Meet Alla Baksanskaya | Artist

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

Hi Alla, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have had a passion for creating and expressing the beauty of the world around me for as long as I can remember. Everything began in my childhood on the romantic shores of the Caspian Sea, in Baku, where I was born with a pencil in my hand, collecting tiny shells from the local beaches to create my first shell necklaces. I immersed myself in my own imaginative and fantastical world, brimming with creativity, where I experimented with various natural materials such as dried plants, small beach pebbles, vibrant pencils, and paper.

As I was growing up, I came to understand that art could be seen as merely a hobby in the real world. Despite my 11 years of studying music, which was another passion of mine, I pursued a career in medicine. I successfully completed medical school, earning a doctorate degree in pediatrics, and began my professional journey as a pediatric doctor in an emergency hospital. I believed that a serious profession would provide the necessary support for a livelihood.

During that same period, my artistic hobbies remained unforgettable and provided a much-needed respite from the stresses of everyday life, bringing satisfaction and harmony into my complex world.
It was in 1994, when my family relocated to New York, that my perspective on artistic pursuits and new possibilities underwent a transformative shift. As I faced the challenge of leaving behind my medical career and preparing for demanding exams, making a decision about my future professional path proved to be an immensely difficult task.
However, amidst the beauty of the ocean shore and its mesmerizing marine life, alongside the enthusiasm of my two young children who joined me in collecting shells, and the unwavering support of my husband, a bright and promising direction emerged—seashell mosaics for kids. This marked just the beginning of my artistic journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My medical education has provided me with a deeper understanding of the therapeutic effects of organizing art classes for both children and adults. Through these classes, I have witnessed the development of motor functions, stress reduction, and the fostering of positive emotions across different age groups. Organizing art classes and writing an instructional book titled “Young Picasso seashell mosaics” featuring 18 seashell mosaics for kids has helped me nurture my own artistic passion and find fulfillment as an artist.

Among my favorite mediums are mixed media seashell mosaics, acrylic paintings, seashell sculptures, and Sailor Valentines.
The year 2009 holds immense significance in my artistic journey. It marked my membership in the respectful Jewish Art and Craft Guild in NY, granting me the opportunity to participate in over 50 annual shows and exhibitions across various parts of New York.

During the same year, my husband introduced me to the breathtaking seashell paradise of Sanibel Island in Florida.
It was in 2009 that I first participated in the prestigious shell show, showcasing my work in several professional artistic categories and receiving numerous awards. This experience was a tremendous success, and I was elated to participate in professional categories, as it allowed me to sell several of my decorative shell mosaics, a step beyond merely pursuing art as a hobby.

Since 2009, I have been an annual participant in many seashell shows in Philadelphia, PA, and Stone Harbor, New Jersey.

That same year, I also had the opportunity to hold a solo exhibition at the prestigious Jacob Javits Convention Center Art Show, where I achieved great success in selling my seashell mixed media mosaics. Additionally, I began selling my mosaics and acrylic paintings on platforms such as eBay and Etsy.
In 2015, my husband and I jointly opened Art Fun Studio in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY, which provided another turning point and artistic opportunity for me to fulfill my role as an art teacher for students of various age groups.
We have organized numerous school painting trips, sip-and-paint events, birthday painting and decorative mosaic celebrations, bachelorette and bridal showers, graduation painting events, summer camp creative classes, and private painting classes.

I am proud to share that some of my younger students were recognized and awarded in prestigious Sanibel Shell shows in the artistic shell mosaic categories in 2016 and 2017.

Amidst the pandemic in 2020, we successfully adapted by developing virtual painting and mosaic corporate events conducted over Zoom, reaching participants across the country and even in various parts of Europe and Australia. We continue to organize both in-person and virtual painting and mosaic events via Zoom.

As a self-taught artist, I embrace challenges and fearlessly navigate difficulties along my artistic journey, knowing that I have the unwavering support of my family. Despite the busy schedule of teaching at Art Fun Studio, I find joy in working with seashells. Each shell, even its fragments, holds a unique story as a natural material.
In the words of one of my youngest students, a three-year-old, “Let’s start to play!”
I am always open to experimentation and delighted to share my personal creative experiences with others.

Any places 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?
New York City serves as an infinite wellspring of artistic inspiration for me. It offers something truly special for every visitor. Personally, I derive great joy from creating numerous sketches and capturing captivating scenes during leisurely walks in my Bay Ridge, Brooklyn neighborhood. Additionally, I frequently venture to the nearby shores of Plumb Beach or Far Rockaway Beach on weekends, where I find further inspiration.
A visit to the renowned 42nd Street, which was once only a dream, fills me with happiness. I take pleasure in exploring the numerous art exhibitions and galleries scattered throughout Manhattan, as they provide me with an abundance of inspiration for my own shell mosaics and fresh ideas for my art classes with students.
During the summer months, I particularly relish spending time outdoors. I find solace in exploring the Botanical Gardens, embarking on breathtaking ferry rides, and savoring precious hours at Brooklyn Park, all while being treated to the enchanting view of Manhattan, especially during sunset.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have had the privilege of meeting a few individuals who have been truly inspirational and influential in shaping my artistic development. Allow me to share the story of one exceptional person who has consistently supported and shown unwavering attention to my art over the years: Jane Santini, a talented shell artist, and an extraordinary teacher. During the time when my children were young and I couldn’t personally participate in the Sanibel Shell Show, Jane would frequently travel all the way from New Jersey to Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, to collect my shell mosaics and personally deliver them to the show. Her dedication and support have been invaluable.

Another significant figure in nurturing and encouraging my artistic talents is Ann Joffe, a talented artist, and businesswoman who has resided in Sanibel for many years and shares a deep passion for seashells. Despite her busy schedule, she always finds time to assist me in participating in the annual seashell show, ensuring that my dreams become a reality.
I must also pay homage to two legendary individuals, esteemed shell artists Bill Jordan and Judy Dinnick. They hold a special place in my artistic career. Their unique talents and techniques in creating shell masterpieces were truly awe-inspiring, and they graciously shared their knowledge with younger artists. Although they have since passed away, their legacy will never be forgotten.

Website: https://www.artfunstudio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artfunstudio/

Other: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/allaexpression