Interview
Ione
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Up until 2021, I used to paint in a completely different style. But I always knew there was more. I'm sure you know these moments, when lost in thought or during the minutes before you fall asleep, when you sometimes have dream-like but lively visions of something? I have them often. During these moments, I would catch glimpses of pictures I didn't know where to put, showing a completely different side of me that was wild, pure and primal. Over time, this side grew stronger. During the situation the Coronavirus put us all into, this feeling became so strong that it was not avoidable anymore. So in 2021, I started to fully open up for this part of myself and to see where it will take me.
The works that resulted from this were not comparable to the artworks or even the style I previously worked in. The potential was huge and I felt that it required more: a mystery, as the new artworks themselves are. I created a large incognito project under a new name: Ione. I removed all information relating to my former work: my education, my background, my work so far. There is only the new artwork, the story and an unknown creator.
As we all know, a well polished CV is still important to many people. What might happen if only very limited information is available and I choose to work under a pseudonym? What will survive?
The project is online and open to the public since the 1st of November 2021. I am curious how it will develop.”
What inspires you most?
“The unknown or unusual, the hidden, the subconscious, and all kinds of mysteries.
Mainly, I am inspired by various authors and philosophical principles. For example, Philip K. Dick is one of my all time inspirational authors, but I also like to read old and new philosophers. On the other hand, enigmatic works like the Voynich manuscript or the Toynbee tiles boost my creative spirits too.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I pursue the unveiling of the subconscious and hidden. There are worlds in our minds, within each one of us - some of us have a strong and vivid connection to them, others a weaker one. Authors, for example, are writing about the world within themselves so that we all can join them on their journeys. J.R.R. Tolkien is a great example. His worlds are outstanding, aren't they?
At the moment, I focus on painting recurring signs and symbols from this world. But there is so much more that I see and want to reveal.”
“My connection to my own inner world is a picturesque one. I use visualization techniques that allow access to unconscious parts of the mind. This way I am able to have a closer look and travel within them more easily.”
How would you describe your work?
“My art is deeply emotional and experimental. Even though ‘experimental’ might not be the explanation others would use: abstract expressionism might fit better. But to dive into my innermost self is a profound experiment to me. To find the forms, symbols, signs and images within me and to paint with such a reduced range of materials; using mainly black and red is an experiment (and a huge relief as I found out). To hide my background is also an experiment.”
What artists influence you most?
“Artists that are driven by an idea that may seem strange to a majority of people. For example, the author Philip K. Dick and his work. Yoko Ono is another great source of inspiration. To me, her work is incredibly powerful. I also admire Kenojuak Ashevak and her work. She was such a strong woman with a deep connection to her culture. Moreover, I love Abstract Expressionism and Surrealism in general and particularly Robert Motherwell, Louise Bourgeois or Max Ernst.”
What is your creative process like?
"I use visualization techniques that allow me to see unconscious parts of my mind and to travel to what I like to call ‘the inner world’, where all influences and everything I perceive merge.
My work requires the use of black or red. Both are major and vital parts of the visualized picture itself and somehow more than just colours: BLACK is the body and RED the spirit. I write them in capital letters, because of their importance. In the conscious world they may only be colours (if you consider black a colour), but they are important parts of the world they come from. Thus they demanded names of their own.”
“While visualising, I search for pictures that stand out: recurring signs and symbols that touch me deeply. There are three of them that currently stand out the most: SIGNUM, PRIMAL and OVUM. Their shapes vary, but the principle behind them stays the same. So I usually have to create variations of each of them.”
What process, materials, techniques, etc., do you use to create your artwork?
“My range of materials is highly limited: I use mainly black and red inks on white paper or canvas and paint predominantly with my bare hands. Some paintings require the use of a pipette to create fine structures and lines. Rarely, they need finishing touches by pencil or ink pens.
I do not use paintbrushes as my work needs the direct contact of skin, paint and painting surface.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“In my opinion, the role depends heavily on the artist's personality as well as the chosen subject matter. Artists can show new ways, please the eye, elevate or irritate others with their artwork.
An artist elicits feelings and thoughts, conscious as well as subconscious.”
Website: www.ione-art.com
Instagram: @ione.artist
