The “Global Talent Confederation” team is pleased to present an interview with one of the first members of the confederation, Dmitriy Ketsman, a wonderful and experienced artist, remarkable teacher, excellent father, and family man. Dmitriy shared with us his journey as an artist, the challenges he faced on his path to confidence and skill improvement, as well as the difficulties and inspiration in teaching young talents and passing on his knowledge to them.
“Global Talent Confederation” – a platform where talents in all categories of creativity can interact, receive feedback, and find new ideas for their art.
Dmitriy sincerely and honestly answered a number of questions that interested us, and we invite you to also get acquainted with his experience, knowledge, and very interesting answers:
What inspired you to become an artist?
Since childhood, I loved to draw. It wasn’t inspiration, but more of a pull towards drawing. One of my first drawings was of Rudolph the reindeer, which I drew inspired by a cartoon on a videotape. This drawing became my starting point in the world of drawing. In school, I continued to improve my skills by drawing cartoon characters. In my teenage years, I began to be inspired by the works of animators like Walt Disney, who made a huge contribution to cinema and animation, as well as various comic book artists. I was fascinated by how artists create characters using their skills and imagination. This colossal, titanic work greatly attracted me, and I began to draw a lot as well. I dreamed of becoming an animator and could make 40 to 80 drawings a week, always enjoying it.
How would you describe your style? Has it changed over time?
During my art education, we were trained and taught by very good specialists, professionals. My training was very extensive, preparing us as versatile artists. We studied painting, graphics, sculpture, plastic anatomy, and much more. Initially, I didn’t have a specific style until I tried oil painting. I did my first oil painting at home without a teacher, using only a palette knife. It was a still life of construction materials, featuring a hammer, a can, a pot, and a paint-dripping brush. When I brought it to class as a homework assignment, the teacher was amazed. From that moment, I became fascinated with oil painting and now specialize in it. However, I don’t forget about other techniques like watercolor, decorative arts, wood and wall painting. I constantly improve my skills in these areas to remain a versatile artist.
I enjoy working in different genres: fantasy, history, animalism, and currently, I spend a lot of time painting portraits.
Do you have favorite artists who have shaped or influenced your work?
Several outstanding artists have influenced my creative process. Jack Kirby, the king of comics, impressed me with his versatility. Walt Disney, a famous animator, was also an important source of inspiration. In the field of professional painting and sculpture, I admired Caravaggio and Michelangelo Buonarroti. Their colossal work and skill inspired me. At that time, people had to find, seek, and wait for materials, which were very expensive and challenging for artists. Michelangelo, although a sculptor, created the famous Sistine Chapel, showcasing his versatility. He has a very interesting life story. The path he took and experienced, although he didn’t live long, is very interesting and inspiring. Their ability to overcome difficulties and achieve heights through hard work motivated me to continue and improve my skills.
How do you deal with creative blocks or difficulties in the creation process?
I have never experienced creative blocks or difficulties in creating works. I believe it all depends on practice, courage, the desire to express oneself, and the audacity of the artist. The main thing is not to be afraid to show yourself, not to be afraid to express yourself, regardless of feedback or criticism. Of course, there are morally challenging moments due to fatigue from long work. In such cases, my family helps me, especially my youngest son. His support, congratulations, drawings, and gifts always lift my spirits and give me strength. Thanks to him, I have something to strive for and want to leave the best memories of myself.
Have you faced criticism of your work, and how do you deal with it?
I often faced criticism because I don’t always work according to the classical principles of painting and drawing. I always create paintings as I see and feel them. During my training and development as an artist, criticism was frequent in my creative activity. Now there is less of it, and people like my works more. I used to handle criticism easily, taking it adequately. I believe criticism is necessary, but it should be perceived not as aggression or morality, but as experience, because criticism helps to understand what people want to see and contributes to development. It’s the artist’s personal right to listen to it or continue doing everything in their style and as they like. Everyone perceives criticism differently, but it’s better to use it for motivation and improvement.
Do you have a favorite place to work on your creations? Why this place?
My favorite place to work has always been and remains the studio where I work. Initially, I worked in different studios, and then I founded my own. Due to certain circumstances, one studio had to be closed, and now we are in the process of opening a new one. Although there hasn’t been an official opening yet, I already work and teach in this space. I like to paint here. Simply put, my favorite place for creativity is where I am and the atmosphere I create.
What changes do you think are happening in the art world today?
Contemporary art has become multifaceted thanks to technology. Now there are artificial intelligence and various programs for processing photos, portraits, landscapes, and more, allowing people to realize their ideas in new ways. This creates new ways of expressing and promoting art. Technology quickly entered this field, gaining many supporters. Interior painting has also become a popular direction, although it has its own characteristics. People like it, and it’s also a form of art. Therefore, contemporary art is very diverse and interesting, and it’s important to be able to adapt to new trends.
What advice would you give to young artists just starting their journey?
My advice to young artists is: “Don’t be afraid of difficulties and challenges. Try, try, and try again. The main thing is practice.” Without it, there will be n o result. Believe in yourself, strive for your goal, and love what you do. If you want to engage in art, just do it and don’t give up. Never retreat, because it’s hard to take a step forward after retreating. If you fall, get up. Not everything always works out immediately. There are people who dedicate their entire lives to creativity, and there is always something to learn. So don’t give up, don’t lose heart, take criticism calmly, and continue doing what you like. If your level is important to you now, keep working on yourself.
How do you see your place in the art world in 5-10 years?
In 5-10 years, I see myself in the art world as a person who is respected and whose works are admired. In the hustle and bustle, in work. Time flies very quickly, and these years will pass unnoticed. I want people to continue seeing me not as an arrogant artist, but as a simple person who creates wonderful paintings. It’s important to me that my works are appreciated and recognized worldwide. I strive for my paintings to inspire young artists and attract them to learning and development in this field. The most important thing for me is to remain a simple person, like everyone else, who does what he loves and inspires others.
