In this interview we get to know the amazing artist Snezhana, who found her way in art after 40 years. Her works, filled with light and warmth, inspire and delight viewers all over the world. Snezhana shares her experience, talks about the difficulties and joys of her creative journey, and gives advice to aspiring artists.
Snezhana, please tell us how your creative path began? Where did it all start and what have you come to now?
After 40 years of age, I had the desire and opportunity to do something I had no time for before. Oil painting has always appealed to me, so I decided to give it a try. I gave my first works - bouquets in vases - to friends, and they accepted them with gratitude. I wanted more, but I didn't have enough knowledge. My friend introduced me to a wonderful artist and teacher, Valery Makov. He looked at my work and said: “Well, dear girl, you have a talent, let's develop it”. Now I boldly participate in Golden Time Talent competitions, take second places, exhibit my works in BIArt gallery in Riga, have two solo exhibitions and participate in charity projects. All this I do with pleasure and for the good!
In your profile you wrote that you are inspired by various countries and travels, such as Latvia, Italy, Spain and China. What do you like about these countries and how do you convey their unique atmosphere on your paintings?
Thanks to my husband, we have the opportunity to travel and I love to study the life and architecture of different countries. I am inspired by the colors and shades I see in everything, even in food, the light of a new day and people's smiles. Returning home, I want to urgently convey on the canvas light and bright emotions that cause warmth and smiles.
In your account you said that you put a part of yourself into each painting. How do personal experiences and emotions influence the process of creating your works?
I paint my works only when I feel good, when I am happy and ready to share it through my paintings. This is my principled approach.
Your paintings are filled with warmth and energy. How do you create a sense of light, warmth and emotion in your paintings? What techniques or approaches do you use to achieve this effect?
In my paintings there is always light - it is my “I”, positivity and harmony. I achieve this effect by using light, warm colors, a mastichin that leaves a juicy trace, and golden tile. Each new painting is a mystery, and the step-by-step work gives birth to additions.
What role do competitions, exhibitions and art fairs play in promoting your talent?
Competitions, exhibitions and art fairs play a big role in my self-improvement. I strive for the best version of myself, learn to set goals and achieve them. These are important steps for aspiring but talented artists.
You describe your exhibitions as amazing journeys. How do you approach organizing exhibitions so that viewers can fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of your work?
Organizing exhibitions is a time-consuming process, so I invited friends with whom we share the same outlook on life. We come up with the name of the exhibition, the content, the room, the music and the buffet. The result is an exhibition in a warm, homely atmosphere where everyone gets to know each other, exchanges opinions and chooses a favorite painting.
Snezhana, you and your friends organize exhibitions on your own. What difficulties did you have in preparing and organizing them?
To start with, we send letters to the proposed exhibition venues with the offer, then we negotiate and discuss terms and conditions. After all written agreements, a meeting is scheduled and we get to know the organizers personally. Each time we try to understand what direction will be interesting for a particular place, what we could please and surprise visitors with. The preparation process is very emotional and memorable, and the opening of the exhibition brings great happiness to the team.
