Artist Interview: Vanessa Santuccione
Vanessa Santuccione is a visual artist and poet whose work explores self-discovery, spirituality, and personal transformation. Through digital collages and abstract paintings, she weaves together images, textures, and words to convey deep, introspective emotions. Based in Spain, Vanessa began her journey as a professional artist in 2018 with abstract painting and has been writing poetry since childhood. In 2025, she discovered digital collages — a medium that allowed her to merge her visual art and poetry into a holistic form of self-expression.
The shift to digital art came after a period of creative stagnation, where the physical limitations of painting — from storage to sales — left her searching for a new path. Exploring digital tools offered her what she describes as an “infinite” capacity for creation, along with the ability to share her work instantly with audiences worldwide.
Vanessa draws inspiration from life itself. Her creations reflect memories, feelings, observations, and aspirations, often with a cosmic twist. Fascinated by galaxies and the vastness of the universe, her art speaks to the magic beyond material reality. Love, both intense and serene, also serves as a profound muse for her poetry and visual works. Through every collage and painting, Vanessa invites viewers to reflect, dream, and embrace transformation.
We asked Vanessa about her art, creative process, and inspirations.
Can you tell us about your background as a digital collage artist? How did you get started in this field?
I have been an professional artist since 2018, when I discovered abstract art, and I’ve been writing poems since I was a child. The truth is, I began creating digital collages at the start of this year, 2025.
I began studying digital art last autumn, after feeling creatively blocked during the summer by the challenges of maintaining physical art—painting so much more than I could sell or store.
So, I found myself not knowing what to do. That’s when digital art entered my life. The almost “infinite” capacity for creation, since it doesn’t occupy physical space, fascinates me about digital art. Not to mention, of course, the ease with which I can deliver my work anywhere in the world in an instant.
I began with digital art, focusing on abstract painting and creating galaxies. Then, I took a Photoshop and Illustrator course, which was an important step toward my next course: digital collages.
From the very first moment, I learned and began putting it into practice because I fell deeply in love with this art form. It’s a way to merge visuals with my poetry. I feel it’s a complete art form that allows me to express myself holistically.
What inspires your collages? Are there any particular themes or subjects that you enjoy exploring through your art?
I always like to draw inspiration from life. I live first, create later. I write, paint, and create from my memories, feelings, observations, and aspirations. I am especially passionate about the theme of galaxies because it reminds me that we are part of something much greater and more magical than this material reality. I always like to give a holistic touch to my work, expressing my beliefs through my human perspective.
In addition, I am very blessed with an intense yet serene love, which provides me with plenty of real-life inspiration for my poetry and creations.
You beautifully combine poetry and visual art – do you start with words or images?
I usually start with text, with my poetry. This first capsule collection, called ‘Inner Journeys,’ was entirely created from five poems. Each one inspired me to write a concept based on the ideas within the poem. Only then did I look for visual references and search for the images I would use.
Can you tell us about some of your favorite pieces or a past or upcoming project? What makes them special to you?
As a creator, I always hope to love all my works equally. But that’s not true. I do have a recent favorite: the collage called ‘Eternity,’ visually represented by a woman with planet Earth.
‘Eternity’ represents my belief that we are eternal beings, living different lives across various planets—experiencing the divine in every moment. It reminds me that trusting life's journey and embracing small, monumental changes is essential. Every day, I let go of what no longer serves me, drawing closer to my true essence.
Its purpose was to remind me that it’s safe to trust life’s journey. That I create monumental changes through the small steps I take each day. That I am an eternal being and, therefore, there’s no need to rush—only an urgency to truly live.
The inspiring poem was this:
“I have traversed so many worlds by now, played roles of various characters, met countless extras, tasted different flavors, and now that I am peeling the onion, removing the layers that no longer serve me, finally getting closer to my essence, which I hope, will soon emerge.”
You’ve lived in both Brazil and Spain — how did that transition shape the way you blend cultural narratives in your work?
In addition to poetry, this collection was also inspired by a period of transition. Two journeys stand out: the move from Brazil to Spain and the journey inward, symbolizing the self-discovery I went through over the past year.
The cultural shock was very important for my work. I observe that here in Spain, the focus is on living, on truly living well. Enjoying the day, maintaining an important circle of friends, going out, exploring the city, and consuming art, culture, and tradition. Respecting the past, but modernizing for the future. It’s a culture that seems very beautiful to me, and one I’ve begun to incorporate into my creations.
In Brazil, we also have a rich and marvelous culture that inspires me deeply—one of warmth, love, and kindness. We have so many unique and special traditions that have undoubtedly enriched my awareness.
In this way, today I see that my work is the sum of the best I’ve lived and what I live today, including the cultures of both countries that hold my heart.
What is a fun fact about you?
I secretly manifest designing an album cover for Sia. I'm a huge fan of her music and poetic lyrics, and her songs deeply inspire me. In fact, I’m working on a collage inspired by ‘Unstoppable’—one of the songs that moves me the most. I love listening to it while I work; it makes me feel like a stronger, more empowered woman, just like her.
