ccbc's artist interview series with Anna Vagramova
Could you tell us briefly what you make?
I create abstract compositions with preserved multicoloured moss. I like the idea of recycling, so I use up cycled modern and antique frames for my work. 
Moss frames and installations do not require any care, light or watering.
My work could be named a "Moss Affair". It conveys the idea of being engaged with something, but you're still not sure if it will stay. I believe that the natural world is a part of our deep femininity and matriarchy that binds communities of any nationality.
My artistic moss installations and frames are an example of magic realism in art, a multicoloured, whimsical and lavish story within a story. I'm trying to create a composition where if you look at it every day, you will still find something new. One could say that in general, people are afraid of making mistakes in their lives. On the contrary, any twist or any mistake made while using moss as an element of art is still a positive experience.
What inspired you to make your pieces, or how, conceptually, did your work come to be?
I was inspired by the ability of moss art toexpress the emotions and moods. The inspirational moment for me is when I can portray and capture a feeling and then translate it into the positive vibe of optimistic realism that I can share with the viewers.
Moss, as a material, reminds me of immigrant women because we don't have roots, and moss doesn't have roots. So, we have to replant ourselves on the new soil basically.
Why do you make craft?
I make craft as it makes me happy and I can share the positivity, the happiness and the connection to the nature with anybody who is craving to connect.
I
like the possibility of creating a story within a story when creating with preserved moss. Moss art frames and moss art in general is another way for the crafter to surprise the viewer with a fresh idea and a new material.
Has your work evolved over time, if so, what has that looked like?
Yes, I do not believe in art form being the same. The evolution of the art we create is a fact and it relates to the change within us and around us.
My art evolved from the small mostly green moss art frames that were designed for the bed tables and bookshelves to the large multicoloured 4x4 pieces for the restaurants and hallways decor. I am fascinated by the possibility of creating interior designs with moss art.
Are there ideas, values, beliefs, or concepts that your work communicates? Could you tell us a bit more about that?
I believe in collaboration. You can witness how colours and shapes collaborate in my work and complement one another to the point that they become one. At the same time, I believe in the artistic collaborations with other women designers and artists. Not so long ago, I decorated the walls of the restaurant at The Meadow Gardens golf club in Pitt Meadows. It was a real artistic collaboration with the manager as their chief interior designer and another female artist who created beautiful hand painted curtains for the space. Combining three different visions we were able to achieve a harmony that is serving the common purpose of
creating a beautiful space for meetings, weddings and birthday parties. My work communicates enthusiasm and small and big stories that naturally flow into a big interconnected landscape that I can create and display for everybody to enjoy. Within each of my moss art frames every story is connected, every twist and element of the story is important, so together they create one fairy tale.
What would you say to emerging or young craft artists?
Create art and create connections, apply for the grants and personal exhibitions, do not be afraid to exhibit and create something bold and new. Believe in your art and allow everybody to admire it, do not hide it in the closet. Take part in the charity events, donate your art when you can, make it represent the good causes that you believe in. Become the members of the Craft Council BC as early as possible!
Anna Vagramova
Our intention with this series is for readers to connect with the incredible artists in our space, consider craft through the lens of an artist and encourage people in their own journey with craft. The CCBC’s Artist Interview Series is published on the 15th of each month.