Today it is with Joy that I introduce to you a dear friend and stunning artist, Mo Bella Russo. We first met about six years ago, and I was instantly struck by her genuine, sweet spirit and compassionate heart. I am so thankful for the times we have shared when she and her husband Joel visit Canada; we are so proud of the work they are a part of in Chicago and around the world. Mo is such a true friend, and has blessed our family with her encouragement, generosity, and words of truth. Her art is truly one of a kind, and I am so excited to get to know more about the artist’s heart behind these beautiful pieces. You can find her on etsy, and follow her journey via her blog.
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AK: Tell us a bit about yourself!
Mo Bella Russo: I am a Chicago based artist who dabbles in many mediums; but mostly in painting original pieces for individuals, businesses, non-profits, and churches. I grew up between the West coast and Midwest, so I can see myself living in many different types of environments. I’m married to a Canadian Musician/Filmmaker, and am happy that we are able to inspire one another together.
AK:You have such a beautiful heart, what would you describe to be your greatest passions in life?
MBR: Thank you, and so do you! I would have to strongly assert that at the core of my passions with Fine Art lies my experiences with volunteering. The life-altering moments I have with volunteering around the world and within Chicago’s inner city, forever imprint my heart to maintain true joy, contentment, and overall purpose. Ultimately people are what I am passionate about, and who I want to encourage as I have been encouraged throughout my own ups/downs of life.
AK: As an Artist, what brought you to a place of realizing creating was “more than a hobby?”
MBR: I guess I never even saw the label of “hobby” vs. “real art” per say in terms of someone being an Artist or creating Art. I still don’t know that there needs to be a differentiation. It seems to me that many Hobbyists are Artists, maybe they have only been exposed to a certain type of material and certain application of that material in order to create Art. Artistry has been something that I am just wired with. I see so much more communicated to me through colours and visuals, as opposed to structures, lines, or words. What has been especially influential was growing up in a family full of artists, and being raised in a way that appreciated so many venues of the Arts. Everything your parent’s expose you to becomes beautiful.
AK: How do you stay connected and inspired within your everyday life?
MBR: This is a tough question because I don’t truly believe everyone can or should stay inspired every single day of their lives. I think this may be impossible for humans, but I understand the desire for repeating something we like over and over again. What inspires me most though is just consciously opening my eyes to life around me. Colours of every kind in Nature, live Music, reading through the Psalms, and people. I am inspired when I see a need in someone and know that my Art can expose this need. Whether it is a physical, emotional, or spiritual need; I love helping people around me in small and big ways. This is my purest inspiration.
AK: As a believer, was there a moment when your artistry and faith collided, or was it something that grew hand in hand?
MBR: The Holy Spirit is so so cool. I think when I talk to that Good and Sweet Spirit of God, that is when I am catapulted into this realm of Love and Peace which becomes my Faith life. My Faith in this Kind God has been woven in me since my conception, and I know God wove into me the eyes of an Artist as well. I mean, stand in front of the Ocean and regain a sense of how vast {is} this main Artist (God) who works each moment when a new flower buds.
AK: Is there any advice you would give to artists with a desire to create and grow in their craft, while facing the pressure of “getting a real job.”
MBR: My advice to other Artists out there who are feeling pressure from either society, parental figures, or fill in the blank, would be to remain flexible and ready for the ride ahead. You can get so creative with your work, and there are many jobs in Metropolitan cities across the world that need different types of Artists. I think you should start by dabbling in many, and find your niche. After that, go to school if you have to, otherwise start training under someone that is doing what you want to do one day. It is possible to do what you love and to make money, but you may have to sacrifice some comfort for awhile and take the risk.
AK: Some artists may work from home, school, or rent studio space. Describe your space and what works for you to keep the creative juices flowing?
MBR: My space is anywhere that I am. I can create on napkins at coffee shops, and huge canvasses on floors or grounds. I am not picky with where I feel I can create paintings. I have a studio at home that stores most of my supplies and paintings, and I honestly would rather paint in the middle of my living room floor with space for me to dance around the canvas. I like to be in the centre of what is going, however I am more creative when I work alone. I feel that I can fully meditate with God and receive full “creative juice flow”.
AK: You have a very unique yet distinct style to your work, and it seems many of your pieces are inspired by a story or personal experience. How does the creative process unfold when you pick up a paint brush?
MBR: This is such a good question! And…I can’t answer it with many direct details other than saying I become absorbed into the piece of which I am creating. I just start. I truly think the Holy Spirit is prompting me with visions and hues, and the person or place I am making it for. I love making paintings for organizations like “She Has A Name”, “Celebrate Recovery”, “Breakthrough Urban Ministries”, “Soul City Church”, “Willow-Chicago” and many other amazing organizations that can use my Art to fundraise with one of my live/commissioned paintings.
AK: While many of your pieces are inspired by personal experiences and impactful stories, you also offer custom pieces and “Live Painting” How would you describe this experience?
MBR: To do a live painting is the epitome of adrenaline and excitement for me in my work! I love doing this anywhere! My favorite is when people give me complete freedom to go wild at a canvas, with any colors and ideas I desire. This is so cool because it creates a remembrance or marks what is happening around them at the event. I love when I’m at a church and people are all worshipping with music, dance, and expression; and I just get lost in grabbing paints and splashing everywhere while worshipping myself. After all, it reminds me of this beautiful God who loves all of my wounds and hurts and receives me just like a daughter to a loving Dad. I love when my Art can help raise money and/or awareness to many needs across our World. My favorite piece of my whole career so far, was when I installed my interactive sculpture in Breakthrough Urban Ministries’ Women’s shelter. The women that received it were so encouraging to me, and we decided together to “Cast our Cares upon a loving God” together. This broke socio-economic divides, racial divides, generational divides…and it was the most meaningful experience I’ve ever had with my Art work.
AK: What do you hope to see in the future as you grow and expand “MoBella Paints” ?
MBR: I hope that “MoBellaPaints” can be a lighthouse for many organizations that need an Artist to make something original and unique to aid in their mission. I hope that many people will be encouraged by my paintings and journey with me as I blog about both my struggles and exclamations in life. I desire deeply that people will carry hope when they see one of my works; or have a little piece of something I have handmade with love and direct inspiration for them from this Caring friend called God. I’d like to travel all around the world (and my backyard), doing Art Therapy with people like me that need healing. I hope “MoBellaPaints” can become something that funds these dreams! I’m thankful for the time you took to read my words, and hope you will be inspired to make your own impact on the world for the better of humanity! Use Art, use words, use Math, use Teaching…use anything and everything good from God to help those around you, and surprisingly you will be helped:)
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Further connect with Mo Bella Russo:
Web: www.mobellarusso.com
THANK YOU MAMAS DANCE FOR FEATURING ME!!!!!!! You are the best!!!!!
You are so welcome Mo!
I SO enjoyed reading this! A beautiful encouragement for my day as i am plugging away at my own art form 🙂
Thank you both for your open hearts and powerful words.