X YPP Book

Interview 144
• What can you tell us about your creative process? Where does your artwork start
and where does it end?
• Why painting? (How did you discover this medium and why have you chosen it?)
Even though I loved drawing and crafts since my early childhood, I did not attend
to any of the art schools or groups. I guess Art classes at school were enough for
me and I received my art basics from the teachers there. I always loved drawing
in solitude, I lived inside my own world where I did not need any guidance. It
was only later, after finishing school, when I decided to take up private drawing
lessons. My teacher was a painter and at first I was just copying everything he
did. I was completely captivated by oil painting the very first time I tried it, it was
a really special experience. I was surprised and mesmerised by this tremendous
power that comes from using it when you’re really focused on what you’re doing.
• What inspires you? (Individuals, contexts, etc.)
The inspiration comes naturally as soon as I find a good motif — if the imagery is
captivating, then the whole process rolls naturally. I am always inspired by good
art I see in exhibitions, but everyday situations can be just as inspiring for me.
• Creative motifs. (What drives your creative practice? What are the topics you are
working on?)
I can tell what interests me only when I reflect on what emerges and recurs in my
work over time. I never choose a specific topic. All my works are reflections of my
own life, so their motif is always the same. I am expressing myself through
objects that surround me at home, in my workshop, or during the commute.
These reemerging motifs are slowly developing with time, and I love this process
a lot.
I always start working from an image I already have thought through, even
though I know that this image might change radically during the process of
painting. I usually start with focusing on something that already had caught my
attention before – this is when I start imagining the painting and shaping its
visual motifs. I usually work on several paintings simultaneously, which leads to
the formation of groups and series of works. I like slowing down and allowing
myself to be carried away by my intuition. It’s good when I am able to achieve
something new and improve on my technique, but sometimes the days are just
as good as they get.
• Have you ever seriously doubted your choice to become an artist? (If so, what
stopped/reassured you?)
Indeed I have. Especially when I have to fight for my time to create and break
away from the grind. However the sense of liberation that comes with painting
remains the biggest motivator. I am lucky to have a husband who is also an artist,
which means we can support each other in overcoming these difficulties.
• Do you find the Baltic art scene interesting? (What is your opinion about
Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian art? How would you describe their differences?)
It is interesting that this seemingly small region retains its distinct artistic
languages despite being swept by the tendencies that tend to unify them. And
the Young Painter Prize does a good work discovering and showcasing new
interesting painters.
• How did the Young Painter Award influence your artist’s career?
Yes. Because of its popularity here in Lithuania, the Young Painter Prize helped
me with the publicity and visibility. Meanwhile my career remains on the same
path, I’m still busy in my workshop painting the night lights.