Strokes of Brilliance
Being a visual artist can feel like a solitary experience, even as you’re trying to develop your craft. Artists Anastassiya Polinkina and Cori Jaye Etienne recently participated in the Professional Mentorship Program and shared their experiences!
Anastassiya Polinkina
Anastassiya Polinkina (she/her) is an artist whose paintings are a mix of surrealism, deep emotions, and courageous application of vibrant acrylic paint on canvas. She explores the forces encoded in our feelings and emotions that connect us, like joy, rebellion, euphoria, and melancholy, and translates them into her compositions. Her work is not just about colour and composition, but energy and invitation to break boundaries and experiment with the world’s vision.
Cori Jaye
Etienne
Cori Jaye Etienne (she/her) is an artist, educator, mentor and mental health advocate. Over her creative career, she has developed a unique style of vibrant surrealist and pop-art painting that conveys positive messages to the community. Leveraging her expertise in marketing, graphic design, and digital media, Ettienne uses social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube to promote the importance of following your dreams.
Mentor Cori Jaye Etienne (left) and mentee Anastassiya Polinka (right) spent their mentorship time forging new connections and exploring the business side of visual arts.
How long have you been a practicing artist?
| I have been a practicing artist for a little over two years, but my true skills and confidence emerged during the mentorship program by challenging my internal fears and insecurities. |
- Anastassiya
10+ years 🙂
- Cori Jaye
“...Nothing can be compared with the hesitancy of applying the first brush strokes and seeing the final piece all together.”
- Anastassiya, on what brings her joy
What have you been working on together?
With the help of my mentor Cori Jaye, I had an unforgettable opportunity to explore local galleries and small art boutiques and create meaningful connections with the community. I got to learn about every aspect of art, business and social media development which led me to my first gallery submission at MAWA and the successful selling of my first artwork.
- Anastassiya
We have discussed everything from creating techniques to presenting and marketing your artwork. We’ve also discussed how to create prints and how to exhibit. We have also spent a lot of time attending art shows and meeting other local artists!
- Cori Jaye
“From the moment I met Anastassiya, I knew that I wanted to do everything I could to help her in her artistic journey. She is a powerful, strong, beautiful soul whose story of overcoming adversity to assimilate solo into a new country left me feeling very inspired. ”
- Cori Jaye, on her experience as a mentor to Anastassiya
What aspect of your work brings you joy?
The process of creating my artwork and connection with the audience. Nothing can replace a meaningful connection with people and deep conversations and nothing can be compared with the hesitancy of applying the first brush strokes and seeing the final piece all together.
- Anastassiya
| I really enjoy expressing love in my work and sharing my unique view of the world with others. |
- Cori Jaye
What have been your most positive takeaways from this mentorship session? Any favourite results or moments?
Cori Jaye played a crucial role in helping me as an artist and break through the walls of self-doubt. Each one-on-one was truly inspiring and left me with the energy to move forward. I love that we share a lot of common interests and joys in life and had the opportunity to connect on different levels. I genuinely enjoyed our time together during gallery visits and shows that helped me to explore the artist’s life from the inside out.
Cori Jaye is one of the most inspiring, kind, and open-minded people I have ever met. I feel blessed since the first time we met. Aside from the professional sessions, Cori Jaye always made space to explore my style and future ideas which made me feel valued and supported. [After the mentorship ended] I did not feel sad but motivated to continue this journey. I learnt that art is not only about your skills but also the storytelling and life lessons. This mentorship didn’t change my personality but helped me to open doors that hid my true character and life goals. I found my community that shares the same passions and I won’t exchange it for anything else.
Moving forward, I have multiple commissions on the go and art projects I am excited about.
- Anastassiya
From the moment I met Anastassiya, I knew that I wanted to do everything I could to help her in her artistic journey. She is a powerful, strong, beautiful soul whose story of overcoming adversity to assimilate solo into a new country left me feeling very inspired. Together we have explored many topics from technical skills to the spiritual aspects of creations and I’m always impressed with how Anastassiya absorbs new information and dives right in, wholeheartedly applying herself to new ideas and applications. I’ve seen her work progress over these 7 months of working together and I can’t wait to continue to watch her career develop. I’m proud to be a mentor to Anastassiya and I know our creative relationship will continue to flourish as we stay connected in the future. Looking forward to continuing to attend shows together and watching her grow!
