Meet Abigail Vettese | Creative Alchemist

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

Hi Abigail, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
To this day my family teases me for my infamous childhood tagline, “you gotta take risks!” In myriad ways, my life is a tapestry of calculated risks. From dropping out of college to pursue fire performing, to moving cross country and paying rent by selling drawings, to living in a car for two months while hiking through national parks, the path I’ve chosen hasn’t been conventional. It has been absolutely exciting.

Risk yields creativity and anytime we choose to indulge in our “what-ifs”, an opportunity for innovation presents itself. I’ve always had big ideas, and I’ve been determined to serve as a conduit through which they can become tangible. In a society that profits off of one’s self-doubt, it is risky to believe in your personal power and chase that which makes your heart feel most full. The work I’ve created is often catalysed by my desire to understand myself and the world around me. I believe that risk is simply acting on that curiosity.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My artistic inclinations span from performance art and prop manipulation, to my work as a vocalist and guitarist, to my primary focus as an illustrator. I believe that what sets me apart from other creative folks is the level of intentionality I infuse into everything I create. My process is fueled by purpose. Each line I choose to draw, every lyric I articulate, comes from thoughtfulness. My creative work is healing, it is the channel through which I can transmute the challenges and discomfort I have faced in my life. It is the culmination of the most authentic and intimate parts of my soul. Authenticity makes my work my own unique contribution on this journey.

Each of my creative pursuits informs one another. I see these modalities of expression as opportunities to dive into my truest being, and there lies a common thread. I got to where I am now by following the syncronicities and by naming my desires for this life – by choosing not to shy away from my skills and the vision I have for my time on this Earth. I want a life rich with growth and enthusiasm, creativity and chaos. I relish in the vastness of the human experience. That does not come without challenges and trials! It certainly has not been easy, it hasn’t been a smooth path, but in suffering lies the capacity to grow. Through each difficulty I’ve faced, whether it be imposter syndrome, financial concerns, doubt from those around me, emotional walls, unbearable loss – I always return to the honest knowing that life is not meant to be easy and pleasant along every step. It is intended to destroy us, so that we learn to rebuild ourselves. We continue this process over and over, exploring every layer of beauty and pain that resides within our inner kingdoms. There is an art to building resiliency.

I want the world to know that I would be nowhere if it weren’t for a willingness to be vulnerable. In our darkest moments, our heaviest challenges, and deepest sorrow, we can tap into the radiant gem of our authentic existence. We get to choose. I choose to alchemize the things that once destroyed me into something empowering.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My musical collaborator, Kris Leigh (@delvmusic) deserves a shout-out! She has offered me various opportunities to exercise my creativity as a vocalist and has offered invaluable insights as both a producer and dear friend on my journey. I am honored and grateful for her presence – she is a source of creative accountability and an inspiring, supportive creator and stellar human being.

Website: Abigailvetteseart.com

Instagram: @theshapeofsanctum

Other: Spotify: The Shape of Sanctum
Apparel: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-shape-of-sanctum/