From Fantasy to Fire
Hi friends,Somehow, January has already come and gone while it felt like 53 days long. This month felt like a mix of slow mornings, quiet inspiration, and bursts of creativity in the studio. I’ve been leaning into the in-between moments—letting ideas unfold, experimenting without pressure, and finding beauty in the process.
What I’ve Been Working On
Lately, I’ve been drawn to the most colorful palettes full of bold colors and splatters of energy across the canvas. It started with sources based around strong light like sunsets and fire, and it’s been evolving in ways I didn’t expect. I knew this collection would be focused on some florals and loud women(nothing new from me:)), but the pieces are coming together better than what I imagined. I’ll be sharing more soon on my instagram, but here’s a little sneak peek!
From Fantasy to Fire - Resilience
I’ve been obsessed with fantasy books as of late. Let me know if you need recommendations! They are mainly filled with female main characters that have badass qualities and are ultimately going to save the world from impending doom. Worlds filled with dragon fire, enemy armies and overbearing power from the top. That initial inspiration led me to consider naming this collection “Light it Up” — and I still might.
But this month, fire took on a much harsher reality. I was luckily out of range of the fires surrounding LA but our cars, patio and the air was filled with smoke and ash for days. Watching the fire spread to acres and acres of homes every hour was hard to watch but impossible to look away when these places are only an hour away. Watching evacuees seek shelter and supplies, unsure if they’d have homes to return to, was heartbreaking. It was an impossible few weeks of knowing I needed to keep working amongst the surreal world of loss surrounding our communities, and wanting to doom scroll the local news. Everyone has been stepping up and donating, volunteering and giving anything they can to support these people but ultimately its going to be a long while for them to be anywhere near normal again.
This collection started as a ode to strong resilient women in the face of all evil and doom, and I think it is transforming into a collection of resilience through the odds life brings upon us every day. It doesn’t need to be about this event specifically as there are disasters happening world wide, but when it hits close to home it undoubtedly has an effect on the emotions running through the paint brush.
Many have compared LA to a phoenix rising from the ashes, and I have no doubt its people will come back brighter and stronger. The city of dreamers, doers and risk takers will not be held back. If you have means to donate there are many great organizations that will bring help to those affected by the fires.
Studio Happenings & What’s Next
I’ve been working hard on the Light it Up collection, and I can’t wait to share more in February. I have full intentions of getting this collection ready with prints as well! I know they have been wanted and needed and I hear you. :) Along side painting I have been applying to galleries day in and day out so send me all of your good vibes that I hear back. My goal this year is to be represented by three galleries and I will keep trying until I find someone who believes in my work as much as I do.
Side note, if you’ve been thinking about getting a commission, now’s a great time as well—I’ll have a few openings soon!
Let’s Chat!
What’s been inspiring you this month? For many of you its the depths of winter and inspiration can be hard, but I’d love to hear the little glimmers you’ve found— let me know! Or just say hi—I always love connecting with you.
Thank you, as always, for being here. It means the world.
Xoxo, Kassondra P.S. Next month, I’ll be giving away a print of the new collection on Instagram. Stay tuned and show some love to each post! 😊
