Today we’d like to introduce you to Anastasiya Bachmanova.
Hi Anastasiya, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Art and nature have been passions of mine since I was a child. Both outlets gave me a place to be myself, and my outings in nature flowed directly into my creative expression. I was born in Russia, and when I was five, my family immigrated to America. When I was 18, I chose to come to California for college, drawn by my enchantment with the coastal environment. I fell in love with the area and have called Monterey Bay home for almost two decades. In college, I pursued my passions for art and environmental science, originally thinking I would work as a science illustrator. However, after graduating, I leaned more toward the art side, starting my business, “Follow the Sun Art,” while working as an ocean kayak guide. As my business grew, I gradually transitioned to doing my art full-time. Having my daughter in 2017 and needing to be home to care for her gave me an extra push to make my unconventional career choice work. My art has taken me on so many fun adventures and offered immense freedom. Today, I spend my days creating coastal-inspired paintings, live painting for special occasions, and displaying at art events in the area.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think running any business is like being on a roller coaster, full of ups and downs. Mine is no exception. The most difficult thing has been experiencing financial pressures and overcoming mindset barriers. The “starving artist” mentality is so deeply ingrained in our culture that I think it’s hard for many creatives to find confidence in setting a fair value for their work. I’m always working on my mindset and leveling up my business so I can live comfortably, raise my daughter, and continue creating art that brings so much joy to the community. There were definitely moments I’ve wanted to throw in the towel along the way, but by some magic, there would always be some sign or gift from the universe that would bring me back on track. 12 years in, though, things are much easier than they were at the beginning.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My specialty is painting the ocean and natural world in a style rooted in realism, incorporating contemporary elements such as brilliant colors and playful brushstrokes. I strive to bring the feeling of being in nature into my audience’s everyday lives, inspiring joy while coaxing their own memories, experiences, and imagination to the surface. In my collection, you’ll find coastal landscapes, waves, and animals, but what I find most fulfilling is hearing how my art makes people feel – peaceful and happy – and connecting with people over a love for art and nature.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Is it luck, or is it belief? I’ve followed the law of attraction and manifestation philosophies for a long time, and I believe that our thoughts become our reality. I’ve always been a chronic optimist, and even though I’ve had situations that could be interpreted as “bad luck,” I always find the positive and turn them into something good. I’ve maintained positive beliefs about my life and business, and that has brought me good fortune. But I suppose it is good luck that I was born into a life that allows me the privileges of pursuing the kind of life I have.
Pricing:
- My art is available at price points to fit any budget.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.followthesunart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followthesunart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followthesunart
