Artist Interviews 2025

Mona Acts [aka: Vania]   
By Julia Siedenburg



The website describes Mona Acts as “a vibrant platform that connects personal artwork and professional initiatives. Founded by California-based artist Vania, it offers curated content showcasing her unique viewpoints.”

I was very fortunate to meet Vania at The Other Art Fair and as you will see in the photos below, I was not able to resist taking some of her artwork home. There is something so unique to the characters that she creates and each piece has its own special story and purpose.

Dear readers, I hope you enjoy learning more about artist Vania and Mona Acts as much as I did.



Why does art have such a big impact on society?

Art has a profound impact on society because it serves as a universal language that transcends barriers like race, ethnicity, and culture. It allows individuals to express their unique stories and emotions in ways that words alone cannot capture. By embracing different perspectives through art, society gains a deeper understanding of the struggles, triumphs, and cultural richness of diverse communities. Art also invites people to experience moments in life from viewpoints they may not have encountered before. Whether it's through visual art, music, or literature, it provides a window into the lives of others, fostering empathy and connection. Art has this really powerful ability to unite people and inspire innovation—all of which I think are essential for a thriving, equitable society.



Please explain to our readers the origin and Idea behind your artist’s name.

The origin of my artist name, Mona Acts, is rooted in inspiration, creativity, and a playful reminder to stay engaged with the artistic world. The "Mona" draws from the timeless impact of the Mona Lisa—a piece of art that has become a universal symbol of cultural significance, and recognition, and is timeless. The "Acts" serves as a verb, bringing an element of movement and intention to the name. It’s my quirky way of reminding myself—and others—to stay active and involved in the creative community. Life has a way of getting busy, and it’s easy to let creativity take a backseat. “Acts” is my little nudge to keep making, exploring, and sharing art, no matter what!



Who is your biggest artistic inspiration?

My biggest artistic inspiration (right now) is Hayao Miyazaki and the enchanting world he creates in his films. Miyazaki has a remarkable ability to craft characters who are odd yet deeply relatable, pulling you into their stories in a way that feels both magical and profoundly human. His work often celebrates the beauty of imperfection, embracing the quirks and complexities of life. This philosophy deeply resonates with me and influences my artistic approach. In my latest art series, you’ll notice an emphasis on characters and moments that are unconventional yet captivating, much like Miyazaki’s work. I aim to channel a similar sense of wonder and emotional depth—where even the strange or unexpected can feel warm and inviting. Whether it’s through detailed line work, various expressions, or unique narratives, my art strives to capture that same balance of whimsy and sincerity that makes Miyazaki’s films unforgettable. He inspires me to embrace the quirks, explore the oddities, and create art that draws people in with its authenticity and charm.



Do you have to be in a certain mood or state of mind to paint?

Not necessarily! Life and all its responsibilities have a way of taking over, so I’ve developed the habit of putting time aside to focus on painting. Over time, this practice has become second nature, and I’ve learned to seamlessly “make the switch” when it’s time to create. It’s less about waiting for the right mood and more about building a routine that keeps my creativity flowing. Now, if there are any Sugar Daddy’s reading this, art can be the mood every day if you want it to. Hit my line, baby! Kidding, lol.



Your black-and-white series showcases some very fun and interesting portraits of different characters. What inspired these characters?

My black-and-white series is heavily inspired by the whimsical and intriguing style of Hayao Miyazaki’s characters as I mentioned earlier. Many of my portraits are intentionally missing a feature, like a mouth or nose, as a way to explore oddities and invite the viewer to engage with the piece more deeply. I love working with bold black paint, line work, and strong contrasts—Since there’s no color or shadows, I have to focus entirely on composition, which challenges me creatively in exciting ways. As for the characters themselves, they’re drawn from life! Whether it’s inspired by a meaningful quote, a funny moment, or just an everyday observation, these pieces serve as a glimpse into relatable moments in time. My favorite part is hearing how collectors and observers interpret them—especially how the captions resonate with their own life experiences. It’s amazing to see how these characters take on new meanings through the eyes of others.

This is such a tough question! Choosing a favorite artwork feels almost impossible, but if I go with what brings me the most joy, I’d have to say “Oopsy-Daisy.” Every time I look at it, it brings the biggest smile to my face. For context, here’s the narrative behind it:

"Oopsy-Daisy: This is a celebration of life's imperfections, reminding us not to take things too seriously. There's beauty in our blunders, joy in our missteps, and humor in our human experience. Let's toast to the mistakes and quirky moments that shape us, urging us to embrace life with lightheartedness and gratitude for all the little things that make it uniquely ours. Cheers!” Isn’t it fun? To live life this way?



Please tell us a bit about your upbringing and childhood. Do you have an artistic parent?

I was always a curious, shy, and “in my own world” kind of kid. When I think back on my childhood, the memories that come to mind are actually very simple in nature. As I look back, I remember changing into my clothes under the covers because it was too cold to get ready for school any other way. I remember the smell of the trees and of the blue mobile home we lived in. Every now and then, I still catch a faint whiff of that old wood smell. There was this boy in high school, Nolan, who asked to use my art to promote the school’s fashion show, and when people praised him for it, he made sure to point the spotlight on me—as a shy kid, that was going through puberty may I add, it was my worst nightmare. Deep down, I’ve always appreciated his kindness although he was the popular kid and we weren’t that close. He always found a way to make me feel seen in class - God bless his soul. Looking back at life is such a funny thing when you think about how a small moment in time can have so much significance and the funny thing is that you won’t realize how important it was until you look back! As for my family, my mom is musically inclined—she plays guitar and can sing. My sister, brother-in-law, and all seven of her kids play an instrument or sing. My brother used to draw when he was a teen. So, I guess the artistic genes run strong in my family, thanks to my mom!



Your artwork is not only available as prints but also as t-shirts and such. Were you always planning to have your portraits on different ideas, and will there be more to come?

I honestly can’t remember when or where I came up with the idea, but it’s been so fun to redesign my work and tie it to different materials. I will say, that not every piece is meant to go on a t-shirt, but for the ones that do, I’ve gotten such positive feedback—I’ve found that graphic designers really gravitate toward the tees. My practical side enjoys knowing that my work is “out there” and is being used in different ways. At The Other Art Fair in Dallas, there was this young girl who couldn’t afford one of the prints so she bought the shirt instead. The happiness she displayed was something I’ll never forget! It’s a great feeling to be inclusive and make art available to everyone. I’m sure this will continue to be top of mind as my art evolves.





We met at the latest The Other Art Fair in Santa Monica. How was your overall experience at the fair, and do you enjoy showcasing your work, or do you prefer the secluded creating part of the artist’s life?

My heart is full after this experience. The fair was my first real step in branching out to showcase my personal work. Through Mona Acts, I’ve done private art lessons and paint-and-sip events, but I hadn’t shown my own art in public since high school, so this felt much deeper. Bringing these pieces to light allowed me to open up and connect with people in a whole new way. You and your husband were among those amazing connections I made! Connection and community are such an important part of who I am. I love hearing about other people's experiences and being present in their stories—what better way to learn about someone than through art?



What is next? What are your plans for the future?

I honestly have no idea! Super big plans, I know. In all seriousness, I have no clue and that’s what makes it so exciting! This part of my life is one I like to leave in the open. I like keeping this part of my life open because when I try to structure my art too much, I feel like I lose the curious little girl in me who just wants to be curious and explore. My hope is that you’ll be just as excited as I am for whatever’s next in my creative journey. It’s like starting with a blank canvas every time—who knows what we’ll create together.