Finding Artistic Inspiration Within Dreams: Interview with Valerie Van Aalst

Valerie Van Aalst is a full-time artist who draws inspiration from her childhood in Puerto Rico as well as her lucid dreams. Deja Vu reporter Nell Corley asked her a few questions about her profession.

1. Have you always wanted to be an artist? What drew you to art in the first place?

Growing up I was always told by my parents and teachers that I had a good eye for color combinations, I guess my color selections created harmony for the eye, I really enjoyed painting and imaging new crazy scenarios, and I liked telling stories through my art! So I guess you could say that I have always been interested in art and I decided to pursue it all in when I was in high school!

2. You say that your lucid dreams and childhood in Puerto Rico have inspired your work. Is there anything else that has shaped your style? 

Mostly its been those two aspects that have shaped my art style and inspire me daily, but aside from that I also take great inspiration in putting spiritual meaning into some of my paintings giving the spectator something to analyze and feel. 

3. How has the pandemic changed the way you work? Has isolation made you more creative?

Oh, big time!! I have had so much time to create and evolve as an artist! It even gave the time to open my online shop, so I'm pretty happy about that! (note: you can find her online shop here: https://www.vanaalstdesigns.com/collections)

4. You mention on your website that you would like to write a storybook about your adventures in your lucid dreams. Are there any other goals you have for your art? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

As an artist I see myself learning every day, I would also love to get into the world of animation! There are so many stories I would love to tell, and I believe that animation would be the way to go in order to bring some of my characters to life! In ten years I see myself having art expositions all over the world, creating movies, writing books, and traveling! 

5. How do you want people to perceive your art? Is there a theme or message that you feel connects each piece? 

In each series there is definitely a theme and sometimes even a character (like Sir Skel) but art is meant to be perceived by the spectator and everyone will find there own message that speaks to them as an individual, my goal for each piece is that makes you feel something and as an artist that is all I will ever want!

6. You have a character who appears in a lot of your pieces - Sir Skel. Are there any other figures who have appeared in your dreams or you have thought of that you're interested in making art about? Why is Sir Skel special to you?

I have had dreams with characters before but Sir Skel and his trusted companion (a black cat) are the only ones that have appeared consistently. Sir Skel is special to me because in my adventures with him (and the Skel people) I was taught much about the meaning of life, it was almost like having a guardian angel, I know that must sound weird, a skeleton man as a guardian angel but it was never scary to me and they're world was beautiful! Everyone has a coping mechanism in life, and I guess Sir Skel is mine. 

7. What mediums are your favorite/least favorite? Are there any mediums you want to explore but haven't yet? 

Right now the two mediums I use the most are water color paints and acrylics. I honestly love all mediums and I would really like to start exploring more with oil paints and digital art!

Follow Valerie on Instagram @vanaalstdesignss and support her online shop at https://www.vanaalstdesigns.com/collections