Avocados with You

“Avocados with You” 8 x 8" round Watercolor on Watercolor Grounds on Birch Panel Volta Voloshin-Smith   Artist Statement: I grew up in post-Soviet Moldova, a time when the world around me was anything but colorful. The environment felt muted, both in landscape and in spirit. Yet, amidst this, my summers spent helping my grandmother in her garden sparked an appreciation for the beauty of food—the vibrancy hidden beneath the surface. This experience taught me to find joy in the simple act of planting, nurturing, and harvesting, and it planted the seed for the art I create today. Moving to America expanded my world in unimaginable ways. Suddenly, I was surrounded by food from countless cultures, each rich in flavor, tradition, and connection. Through my art, I paint these foods and settings with vibrant, joyful colors—because they represent the fullness of life, community, and belonging. Painting food allows me to honor shared experiences and reminds me of the beauty that exists