Interview
Awiar
Awiar is a Quebec-based artist who captures the beauty of the world around her through vibrant colors and expressive brushstrokes. She finds beauty in chaos and seek to capture the energy that emanates from every subject. Her art invites you to explore and get lost in the colors and emotions that burst from the canvas. It's a journey of self-discovery and an ode to the power of self-expression.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My name is Awiar, an internationally recognized visual artist hailing from Quebec, Canada. I've been painting for as long as I can remember. Creating art has always been a part of who I am, and it's something that I'm truly passionate about. While I've dabbled in other forms of art, like short stories, poetry, photography, and collage, painting is where my heart truly lies. My childhood played a significant role in shaping my creative abilities. Growing up in a family with a strong artistic background and numerous challenges, my mother's words of encouragement, "there is always a way! You just have to look for it outside the box!" left a lasting impression on me.
From a young age, I was fascinated by art and enjoyed repurposing materials, painting, and rearranging things. I have always had a passion for creating and transforming objects into something new and unique. I have a distinct memory from when I was around 12 or 13 years old; my younger sister needed wrapping paper for a gift but we didn't have any at home. Being the older sibling, I grabbed my watercolors and the biggest piece of paper I could find, and with a splash here and a swoosh there, I created a handmade, one-of-a-kind wrapping paper! I'm not sure if the composition or color theory was correct, but I felt an immense sense of happiness and pride in creating something beautiful. That feeling has stayed with me throughout the years, and I still experience that same joy every time I complete a new artwork.”
What inspires you?
“As an artist, I find inspiration in the chaos of the world around me. I believe that chaos is a natural part of life, and it creates a beauty that's all its own. When you look closely, everything appears messy and blurry, but if you take a step back, you see the order in the chaos. Every living thing, from people to flowers to water, has a field of energy that surrounds it. I feel that energy, and I seek to capture it in my paintings. I believe that there's beauty in the energy that emanates from every subject matter, and I strive to bring that to the canvas.
My paintings are a reflection of the energy and order that I see in the chaos of the world. I use bold colors and expressive brushstrokes to capture the essence of every subject matter and the energy that surrounds it. I believe that my paintings are not just a visual experience but an emotional journey that takes you through the depths of your soul. Through my art, I try to invite the audience to see the beauty in the chaos of the world and to appreciate the energy that surrounds every living thing. I believe that there's a balance in the chaos, and my paintings seek to capture that balance.”
“I find inspiration in the chaos of the world around me. I believe that chaos is a natural part of life, and it creates a beauty that's all its own.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I am passionate about painting portraits merged with beautiful elements of nature, especially flowers. I also love to paint nature itself, as it provides a canvas that is ever-changing and full of surprises. While my subject matter may differ, I strive to maintain consistency in the colors and style of my paintings, which I believe conveys the energy that flows around the subject matter. I use bold colors and expressive brushstrokes to capture the essence of every moment, and I believe that the energy and emotion in my paintings are just as important as the subject itself.
Through my paintings, I seek to convey the beauty of the natural world and the power of connection between humans and nature. I want my viewers to appreciate the intricate relationship between the two and to feel the energy that emanates from every living thing. My underlying message in my work is one of harmony and balance. I believe that the natural world and the human form are not separate entities, but rather part of a larger whole. My paintings are a celebration of that connection and the beauty that can be found in the merging of the two. I hope that my art inspires others to appreciate the beauty in their surroundings and to find harmony and balance in their own lives.”
How would you describe your work?
“I would describe my work as vibrant, expressive, and emotive. My artworks can be described as chaotic and imperfect, much like the world around us. However, amidst this chaos, I aim to create something that brings joy and beauty. I believe that imperfection can be a source of great inspiration and that even the most chaotic of scenes can hold a certain kind of beauty. Overall, my artwork reflects my deep love and appreciation for the natural world, and I hope that it inspires others to see the beauty in imperfection and to find joy in the chaos of everyday life.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Many artists have had a profound impact on the world of art, and it is difficult to name just a few who have influenced my work. However, some of the artists whose work has inspired me include Vincent Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, Claude Monet, and Georgia O'Keeffe. Van Gogh's use of vibrant colors and expressive brushstrokes, as well as his ability to capture the beauty of everyday life, have been a source of inspiration for many artists, myself included. Similarly, Kahlo's emotive and deeply personal portraits, which often featured elements of nature and the natural world, have also had a profound impact on my work. Monet's impressionistic landscapes and his use of light and color to create a sense of atmosphere have also influenced my work.
And finally, O'Keeffe's use of bold and vibrant colors, as well as her ability to capture the essence of nature in her paintings, have also been a source of inspiration. Overall, the work of many great artists has influenced my own artistic style, and I continue to draw inspiration from a wide range of sources in my creative process.”
What is your creative process like?
“Every artist has their own unique creative process, but mine typically begins with a spark of inspiration. This can come from anything, whether it's a beautiful sunset, a song or a powerful emotion that I'm feeling. From there, I begin to sketch out my ideas, experimenting with different compositions and color schemes. Once I have a rough idea of what I want to create, I start to work on the painting itself. I use a variety of techniques, including layering, blending, and dry brushing, to create the effects that I'm looking for. I also focus on capturing the energy and emotion of the moment, using bold and expressive brushstrokes to bring my subjects to life on the canvas.
Throughout the painting process, I'm constantly making adjustments and refining my technique, experimenting with different colors and textures until I'm happy with the final result. Once the painting is complete, I step back and evaluate it, making any final touch-ups or tweaks as needed. Overall, my creative process is a combination of planning and spontaneity, with a focus on capturing the essence of the moment and conveying it through my art.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I think, an artist's role in society is multifaceted and constantly evolving. At its core, an artist's role is to create works of art that bring beauty and inspiration to the world, while also reflecting the artist's unique perspective and experiences. In addition to creating works of art, artists also play a critical role in society by providing commentary on the world around us. Through their art, they can shine a light on important social issues, raise awareness about important causes, and challenge the status quo.
As society evolves, so too does the role of the artist. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of art in promoting mental health and wellbeing, as well as in providing a platform for underrepresented voices to be heard. In the future, I believe that artists will continue to play an important role in society, as they continue to push boundaries and challenge the status quo.
As technology continues to advance, we may also see new forms of art emerging, as artists experiment with new mediums and techniques to create works that are both beautiful and thought-provoking. Overall, the role of the artist in society is complex and multifaceted, but it remains an essential part of our cultural landscape, providing beauty, inspiration, and a platform for self-expression.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I took part in the Paris International Art Fair in January 2023 where 2 of my artworks were displayed for the duration of the art fair. In addition to the Paris International Art Fair, I also participated in an online art exhibition called "All is Love" represented by Monat Gallery in Spain.”
