Valentina Reneff-Olson is an actress and dancer. She is making her debut performance with The House of Red Velvet on December 7th, 2024 in The Dark Winter. Today, we talk to her about her work and what is an integral part.

1. Describe who you are and your art. 
I would say myself and my art reflects my experiences in a truly honest way. Very eclectic but always honest. Telling stories that aren’t your own necessarily feels like putting on someone else’s coat. But at the end of the day I am wearing the coat. Being instinctual is very important to me. The presence of what is surrounding me is something I’m always aware of. I have always had an endless curiosity for learning and observing. That child-like sponge brain has never left me.

2. What drew you to the work of The House of Red Velvet?

In a way The House of Red Velvet found me! But that in fact drew me in. It feels so correct to create in this space. The platform to freely express my performance art was immediately intriguing.

3. What is integral to your work as an artist?

Everyday I do not take for granted. Regardless of what is in the works, what has to be done, whatever is putting stress into life, I accept it all. Living with this thought process makes life feel like art to me. Also periods of time in solitude. I feel safe when I’m alone. I feel like I find the depths of my ideas when I have days alone and don’t interact with people much. 

4. Who are your biggest artistic influences?

My first thought was Vincent Van Gogh! When I was three years old, my mom gave me a giant book with prints of his work and life story. I was obsessed and still am. Otherwise music really influences my whole day. I’m all over the place with it though, I dare you to play me something I haven’t heard.

5. What memorable responses have you had to your work?

People often think of me as the spooky girl, which is totally true. I love diving into dramatic work and exploring the darkness. My favorite responses to my work that I’ve heard are when people say they feel a place they’ve never been to through watching my performance. It’s so special to be a vessel for that journey for someone.

6. Name something you love and why. 

Birds. I feel like I was definitely a bird in a past life. Likely a pigeon. They’re just fascinating creatures overall plus basically lil dinosaurs. I could stare at them all day and often do.