”In these times when material things are being chased, when there is a craving to display status symbols acquired by any means, in a sea of immorality, debauchery, and excess, being decent, hardworking, and well-mannered feels like a true “suicide mission.”
What drives you?
I’m inspired by friends, events on both the global and personal level, new books, music, good and bad life experiences, the good and the bad people I meet… All of that has a strong and powerful influence on my creative work, on my perception of reality, which is directly reflected in the paintings and drawings I create.
They’re all my children…
Family is the foundation of everything: a source of good upbringing, great support, and unconditional love. Everything else is conditional, demanding, exhausting, and unclear. In a world that generates social distance and emotional alienation, healthy family relationships are a true and rare treasure. I am truly honored to have had a wonderful and carefree childhood and to have parents who have absolutely supported (and still support) my artistic development. Unfortunately, that is a real rarity today.
What else do you do?
I can consider myself truly fortunate, because I do a job I absolutely love. Artistic creation is both my profession and my hobby, so I don’t want to invest much energy or time in other things. Everything else feels secondary. I’m very ambitious when it comes to my career.
When you’re in the position of an independent artist who also has to make a living from your art, you end up investing a lot of time in additional activities: following open calls, participating in art colonies, international residencies, preparing solo exhibitions, writing concepts, handling PR, and so on. Because of all this, I genuinely don’t have time for extra hobbies that don’t involve painting or drawing—they would drain my creative energy and disrupt my creative process.
Still, despite everything, I love traveling to exotic places. Planning a trip brings me real joy and feels like a reward for my hard and dedicated work.
What should an artist possess—qualities and skills?
No advice should be generalized. What works for me could be bad or even harmful for someone else. In my opinion, every artist should possess talent, but also ambition to keep progressing and learning new things. An artist must not become lulled into the false comfort of complacency. Many painters and sculptors struggle to break free from that, and unfortunately end up stagnating in their development. You should always set new challenges for yourself and step outside your comfort zone.
Criticism? Who and what can influence your work?… the placement of your work?
Any honest and constructive criticism is more than welcome. Good criticism can make you rethink things, redirect your thoughts in a different direction, open new perspectives, and generate new ideas. I have always supported strong, even harsh, but professional criticism. Unfortunately, there is very little of that today. In a sea of pseudo-artists and inflated egos, it’s hard to expect someone to offer a truly quality and sincere comment on your work.
Who is your superhero? Who are today’s superheroes?
For me, heroes are all those who live honestly and from their own work. In these times when material things are being chased, when people crave displaying status symbols acquired by any means, in a sea of immorality, debauchery, and excess, being decent, hardworking, and well-mannered feels like a real “suicide mission.” That’s why I deeply respect and value such people. I consider them the true heroes of today.
What does isolation mean to you?
Nothing new and nothing unfamiliar.
What good can come out of this situation?
In extreme situations like this, you get to see people in their true form, their deeply hidden traits. That realization can be very disappointing, but the relieving aspect in such crazy scenarios is recognizing how normal and decent you actually are.
Do you have a TV at home?
I have one in my apartment, but not in my studio. I try to spend as little time as possible in front of the TV. I mostly get informed through social media and the internet.
Do you listen to the radio?
The only thing that relaxes me while creating is music. The radio is always on while I’m in the studio.
Bicycle or sand?
Bicycle, although I don’t shy away from sand either.
Are you a vegan or vegetarian?
Neither. I’m not a fan of extremes, whether in food or other aspects of life. I always advocate for variety and can’t stand the aggressive imposition of others’ ideas or ideologies.
Beer or wine?
I rarely drink alcohol, but if I do, it’s always red wine.
Do you recycle?
I only recycle my thoughts and feelings towards people who disappoint me.
Book/Film?
Book: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Film: Paris, Texas directed by Wim Wenders
And music…?
I listen to different types of music; I’m not stuck on just one or two genres or specific artists. It all depends on my current emotions or mood, which has a decisive influence on what kind of music will appeal to me. Just like everything else in life.
Recommend a website/portal/app…
https://www.pinterest.com
An interesting site with something for everyone…