What is the best thing that I love about my work?
The best part of my work is the flow I enter when I create, when the outside world disappears and I feel at peace. Through art, hidden parts of myself emerge, like a secret language only creation can reveal. What matters most to me is not technique, but the act of bringing into existence what wasn’t there before. That freedom keeps me deeply connected to my practice.

What is my idea of happiness?
My idea of happiness is not about external achievements but an inner sense of freedom and fulfillment. I feel it most when I’m aligned with myself, when there is no gap between who I am and what I create. To me, it looks like painting a mural as colors flow on the wall and time disappears. And if there’s paint all over my clothes at the end of the day, that’s always a good sign!

What is my greatest fear?
My greatest fear is not being able to express myself anymore. Creativity is my way of breathing, and I can’t imagine living without it.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
The trait I most deplore in myself is a mix of insecurity and perfectionism. They sometimes team up to slow me down and turn small tasks into big obstacles. On the bright side, at least they make sure I never run out of creative challenges!

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?
I admire artists who stay true to their vision while still daring to experiment. The ones who bring their art into the world with courage, even if it doesn’t fit the usual boxes. For me, that balance of authenticity and boldness is the real inspiration.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
The thing I dislike most about my work is anything that has to do with bureaucracy and self-promotion. They make me feel completely out of my element. I also struggle when a commissioned piece is expected to be “more conventional” or forced into a style that isn’t mine. On top of that, creative blocks and self-criticism can really throw me off balance. But I guess these challenges are part of the job, and sometimes they even push me to grow. Still, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t dream of a world where I could just show up with my brushes and colors, and the paperwork magically disappears.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
I was happiest at work when I painted a mural at Atelierhaus Salzamt in Linz during my residency for the Next Comic Festival. Being in that exhibition space, with all the energy of the festival around me, was incredibly inspiring. I loved seeing the wall transform under my brushes and feeling completely in the zone. It was one of those rare moments when everything just clicked.

If I could, what would I change about myself?
If I could, I’d change my tendency toward perfectionism and my struggle with self-promotion. Those two combined often keep me in the shadows, even when my work deserves more light.

What is my greatest achievement in work?
My greatest achievement is having the courage to change my life and fully dedicate myself to art, even if I started later than most. Learning almost everything as a self-taught artist makes the journey even more meaningful. Concretely, acceptance into artist residencies and seeing my murals come to life remind me I made the right choice.

Where would I most like to live?
I would most like to live in a city buzzing with artistic energy, like somewhere in Spain with its vibrant colors, lively culture, and endless inspiration. Ideally, a place where you can get lost among murals and cafés, and creativity hits you everywhere you look.

What is my most treasured possession?
My most treasured possession is a special brush I’ve always used for my murals. It has been with me through several projects and holds memories of the walls I’ve painted. To me, it is more than a tool. It is a companion in my creative journey.

What is my most marked characteristic?
I tend to approach things with a sense of irony, which keeps me curious and playful. In my murals and illustrations, it often appears in small details or unexpected twists as people discover the work.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
Some of the most inspirational locations in my city are my favorite bookstores and cafés. I love the energy in these spaces, where I can observe, reflect, and let ideas come to life. They feel like little creative havens amidst the everyday rhythm of the city.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?
My favorite place to eat and drink in my city is in the Santo Spirito area of Florence. For food, I love Raw Vegan, which offers an original menu far from the usual Tuscan dishes (which I do enjoy, but I can have at home). For drinks, one of my favorite spots is Pop Caffé, a place I’ve been visiting for years. It’s creatively decorated, has a unique atmosphere, and always feels effortlessly cool.

What books influenced my life and how?
One of the books that influenced me the most is The Master and Margarita by Bulgakov, along with Russian classical literature in general. What struck me is the way reality and fantasy intertwine, where the ordinary suddenly opens into the surreal. That approach to storytelling has influenced how I narrate through images, leaving space for irony, mystery, and layers of meaning.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
Choosing just one thing to listen to on my last day would be nearly impossible. Most likely, I would go for rock, somewhere between Interpol, The Cure, Radiohead, The Doors, and Led Zeppelin. And if the day were a little longer, I might just need a playlist of about fifty bands to make my exit properly.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
I have never really had a hero in fiction. I prefer characters with flaws, contradictions, and a touch of irony, because they feel closer to real life. If I had to choose, it would probably be an anti-hero who makes mistakes but still manages to create something memorable.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
Heroes? I am not sure they exist in real life. What inspires me more are imperfect people doing their best.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?
I would recommend Young Frankenstein. It is witty, timeless, and proves that humor and creativity can turn even a monster story into pure brilliance.

What role play stories in my life and work?
Stories play a central role in my life and work. They help me observe the world, understand people, and explore emotions. In my art, they inspire the way I narrate through images, adding depth, irony, and unexpected twists.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?
To me, it means I get to write my own plot twists, choose my colors, and decide when the dramatic music plays. Like in my art, I can turn the ordinary into something unexpected and maybe even a little absurd.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
My greatest partner in crime is coffee. Without it, there would be no murals, just naps! 🙂

Which people or companies would I like to work with?
I would love to collaborate with brands and companies that share a playful and creative spirit, such as Lush, Oatly, Le chocolat des Français, Miscellanea Barcelona, Tattly, Einhorn Berlin, Threadless, and El Diluvio Universal. Their ability to combine art with everyday life in original ways resonates deeply with my vision. I would also be thrilled to work with cultural spaces and institutions like Urban Nation Berlin, or to continue developing projects with independent platforms that value experimentation and artistic freedom. Among individual artists, David Shrigley is someone I admire for his sharp irony and unique way of blending humor with art. Each of these collaborations would not just be an opportunity for visibility, but a chance to create work that truly connects with people.

What project am I looking forward to work on?
I am looking forward to creating a series of site-specific murals. I love the idea of giving walls their own story and surprising people along the way.

Where can you see me or my work?
You can find me here:
WEBSITE:   www.vaniasanti.com
INSTAGRAM:   @thesketchingbanana
LINKEDIN:    Vania Santi
EMAIL:    vaniasanti.art@gmail.com
YOUTUBE:   www.youtube.com/@vaniabananaa

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
To me, “Passion Never Retires” means that what truly drives you stays with you for life. I have always felt creativity inside me, even as a child, and I cannot imagine a version of myself without it. If one day I stopped painting or creating, it would feel like losing a vital part of who I am. Hopefully, even when I am old and slower, I will still be out there with brushes and colors. Maybe the murals will take me longer to finish, but passion has no timetable.

Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
I would love to read the stories of Maya Hayuk, BTOY, and the women of Olafur Eliasson’s Studio. The women in Olafur Eliasson’s Studio contribute across research, production, exhibition, and communications, shaping innovative projects and bringing a collaborative creative vision to life.
More generally, I am curious about women whose work is fearless, imaginative, and boundary pushing, artists, illustrators, designers, or creatives who inspire by following their own path, experimenting boldly, and bringing something entirely new into the world.

How can you contact me?
You can reach me by email at vaniasanti.art@gmail.com, or just drop me a message on Instagram @thesketchingbanana. I’d be happy to hear from you!