X YPP Book

Interview 106
• Painting? Why? Was there a pivotal moment when you decided to follow your
path as an artist? (how did this media appear on your creative road, why is it?)
I have to admit that there haven’t been one particular moment in my life when
I would realize that I want to be an artist. Somehow I just have followed to my
need to do something that I have considered as the best way of expressing
myself since my childhood. When I was 15 years old I decided to attend Janis
Rozentals Riga Art High School and that has been a beginning of my path as an
artist. I continued studying in a department of painting at the Art Academy of
Latvia. During first years at Academy I gradually realized that painting has really
important meaning in my life and I got an understanding that I’ll always keep
doing it even if it wouldn’t be my profession in the future. During studies I have
tried to work in other medias but I always have felt more precise in a painting. I
have this inner feeling that I even think in a painting. All the time I am
observing visual reality and considering how to translate it in a visual work that
carries specific ideas which are actual for me on the each certain moment.
Painting is a language which I am using to solve my most significant
contemplations about being. I believe that it is a strong inner need to do it.
• Who inspires you? What is your greatest indulgence in life? (personality, context,
etc.)
I am inspired by all the culture and artefacts which have been created in history
until today. Even if concrete art movement is not particularly influential
personally for me I appreciate it as an important part of a whole which has
created situation in art scene as it is now. It is important for me because I am
awaring that it makes a context in which I am living and working and as an artist
one cannot ignore it. I always have been very inspired by literature. I admire how
written word can build one’s visual imagery in your mind. I believe that process
of making painting is something related to this. In a result of observations,
experience and thoughts you build a certain image in your mind. Only here the
process continues by bringing the image from your mind back to material and
visual form which you can share with other people.
• Main motive. (Who are your most interested in your work? What topics do you
consider in your work)
My paintings usually depict deformations of pure landscapes. These images are
captured in reflecting surfaces which are typical in modern environment -
different layers of landscape and urban environment are overlapping there (a lot
of layers in material aspect as well). My main interest is an attempt to thematize
idea about space which is created by painting and where temporary becomes
timeless – a different space outside of the usual time. Images of my paintings
are made from several pictures of the same object which overlap themselves for
several times. There is a small shifting between those layers. I try to amalgamate
them into one layer by using minutely drawing and painting. I relate usage of
this image and technique as an attempt to visualize a place where different times
come together in one timeless point.
• Can you tell us about the process of making your work? From what does it begin
and when does your artwork “end”?
Process of making my work definitely starts in my mind. I believe that all my life
is the process of making my work. Newest works are developing from the former
ones. I continue to follow the main idea and path which flows through the all my
oeuvre. All the time I keep looking for the images what could serve as a best and
most precise carriers for the ideas and questions which I would like to actualize.
When I decide that concrete image (photo or photo collage) is suitable for my
intention I start to work in material form. I decide the size of the intended work
which also has an important part of that how painting will affect on the observer.
The process of the physical making of my work is very long. It can take months
of intense every day working. I start with a background which I paint with acrylic
paints. Afterwards follows the laborious part – covering the surface with very
detailed graphite drawing using the pencil. As before physical realization of the
painting I have very precise idea how it must look finished there is not a lot of
space for improvisation left and it makes easier to decide and follow the criteria
which indicates that the specific piece has been finished.
• Do you have moments in your life when you have been keen on the chosen artist’s
path? Have you ever had a moment when you questioned your career entirely? (if
so, who then returned you? Stopped?)
I have had a lot of moments when I have felt very confused and even despair
about choosing artist’s path. Those moments repeat occasionally and I have
admitted that at least in my case it is and always will be a part of a process. As far
my inner need to paint has turn out stronger than desperation. It shows up us a
sign of a weakness but I believe that it has important role in the context of one’s
development. Those moments come with questions and doubts. It requires to
rebuild and strengthen your confidence and reasons why do you keep going this
path.