If I could choose one phrase to describe Sali Swalla, it’s radiant kindness. I had the privilege of meeting her in her backyard studio in LA last year and she was just as warm and inviting as she is on social media. Sali is a self-taught artist and has been painting professionally for 13 years. She is deeply inspired by Eastern culture, especially by her time in Japan. Her mother was from Japan so she spent time visiting the country as a child. She paints with oil and cold wax and focuses mostly on creating ethereal floral landscapes (though she has other tricks up her sleeve!). If I could choose one word to describe Sali, it would be self-aware. Her work reflects themes of darkness and light which is deeply motivated by her personal experiences and emotions. After her mother passed away, for example, her color palette shifted from soft pastels to dark + moody blues, greens, and even black. It was a striking shift that I remember well, and I found myself drawn into her work even more during this period. Sali and I also chatted about the perennial topic of balancing work and motherhood, how she protects her time for both, why she thinks having inventory in your studio is a good thing, and how she believes art will eventually find its perfect owner. She is absolutely delightful and I can’t wait for you to hear this episode. When introspection and joie de vivre meet, you get Sali Swalla. Follow Sali on Instagram https://www.saliswalla.com/artworks