Volta Voloshin-Smith

Artist Statement:

I grew up in post-Soviet Moldova, a time when the world around me was anything but colorful. The environment felt muted, both in landscape and in spirit. Yet, amidst this, my summers spent helping my grandmother in her garden sparked an appreciation for the beauty of food—the vibrancy hidden beneath the surface. This experience taught me to find joy in the simple act of planting, nurturing, and harvesting, and it planted the seed for the art I create today.

Moving to America expanded my world in unimaginable ways. Suddenly, I was surrounded by food from countless cultures, each rich in flavor, tradition, and connection. Through my art, I paint these foods and settings with vibrant, joyful colors—because they represent the fullness of life, community, and belonging. Painting food allows me to honor shared experiences and reminds me of the beauty that exists when we come together over a meal.

Growing up in a time and place where vibrancy was scarce, I now choose to infuse my work with the colors I once longed for. As Brené Brown said, 'When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own our stories, we get to write the ending.' My story, rooted in a muted past, is now one of color, joy, and connection. By embracing my journey, I’ve reclaimed the narrative—and through my art, I offer others a glimpse of the beauty and belonging I’ve discovered along the way.

Artist Bio:

An immigrant from Moldova, Volta Voloshin-Smith celebrates food with art and animation. Volta’s fine art pieces range from evocative still lifes that capture nostalgia of meals shared with others, to playful birds on snacks that celebrate life’s simplest joys.

Author of Watercolor Snacks (2021), Watercolor 101 (2024) and the host of the Calm and Creative podcast, she frequently makes TV appearances to discuss the benefits of art for mental health. Volta also specializes in making events memorable through bespoke watercolor live painting of guests and objects.