I was still in AK! I would probably take them to the Indianola Hot Air Balloon festival. We have hundreds of balloons take off and its a sight to behold! Also the county fair is a lot of fun!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe so much to my parents, Ivan and Elena Ilnitsky, for leading me to Christ. I owe so much to Catherine Whaley, director of Firedance Preparatory Academy in Alaska, the school I went to and worked at. I also want to give a shoutout to GCMS ( Great Commission Missionary School in Portland, OR) I attended a semester and it was life changing!