THERE Are Many

things in the world that bring happiness: money, comfort, fashion, travel. But art occupies a separate place in the life of every person. It can be understood or disliked, appreciated or ignored. But it is art that gradually, drop by drop, fills our life with a special type of happiness unlike anything else. Due to the incomparable pleasure that is brought onto us while reflecting on objects like paintings, art can have a huge aesthetic potential. It’s difficult to find a person who would choose not to look at works of art, as art has the power to free us from repetitive thoughts, break bad habits, and even relieve anxiety. By looking at art, listening to music, or reading a novel; we, even for a few minutes, can calm down and find harmony.

For thousands of years, humanity has been observing itself through the eyes of artists. In museums and galleries, we can see examples of historical art like Ancient Greek sculptures and figurines that tell us about the tastes and religious views of their creators. Each artist's collection of work, and the styles they chose to use, reflect upon their denial of public sentiments and foundations that reigned in those days. Observing and trying to understand the creations made by artists of the past is to perceive their spiritual experience — to hear their voice.

Art is a language that goes beyond words — it tells our stories — it embodies the relationship between artist, artwork and audience. It's interactive. For example, dancers can convey emotions and stories through movement; fashion designers: through style, shape and texture of fabrics. Visual artists convey these ideas through elements like color, images and associations.

Who Can Call Themselves an Artist?

I think those who can say something to the world. Even if these are small sketches — drawn, written, printed; on scraps of paper, cardboard, even a napkin. It doesn't matter when and where they were drawn and written, it is important that they carry an idea, thought, or emotion. Works of art cannot be out of date, old, or useless to anyone. They accompany the artist all their life. Their works are always there as faithful friends! They will not run away from them, they will not betray, they will not hide. Of course, there are always dissatisfied people. Skeptics. Envious people. However, this is not a reason to leave — to give up everything just because someone does not like what you are doing!

The essence of the artist is not in their education or their ability to earn a diploma, but in their artwork. If their pieces touch your soul — make you think and feel, then this is real art created by the artist. Paul Gauguin did not have a diploma, he worked as a stock broker before he began imagining himself as an artist and creating world famous masterpieces. Jack Vettriano did not have a degree, but his work "The Singing Butler" sold for $1.3 million. Maurice Utrillo did not have a diploma, but at 42 he received the Legion of Honor for his contribution to the arts.

Maurice de Vlaminck also did not have a diploma, but his work had a major impact on the Impressionists. The famous American artist Anna Mary Robertson Moses (aka Grandma Moses), began painting at the age of 67 while suffering from arthritis and enduring the death of her husband. Although she had no formal art education, her painting was noticed by a New York collector while being displayed in the window of her home. He offered to hold an exhibition of her work, and soon, the paintings of Grandma Moses quickly became so popular that her exhibitions were held in many European countries, as well as in Japan. At the age of 89, Anna Mary Robertson Moses received an award from US President Harry Truman. The list is endless. An artist can be big or small, depending on the scale of their talent; but if they are sincere, they will be interesting. 

I am an illustrator, born in Moscow. I began to draw when I was a child and have always been attracted to the way artists can convey their vision of the real and non-real world to the canvas, bringing their ideas to life and showing them to the audience. Why am I drawing? This is one of my methods of unobtrusive communication with the world, a kind of meditation. My ideas and drawings are an opportunity for me to break out of the routine, to have the possibility of joy, the possibility of experiences, the ability to look and see a little differently. My work is an attempt to convey moods and sensations — elusive and inexpressible vibes. This is a balance between life and artistic reality, a kind of fine line when the ordinary, faced with the imagination, turns into an idea and is embodied in a canvas. I find a lot of things in nature have an alluring “can't look away” feeling, as if the object of interest is staring right back into you. I talk a lot about the beauty in the ordinary. About how often in the bustle of life, much remains unnoticed and seems insignificant. I talk about the fragility and majesty of the nature within each person. About that which is not visible, but is impossible to exist without.

If an artist had a painting and considered it a masterpiece, this would be their end. When I work on a new piece and think to myself “I'm great”, this "great" lasts no more than three days. And then doubts begin — it could have been done differently, better, more powerful. As long as the artist is not satisfied, they live, create and remain an artist. Each artist finds methods to depict their own unique world into their paintings and convey their thoughts to the audience. My viewer can always find me, and that is the main thing. It is sincerity. If you yourself like what you are doing, then the viewer can feel it too.

Man, Unlike Many Animals,

is born weak and defenseless, and remains so for many years. One of the most powerful tools of self-defense given to us by nature is our brain and its ability to understand and explain what is happening — understanding to foresee. Art will never be forgotten by humanity, it exists outside of time. Thanks to art, people are able to capture what they want to show to future generations, as well as what they want to leave forever in the memory of mankind. After all, by keeping the memory of the past, we develop values in the form of moral principles, traditions, and culture; all of which we would like to preserve for many years.