With bold colors, fluid shapes, and natural elements, Viscaya Wagner‘s artwork feels and looks like the ease and brightness of summertime. And this summer, as new Common members move into our latest home, Common Classon, we’re excited for them to connect with Viscaya’s work through our Local Art in Action program. Two of Viscaya’s prints, Catching the Sun and Coming Home, are featured in the space, which offers both coliving and traditional apartments.Viscaya was born in Vermont and grew up in a family of creatives, but moved to New York City to experience the city’s unique energy. Keep reading to learn more about Viscaya, and how you can win one of her prints for your own space!
Get to know Viscaya Wagner
First things first, introduce yourself!
My name is Viscaya Wagner – I’m a designer, illustrator, and maker based in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. I grew up in Vermont, coming from a family of artists, designers, and creatives. But I left the mountains to experience something quite the opposite here in NYC.
Your work lives under the name “Honey & Rust” — can you tell us more about where that name comes from?
The name is born out of my upbringing; both of my parents have greatly influenced how my style has evolved, but they have very different aesthetics. My mom, who makes everything she touches beautiful, is intuitive, feminine, and organic. Whereas my dad, who is an architect and sculptor, works in more of a modern, minimalist aesthetic rooted in material and form. I really struggled with finding an identity in my work, and Honey & Rust was a way for me to marry the differences and embrace that I’m a bit of both.
How has living in New York City affected or inspired your work or process?
I think like most people I have a very tumultuous relationship with New York. I have never been more scared, or more driven by the energy that exists here. You’re surrounded by so many interesting and talented people all the time, and I’ve found a lot of motivation in wanting to be a part of it – in having a voice and putting something into the world. That being said, it creates a lot of self-doubt; it’s really hard not to compare your own experience to everyone else’s.
Can you tell us more about the prints featured at Common Classon, Catch the Sun and Coming Home?
It’s funny, both these pieces were created when I was traveling, or about to travel! I made Catch the Sun right before I went to Puerto Rico on a little trip with my family. And I drew Coming Home while sitting on the floor of the Tel Aviv airport in Israel, waiting for my flight home. I had just finished a work trip and had an incredible experience, but there was something in me so ready to come home and that piece was the result of that feeling.
The one place every New Yorker needs to visit is:
Prince Street Pizza! And the MET.
What’s your favorite piece of art in your own apartment? Can you tell us the story behind it, if there is one?
Oh boy, I have a hard time picking just one piece. One of my favorite things about my apartment is looking around and seeing that so much of the work has been created by my family and friends. But I will say that I have a collage by Elliot Stokes that is so perfect to me, it makes me happy every time I see it over my desk.
What piece of advice would you give to someone moving to New York City, or just a new city?
Give it time. It took me at least a year to feel like I had created any sort of life here. And do as much exploring as possible. When my boyfriend and I were broke we used to pick a different neighborhood every weekend and just walk around searching for the best Italian sub.
What’s your favorite place?
My favorite place in New York might be Sunny’s, this awesome dive bar in Red Hook that has the most incredible live music… it feels like you’ve been transported back in time. A group of friends, some cheap beers, and that music can’t be beat. But I also have to say my little home in Greenpoint 🙂 It’s the only space in this big city I can make my own (with my bf).
Win a print!
Click on our Instagram post to enter to win one of Viscaya’s prints for your own home! Terms and conditions below.