In today's world, art is constantly evolving, enriched by new technologies and approaches. Artists are boldly experimenting, combining tradition with innovation, creating unique works that blur the boundaries between different art forms. In this interview we will talk to the talented artist Asmik, whose creative path encompasses both classical oil painting and contemporary digital art. She will talk about how her experience with oil painting has influenced her approach to digital techniques, the possibilities offered by new technologies and the importance of staying true to your inspiration.
Asmik, please tell us, when did you first feel drawn to art? Was there a special moment in your childhood or adolescence that predetermined your creative path?
Ever since I was a child, I felt that art was a part of me. I was born in Armenia, but I spent my childhood and youth in sunny Georgia, where everything inspired me: mountains, streets of the old town, warm sunsets.
Paints and pencils became my constant companions from an early age, replacing the usual childhood games and hobbies. In them I found freedom, a world of fantasy and limitless opportunities for creativity. My parents supported my passion, which allowed me to graduate from several art schools and studios. It was then that I realised that art is not just a hobby, but a way of living, seeing the world more deeply and conveying my experiences through line and colour.
How has your experience in classical oil painting influenced your perception and approach to digital art?
My experience in oil painting has been the foundation for my work in digital art. It has helped me to develop a deeper understanding of colour, light and textures, which allows me to create harmonious and rich works. The techniques of layering and the play of light mastered in traditional painting I transfer to the digital medium to give my work depth. I like to combine traditional methods with the possibilities of modern technology, finding a balance between the two approaches. This combination allows me to discover new facets of creativity and create art that combines the best of both worlds.
What is the uniqueness of digital art and how does it allow you to express emotions and ideas compared to traditional methods?
Digital art gives you incredible freedom to experiment: you can try different approaches instantly, edit details, go back to ideas. It allows you to be bolder, because you can always change something. But most importantly, it gives you access to tools that help you express emotions and ideas in a more precise and multifaceted way.
You talk about freedom of experimentation in digital art. Have there been cases when an accidental error or ‘glitch’ in a programme led to unexpected and interesting artistic solutions?
It happened that mistakes or unexpected failures in the programme led to interesting discoveries. For example, one time a glitch in a layer created an unusual texture effect that I later used in my work. Such situations often become a source of inspiration and open up opportunities for new experiments.
You mentioned the transfer of techniques from oil painting to the digital medium. Can you give specific examples of how this is happening in practice? Which digital tools most effectively imitate the oil technique, and which, on the contrary, open up completely new possibilities?
In practice, I often start by working digitally to sketch out ideas, explore composition and colour combinations. For example, I use the programme Procreate, where brushes with the texture of oil strokes help to create a realistic feel. Tools such as brushes with a flattering effect or masticating brushes help to recreate the layering characteristic of oil. At the same time, the digital environment opens up new possibilities, such as working with transparency, zooming in on details or adding collage elements that are difficult to realise in traditional painting.
How has participation in international exhibitions and competitions influenced your development as an artist?
It has given me the opportunity to see how my art is perceived outside of my usual surroundings. Feedback from other artists and audiences broadens one’s perspective on creativity and helps one to grow. Also, participating in such events reinforces the feeling of being part of a global community of artists, which is very inspiring
Which of your achievements do you consider the most significant? Are there any plans to participate in new exhibitions or awards?
Every piece of work that resonates with audiences in the art world is an achievement for me. One of the most memorable recent events for me was participating in Golden Time Talent, where I had the honour of being a member of the jury, which opened up new horizons for me and gave me the opportunity to meet talented artists. We share a common inspiration and passion for art. Another important event was participating in the Luxembourg Art Prize online exhibition, where I received a certificate, as well as congratulations and words of gratitude from gallery owners for the quality of my work. In the future I plan to present new projects both in exhibitions related to digital art and in classical oil painting. And, of course, I will continue to improve myself.
What challenges have you faced as an artist?
There are always moments of doubt on the creative path – for example, whether your idea will be understood by the audience. You also have to face lack of time (I think this is one of the main difficulties) or lack of resources to realise all your ideas. But such obstacles teach you to be more persistent, to focus on the creative process itself and to find in it a source of inspiration and joy.
You mentioned the lack of time as a difficulty. How do you organise your time to combine creativity with other aspects of life?
I have to admit that I don’t always manage my time perfectly, but I try to work out a comfortable rhythm for myself. Morning is the most productive time for me, so I do most of my creative work during these hours. During the day I often have new ideas in my head, which I try to capture immediately in the form of digital sketches. Later, these sketches become the basis for oil works, which I refine. This approach helps me to stay inspired.
How do you cope with a creative crisis or lack of inspiration? Do you have any special methods or rituals?
When I face a creative crisis, I try to switch to other activities – walking, reading, watching films or communicating with loved ones. Music also plays an important role: sometimes a certain tune helps me to find inspiration and set the right mood. To ‘wake up’ creative energy, I also revisit old sketches that have been shelved. This often allows me to look at ideas in a new way.
You mentioned the importance of feedback from the audience and other artists. Was there any feedback that particularly affected you or was memorable?
One feedback that left a deep impression was from a viewer who said that my work evoked vivid personal memories and emotions, experiences he had not felt for a long time. It was a realisation of how important it is in art not only to demonstrate technical skills, but also to evoke a response in the soul of the viewer. This feedback reminded me of the true power of art.
Participating in Golden Time Talent as a jury member is a new experience. What impressions have you learnt from this role? Has your perception of contemporary art changed since then?
Participating in Golden Time Talent as a jury member was a valuable and inspiring experience for me. It allowed me to look at creativity from a different perspective – through the prism of evaluating the ideas, techniques and originality of the participants. I saw how diverse contemporary art can be and how differently artists express their thoughts and feelings. This experience helped me to better understand the importance of an individual approach, and once again convinced me that sincerity and depth in art are valued most of all. My perception of contemporary art became broader and I started to focus more on finding new forms and ways of expression.
In today's world, where technology is developing very quickly, how do you think the role of the artist will change in the future?
In the future, the role of the artist is likely to be even more multifaceted and linked to new technologies. Technologies such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence and digital media are already changing the way art is created and perceived. Artists will be able to create more interactive and immersive works that engage with the viewer on a whole new level. At the same time, despite technological advances, the artist as an idea creator will remain an important figure. Technology will only become tools that expand the possibilities for self-expression, but the essence of art as a way of communicating human experience and thoughts will remain unchanged.
However, somewhere deep inside there is a feeling that excessive dependence on technology may lead to a loss of exploration, originality and sincerity. There is a risk that art will become soulless, mechanical and lose its depth. Nevertheless, I believe that true art, based on human emotion and experience, will always exist and will find a way to circumvent these threats while maintaining its authenticity and power.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just beginning their creative journey? What are the most important lessons you have learnt from your own experience?
I would advise beginners not to be afraid to experiment and look for their own style. It is important to try different techniques and approaches without limiting yourself to the usual ones. The most important thing is to be patient and persistent, because art takes time and perseverance. From my own experience I realised that it is necessary to learn not only from others, but also to listen to yourself, to your inner feelings. It is important to learn to overcome moments of doubt and criticism, because it is through these stages that true understanding of one’s own creativity comes. And one more important lesson: don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are an integral part of the creative journey, and they often lead to unexpected but valuable discoveries. No matter how much we artists strive for perfection, we always find flaws and moments in our work that we are not quite satisfied with. It’s only natural – striving for perfection sometimes turns into disappointment, but it’s important to remember that it’s these imperfections that make each work unique and alive. We should not be afraid of such ‘imperfections’, because they are part of our professional growth and a reflection of our personal path in art.
