Meet Nastassja Swift | Multi-Disciplinary Artist

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

Hi Nastassja, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
One of the most important decisions I’ve made has been to accept that I don’t have to do or figure everything out on my own. Embracing community and the organic ways in we which we can support, assist and uplift one another. Too often artists struggle because we simply aren’t aware of how something is done, the appropriate point of contact or the varying approaches that we can take in any particular situation. I’ve learned to lean on those around me, but reciprocity is key here. The point isn’t to take advantage of the people or the skill sets around me, but to establish relationships where an intentional exchange can exist. Learning that, and truly embracing it has been a game changer.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m an artist, and have been my entire life, even before I thought it was possible to work as an artist. There has only been one time in my life where I questioned whether this was something I should or could continue doing, and that 18 year old girl would be so proud of the chance she took on herself. Since I was a little girl, I’ve been drawn to the figure, and the features of one’s face. Drawing my mother in the kitchen while she cooked, or attempting to sell pencil drawings of portraits of my friends in the 3rd grade . It’s no surprise to me that my work now, whether fragmented or in full, takes shape as the human figure.

I’m a multi-disciplinary artist, exploring these forms through fiber, sculpture, performance and film. I’m interested in stories rooted in Black history, culture and memory, and finding thoughtful ways to introduce those elements through these felted objectsI create. I often consider myself to be a sponge, because when I’m in the process of creating or planning to do so, I’m pulling from so many places. Any particular word, color, shape, space or sound can trigger a new thought or answer a question that I had for myself. It honestly feels magical when it happens. Like the universe knew I needed to be in that space at that particular time to witness whatever’s happening, so I can add the next. puzzle piece to the work.

I like to think that my work is in community and conversation with some pretty phenomenal women artists and influences – Ambrose Rhapsody Murray, Vanessa German, Lanecia Rouse, Mahari Chabwera, Sonya Clark, Joyce J. Scott, Tau Lewis, Murjoni Merriweather, Kara Walker and Simone Leigh to name a few.

I’m currently very, very excited for a new body of work on a topic that I’ve spent a few months researching. The project, titled “Hooded Figures: A History of Fashion and Power” explores hoods, in varying designs and structures, across centuries, cultures and subjects. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed digging through archived images of every kind of hood or head covering I can find, while highlighting the language around the person wearing said garment. In response to the research, I’ll be creating six slightly larger than life size figures wearing excessively ornamented hooded garments. The faces will be felted with wool, though the garments themselves are going to be made from unconventional and found materials, that become a part of the conversation and historical context that each figure is referencing. Those materials include grocery store garbage bags, scrap roofing shingles, hair bonnets, rope and tiki torches, hair beads and barrettes and naturally dyed paper. This is most definitely my museum show body of work!

I love what I do, and I appreciate getting to share it with others. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that I will never make art to please others. Am I interested in the work reaching those that can learn, understand or be affected by it? Of course, but I’m making the work that I want to make, and that fuels something in me first. The rest will come. To quote one of the greates “only make moves when your heart’s in it” – Biggie.

My heart is always at the forefront of what I make, and how I choose to make it. My art is proof of that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If there’s one thing I love to do more than creating, is hosting! Call it my southern hospitality, but I genuinely enjoy making people feel at home, and taking them to all my favorite spots in the area. I’m a Petersburg resident, though most of where I frequent is in the city of Richmond.

Let’s say you’re arriving on a Friday evening, and I start the visit off with a home cooked meal. Whether the dish includes meat, or is vegan/dietary restriction friendly, I got you. Of course we’ll finish with my homemade chocolate chip cookies, unless you catch me during apple season, in which case you might be surprised with an apple pie (yes I make my own crust :)) There’s a really cool art space in the neighborhood, Haus on Market, that often has exhibitions and live music and events, so we’d probably venture over there afterwards, especially if it’s the second Friday of the month.

If it’s nice out, we could spend late Saturday afternoon visiting some of the antique shops before heading up to Richmond, and hang out a Scuffletown Park, grab some flowers from Strawberry Fields Flowers and Finds, and if we’re lucky, shoot over to Ruby Scoops Ice Cream and Sweets for their ube cookies and cream ice cream (fingers crossed they didn’t sell out for the day). Although we’d be tired, we would have to have dinner at My Noodle and Bar, the best thai spot in the city, and drink just enough to have the courage for karaoke at 10:30. You down for wasabi shots?

On Sunday, sleeping in is a must, followed by brunch at my favorite breakfast spot in Richmond, Perly’s. The Jewish eggrolls are a must try, and you’ll probably want two orders. (If it isn’t already obvious, all my go-to spots are food centered!)

The rest of the week would be a little more relaxed, because lets be honest – you’re on vacation, I’m not (haha).

Tuesday night would involve trivia at Bingo Beer – I’m not the best at trivia, but I’m a phenomenal cheerleader for our team, eloquently named “Hot Sluts”. Whether you know the answers or not, it’s a pretty good time for a weeknight.

Wednesday – Friday we’d make time to hit up Jamaica House, where literally everything on the menu hits. A visit to the VMFA or check out an artist performance/ lecture at the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU. Lunch at Garnettes- they have my favorite sandwich in the city called “The Point Guard”. And drinks! The spiked soft serve sherbet at Barrio Taqueria + Tequila, Fanboy for drinks and yummy after hour snacks off their late night menu, or cocktails and oysters at East Coast Provisions.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My momma! All jokes aside, my mom is one of the most supportive people in my life and has always made sure I could participate in any opportunity regarding art that presented itself. We’ve driven hours to portfolio review days and auditions, and she was often more excited than I was to haul all my art into the room. As an adult and professional artist, she attends almost every opening, and loves to brag about which pieces she’s helped create ( I taught her how to needle felt, so she can live out her dreams of being a studio assistant). Both of my parents are probably my biggest fans, and I think so much of my confidence in myself and what I create stems from the unwavering support that I’ve received since grade school.

Website: www.nastassjaswift.com

Instagram: @nastassjaebony

Other: www.dfordolls.com @dfordolls

Image Credits
David Hunter Hale Amber N. Ford