Natallia Kraknes is a talented artist whose work is full of bright colours and deep meaning. Her work is characterised by a unique style that combines tradition and innovation. In this article we will get acquainted with her creative path, learn about her inspirations and plans for the future.
What influence did your father have on your development as an artist and how has that influenced your style?
Thanks to my father, an amateur painter, I was plunged into the world of art from childhood. He not only painted pictures, but also turned our house into a creative workshop, allowing me to experiment with colours. Regular visits to museums and joint painting lessons helped me to develop my imagination and artistic taste. My father skilfully encouraged my interest in beauty, for which I am immensely grateful. His invaluable knowledge and support played a crucial role in my development as an artist and encouraged me to take my first steps in my creative endeavours
Which artists or art movements have influenced you the most?
I still remember how impressed I was by the Edvard Munch Museum’s Give me a name exhibition in Oslo in 2019. The idea behind the project was to invite the public to participate in renaming some of Munch’s works whose titles in a contemporary context could be interpreted as politically incorrect or containing a historical context of racism. Edvard Munch himself may not have intended his works or titles to be perceived as discriminatory. The question arises: should art be adapted to contemporary society or should history be accepted as it is?
What prompted you to move to Norway to study art, and has the move influenced your work?
Moving to Norway, the city of Tromsø has had an indelible, very big impact on my creativity here I really got interested in art and connected with it all my life. The harsh beauty of the northern nature, mysterious fjords and mountains of this city awakened in me new emotions and inspired me to create completely new images. Tromsø became my muse, giving me peace of mind and an inexhaustible source of energy. My paintings are an attempt to capture the magic of this place and pass it on to others.
What artistic techniques do you prefer to use in your work and why?
I prefer a variety of artistic techniques, mixing colours directly on the canvas to create unexpected effects. I like to combine relief strokes with smooth brush strokes to create layered paintings.
The process of creation is particularly fascinating when the palette of colours transforms into relief sea waves, three-dimensional flowers or majestic buildings. Sometimes I use a multi-layered technique with long drying times.
My special love is the mastichin. It gives me incredible freedom of creativity, allowing me to create lively, textured and emotionally rich works.
Which of your projects or works do you find most meaningful and why?
The most significant of my projects was the ‘Desperate Tragedy of Our Days’ series, created about ten years ago. In it, I explored the pain and suffering of humanity reflected in various social problems. Through these works, I have endeavoured to express my position, attitude and feelings towards what is happening, my search for the meaning of existence, my struggle, dissatisfaction with life and my disagreement with my ideals.
Two works in this series were created during the COVID-19 pandemic, after the loss of loved ones. These tragic events were the impetus for their creation.
I think that a difficult childhood not only influenced my character, but also reflected in a great attraction to tragic subjects and memories. One of the key themes in my writing is the loneliness we can experience despite our surroundings.
Sometimes feelings, ideas, moods and beliefs cannot be put into words, only emotions. Emotions embodied in colours! In these works I wanted to particularly emphasise emotions: fear, grief, sadness, despair, loss. Dark shades intensify the emotional range of feelings.
Do you have any rituals or habits that help you with your painting process?
Before I start painting, I like to meditate and have a cup of coffee. I usually work on three paintings at the same time, drinking 2-3 cups of coffee. I can work for up to 4 hours without a break.
How do you think your work has changed over time and what has caused this change?
Studying at art school has had a significant influence on my creativity and style in painting. Not only did it contribute to the development of my artistic thinking, but it also served as a starting point for artistic research and the conceptualisation of my work. I began to explore different practices, materials and techniques, which helped me determine which ones best suited and inspired me.
What achievements in your career do you consider most significant and why?
My first exhibition in Norway was a great success. And winning the Golden Time Talent competition in London was a real breakthrough for me. It helped me to believe in myself, in my talent, and gave me an impetus for new achievements.
I am grateful to Golden Time Talent from the bottom of my heart!
How do you cope with creative challenges and what helps you stay inspired as you create new work?
Creative challenges are met by learning new skills, getting enough sleep and, of course, art in all its forms. I am inspired by challenging projects because they help me to develop my knowledge and abilities!
I get a lot of inspiration from visiting museums, learning about other artists’ work, travelling to new places, the life stories of others, attending various workshops, conferences and exhibitions, as well as books and articles.
How would you describe your style in one word or phrase? How do you see your style developing in the future, and what new directions in art are you interested in?
I work in the style of modern impressionism.
In the future I plan to develop my style and not stop at what I have achieved. Learning is a continuous process and I strive for constant growth.
To develop my style, I see the following steps:
Practice: Draw and write more! Regular practice is the key to mastery.
Experimentation: Continue to try different techniques, directions and styles. Both traditional and modern techniques. Don’t be afraid to go outside the box.
Concentration: When creating a piece, focus on the creative process, disconnecting from the outside world.
Materials: Continue to experiment with different materials, discovering new possibilities.
Personal Projects: To create personal projects that will allow me to express my unique ideas and vision.
Training: Continue to study at a contemporary art school to gain new knowledge and skills.
Inspiration: To get inspired by interacting with interesting people, attending various art events and travelling to new places.
I am interested in art movements such as: Miserablism, Popart, Cloisonnism, Minimalism, Portraiture, Abstractionism.
