Meet the Artist | Interview with Anita Kutsarova | DegreeArt.com The Original Online Art Gallery

Meet the Artist | Interview with Anita Kutsarova

Anita Kusarova is painter influenced by the pure and authentic spirit of nature, who strives to create a unique and immersive experience. Anita's paintings are meditative, some of which are very colourful whilst others more pastel in colour, and convey elements of her experiences in the various places she has visited. Whether it be the colours of Cuba, the Scandinavia landscape, the dramatic skies of England or the sunlit Mediterranean, Anita's subject matter is drawn from the abstract forms in nature. Ocean and skies inspire Anita to slow down, take a deep breath and expand her soul, to connect with nature and embrace its freedom. With this in mind, Anita hopes for the viewer to experience a similar feeling whilst viewing her artwork. Long hours of layering help Anita to find the right balance of colour and depth, with the combined balance of sweeping brush strokes, or the dripping of paint to imbue her work with a sense of the authenticity and independence.

1) Which art movement do you consider most influential on your practice?
 
Impressionism and modern art from 20th Century. But I would like to experiment and use different techniques and I don’t like to be limited to one or two art movements.
 
2) Where do you go and when to make your best art? 
 
I am inspired by lots of things around me, but I believe when I am traveling to colourful destinations. Nature is where I most get inspiration from. Interesting fact that I created my most successful paintings when I am not in the best state of mind. When life is giving me lots of lemons, I manage somehow to create pieces which are very successful. I also get inspired by the idea that I am going to visit a place and I create a painting or paintings before and after. I remember in 2016 I went to Cuba and I was really inspired even before I go and created a painting before and I also created a painting which represents my whole trip.

 

3) How do you describe your 'creative process'?
 
I usually started with a sketch, sometimes on a piece of paper sometimes straight on the canvas. I usually take lots of photos and like to look through them before I started a new collection, but I don’t use the photo for a reference. I like to paint from memory and free my mind, just got lost in painting. For me painting is a meditative process and this is the only time when I forgot about anything else. Sometimes I start with an idea but during the process my idea could take another direction. At times when I am struggling with a painting and feels like I am ruined it, I leave it and come back to the piece later. Those paintings always come up like Master pieces in the end. So, I try to remind myself that I must enjoy the process and don’t think about the result.
 
 
4) Which artist, living or deceased, is the greatest inspiration to you?
 
If I can choose only one, I would say that my greatest inspiration is Van Gogh. Studying history of art play a big role in my journey as an artist. I am very much inspired by all impressionist, but I am also inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe, Peter Doig, Frank Bowing and many more.
 
5) If you weren't an artist, what would you do?
 
I have a background in fashion, and I love to design and create clothes. Being an artist is not easy path but I don’t think I would be able to stop doing it. As I am very active person alongside my art practice, I recently finished a course for a Pilates teacher, and I am training now to get my Certificate and start teaching. I am getting ready for two heavy exams, Anatomy and practical. I am mentioning that because one of my latest series of painting were inspired by my studies in anatomy. So basically, my Pilates practice is an inspiration for me. On the side I also teach art. I am certified art teacher as well.
 
6) What do you listen to for inspiration?
 
Sometimes I listen to classical music, sometimes I like to have a quiet environment. I also Like to listen Norah Jones, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters, and other musicians. It really depending on my mood.
 
 
7) If you could own one artwork, and money was no object, which piece would you acquire?
 
Van Gogh painting, I guess. Does not matter which painting.
 
8) If your dream museum or collection owner came calling, which would it be?
 
They are many so I don’t think I can choose only one.
 
9) What is your key piece of advice for artists embarking on a fine art or creative degree today?
 
To try to be authentic and don’t be afraid to explore different techniques and styles. Be persistent as well believe in you. Sometimes that could be a big doubt.
 
 
 
10) What is your favourite book of all time (fiction or non fiction)?
 
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury
 
11) If you could hang or place your artwork in one non-traditional art setting, where would that be?
 
In the Bathroom if we count it as nontraditional.
 
12) What was the biggest lesson your university course or time studying taught you?
 
Oh, that was long time ago and difficult to remember. Studying history of art was the hardest part of my studying and I think this thought me how to analyse paintings and keep using that analytical approach when I go to see exhibitions but also when I create my paintings.
 
13) And finally, if we were to fast forward 10 years, where would we find you?
 
Hm, that is a difficult one. Maybe you will find me live by the sea having an art studio with a sea view where I paint and teach art. I also want to combine my art career with my pilates practice so why now two studios next two each other. One to create art and the other to practice and teach Pilates.
 
 
 
 

Learn more about Anita and discover her collection of paintings.

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