Aizhan Kustayeva is an artist with a strong and persistent character. Since childhood, being left-handed, she firmly stood up for her individuality, and this principle is the foundation of her entire creative journey. With diverse experience—from creating her own clothing brand Grizzly Guys to earning a fitness trainer diploma—Aizhan found her true calling in painting. Inspired by cinematography and animation, she boldly experiments with materials, embodying her philosophy of limitless self-expression on canvas. In our interview, Aizhan will share how sport and other disciplines influenced her vision and what complete freedom in art means to her.
How did your journey into art begin, and what was the main inspiration that made you choose painting among such a variety of your talents?
My path to art began in 2015 when I first picked up a brush and canvas. It’s a wonderful feeling when you can express all your inner emotions on canvas. On my mother’s side, everyone draws well, and when I was little, I always admired how my aunts drew; they decorated albums with photos and drawings. Back then, I wanted to be able to draw like that too, and during my school years, I drew in my notebooks. I always got an “A” in Art class—it was my favorite subject. I think that was the first step on the long path of an artist. After finishing the ninth grade, I entered a fashion college, where it was two in one: both drawing and sewing. That’s how I came to sewing, and I was inspired by my father’s mother, my grandmother—she sewed and cut perfectly. When we went to visit her for the holidays, she taught me how to sew.
Since childhood, you firmly defended your individuality as a left-handed person. How does this character trait—persistence and defending your own path—manifest in your creativity and style today?
In childhood, I drew in notebooks and decorated my school notebooks. Relatives tried to retrain me to use my right hand so that I would “fit the standards” of other schoolchildren. But I chose sport and drawing. At that time, I didn’t understand where it would lead me, I blindly followed my dream.
Your path included folk dances, judo, fitness, and clothing design. How have these non-artistic disciplines influenced your perception of form, composition, or energy in painting?
I knew early on that if you strive for your dreams and take action, sooner or later they will bear fruit. Sport and dancing gave me perseverance and endurance, as well as the understanding that success doesn’t happen with a snap—you have to work hard to achieve something. The images of superheroes in my paintings symbolize the idea of limitless human potential and the absence of internal barriers, because often we limit ourselves. The discipline I gained through sports played a key role in my development and helped me choose a creative path.
Tell us about your brand Grizzly Guys. Did any branding principles or style elements from your creative clothing project transfer into your artistic signature?
I always want to bring my thoughts into reality. That’s how I expressed myself first in sewing creative things, and then on canvas. Choosing the epoxy resin style, I realized that it fascinated me—it’s definitely mine.
You draw inspiration from cinematography and animation. Do you have a favorite director, film, or genre that you would like to "translate" from the screen onto the canvas, and why?
I don’t have a favorite director; my favorites are the Marvel company. I prefer fantasy and films based on real events. One of my favorite films is Bleed for This, and a quote from the film is: “It’s simple: if you want something, just do it. Everyone will tell you that everything is complicated, but in reality, everything is simple.” This phrase stuck so strongly in my mind that I live by this principle. And another favorite film is Alexander, who said: “Fear must be overcome, and you will defeat death.” And perhaps one more favorite documentary is The Secret. After watching this film, I got my first tattoo with their symbol, and this is an anthem for my life.
Your experience includes dubbing courses. How does working with voice and image influence how you "see" and create a person's character in a portrait?
Dubbing helped me understand people better, through their intonations and speech. And looking at portraits, you roughly imagine the image and dialogue of that portrait, based on their eyes and facial expressions. Dubbing also helped with my conversational speech and gave me proper speech. We were taught acting skills—this gives you the opportunity to express your character and channel their personality through yourself before they appear on the canvas.
What materials and techniques do you prefer to use in your work? Do you have any favorite techniques for achieving the desired emotional effect?
I didn’t study this professionally, so I don’t have any frameworks or rules in this regard. I can mix several styles and thereby add creativity to the painting. Sometimes, after painting a picture, I can rework it according to my inspiration, not knowing what will come out of it. I give freedom of action, sometimes I look at my paintings and don’t believe that I did it with my own hands. And sometimes I wonder how I was able to do that. Therefore, each painting is individual. And there will certainly not be a second one like it.
How do you find a balance between creating commissioned paintings and your own creative projects? What does freedom of self-expression mean to you, and how is it reflected in your art?
I think there is no balance in my works, each painting is creative in its own way. Mostly, people buy my ready-made paintings; at most, the customer might say: “I want Superman,” and I draw this hero, but as for the background details and what it will be like, I determine that myself. I am one of those who create themselves; I cannot paint a picture dictated by the customer. That would no longer be me. The painting would lose its zest and individuality.
What is your main source of inspiration in everyday life? And how do you cope with creative challenges or a lack of motivation?
Sometimes there are moments when a painting sits, and I put it aside. And I might start painting a new one. When inspiration strikes, I continue the previous one. I try to distract myself by going to the gym. This helps me start the painting with a new wave; sometimes new ideas come, and I rework the painting, often more than once.
You participated in an online exhibition at the Louvre Museum in Paris. What emotions did you experience presenting your work at such a prestigious level?
A year ago, I could only dream about it. I told my family: “My paintings will be in the Louvre. And your grandchildren will see them there.” But now a year has passed, and I continue to paint and live my ordinary life… And then such an opportunity presented itself, I gladly agreed and prepared through the organizers of W&P gallery.art. I didn’t immediately realize that my dream had partially come true. But when the realization came, the “little me” inside me squeaked and rejoiced like a child. I continue to cooperate with them, and in December, two of my paintings will be published at the REDDOT museum in Miami. I am incredibly grateful to the organizers for such a chance.
What is the main value for you in participating in international competitions and exhibitions, such as Golden Time Talent, and what are you looking for in a dialogue with a global audience?
