X YPP Book

94
• Have you ever seriously doubted your choice to become an artist? (If so, what
stopped/reassured you?)
I never had any doubts. I always knew what I wanted to do and what my passion
was. However there might be some periods in life when this passion is weakened
by certain circumstances. However I know that my passion of painting will always
be with me.
I had some doubts about my career right after I received the YPP Award. Maybe
it will sound strange. I had to encounter a lot of attention from the viewers and
journalists. My works became objects of all kinds of feedback. Some were
admiring and supporting me, while others, maybe out of jealousy, were
dismissive and disparaging. I actually never understood that — how can someone
have so much negativity in their critical texts? It seems that their point of view
presupposes a very depressing view of the world as such. I am rather saddened
by these people, and it is a shame that they get to shape the art of the future.
• Do you find the Baltic art scene interesting? (What is your opinion about
Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian art? How would you describe their differences?)
I am not an art critic nor a theorist. I am unable to follow the development of the
art scene in all the three countries — I have no time for this, and I think that
contextual analysis requires a rather complicated academic research. But I think
that painting is not yet dead in the Baltic region. We still have those classical
painting schools that teach students how to work with a palette, how to feel the
brush, and retain the painter’s spine. However I think that this classical
foundation is now crumbling, particularly in the West European art. Everything
is now regarded through the notions of media, performance, and temporality.
Meanwhile the Baltic region is still ripe with canvases, techniques, colours and
modern painters who are enriching the tradition of painting. The international
collaboration during the biennials and triennials is bringing good results. I think
that the Baltic region as a unit retains its uniqueness, style, and character in the
context of the European art field.
• How did the Young Painter Prize influence your artist’s career?
The YPP Award not only made an impact on my career, but it also changed my
life. This is a process that has to be experienced by every up-and-coming artist
who is serious about her career. This initiative gives a young artist a great
opportunity to learn and make a good start. Universities and academies are good
at providing the theoretical basis, but the practical sides of creative life can be
very different from what we expect. The very decision to take part in this project
is a brave step already — a painter has to collect her works and introduce
herself to the board of professionals. It is a special feeling to see your own works
in a huge space together with the works of other young artists. This experience
teaches you a lot of valuable lessons. The YPP helped me to understand what I
really want from life, what direction I want to take, and how visible I want to be.