There’s no way that you haven’t noticed the header art here on the Hassle site, those geometric grays, whites, and blacks that have been burning into your eyes ever since we launched Hassle V3. The headers are the work of Anastasia Platoff, and since we’ve all been looking at her art for some time now, we thought it prudent to check in with the artist and ask her a few questions . . .
Where are you from and where are you currently doing your thing?
I’m from Rochester, NY and I currently reside in Rochester, NY. I’m in a weird, but highly prolific, phase of life.
Were you aware of the Boston Hassle before we stepped to?
Yes indeed. I became acquainted with the Hassle about a year ago when Joel Fagerberg, a special guy in my life and one of your music writers, clued me in on the awesome and vital work you all do. Been keeping up with it ever since.
What do you think of it? Boston, I mean.
Boston’s sick. You guys got the goods. I’m looking to go to grad school in the area. Psychology is my main academic pursuit, but visual art is the perennial channel for my creative impulse. I’m excited about the possibility of living in an environment where both domains—mental health and the arts—exist with such dynamism and esteem.
What medium, project, or exercise has been keeping you busy this winter?
I’ve been drawing every day this winter, engaging in ongoing explorations of line, geometry, and minimalism. I’ve also been experimenting with collage, abstract embroidery, hand-carved rubber stamps, and a few miscellaneous projects . . . one involves pistachios, another involves nail polish.
Do you find it difficult to be creative and active when your region’s climate is prohibitive of so many inspirational activities, and for so long?
Rochester is known for its shitty weather, so I’ve become pretty inured to massive snowfall. I know everyone in Boston and greater New England has been forced to adapt to preposterous quantities of snow this winter, and I think the impositions of this climate can be dispiriting and frustrating for those who strive to keep creative operations in motion in their communities. Since I live near the woods and typically work in isolation, I find that the solitude of winter can lend itself to immersion in the creative process.
What projects or upcoming events do you have in the oven?
I have some art buns in the oven, but no upcoming events to speak of at present!
And the first thing you’re going to do when the temperature breaks 60, even 50 degrees?
Put on my bike shorts, get a milkshake, dance to Tonetta.
Website: anastasiaplatoff.weebly.com
Instagram: aaanastasia
Email: [email protected]
