Interview
Ksenia Lutsenko
Ksenia is a self-taught artist. With a focus on nature and wildlife, her work is designed to make your walls and clothes colorful.
To create her works, Ksenia uses watercolors, pastels and textile painting
What is your background and how did you start your journey?
“Like almost all other artists, I’ve been into painting since childhood, and this interest stemmed my father. He graduated from art school, and it was true magic for me to see what amazing drawings came out of a simple pencil and paper. To see how lines could convert into something utterly beautiful and realistic.
I remember the day I got tutorial painting books for my birthday. I practiced every day, trying again and again, drawing circles and making perfect hatching. I also remember dreaming about a large set of pencils like the ones I’d seen in one of those art books. Little did I know that I would have a huge art collection of materials, enough to open my own art supply shop.
The art society can be cruel, dividing artists into self-taught and professionals with an art degree. If I don’t take into account all the numerous art courses I took, I’ll say that I’m in the first group, those who are self-taught. Although I have a degree, two master’s degrees as well as vast experience working in different fields, art has always been my hobby and my space of freedom. Little by little, it made me believe that one day I would make a living from my artworks.”
What inspires you most?
“Every time my painting finds a home, I realize that what I’m doing is meaningful and important. That my art can heal souls, highlight someone’s individuality, or create a cozy atmosphere.
Someone lost their beloved pet and commissioned a portrait. The portrait helped them live through the pain of loss. For another person, there is a symbolic meaning in the picture that reminds them of youth and happy moments, and for yet another person, it’s a wonderful and unique gift that will bring a smile and decorate the house.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I really enjoy painting wildlife and nature since I want to capture this beauty. I also want to let others see the ordinary things from a new perspective. My art sends a message about the fragility of this world. I want them to see its beauty and realize that this world needs to be protected.
Occasionally, I paint people, but they are always a means to convey some strong emotions, or reflect cultural and social aspects.”
“Everyone believes in magic in their own way. For some, it’s Santa Claus or fairies and wizards from a wonderland. Others believe in affirmation or that the universe will realize their wishes if they visualize them.
My magic begins when I pick up a pencil. I get an incredible feeling that something amazing will happen, and sometimes even I’m surprised by the outcome.”
How would you describe your work?
“I love combining realism with impressionism. My work is reality through emotion. It’s a combination of colors, textures and meticulous details. Subtle details allow me to highlight the most important things, texture makes the painting seem alive and real, while vivid strokes create an atmosphere of a certain emotion.”
Which artists influence you most?
“It’s really difficult to choose, it seems I have an endless list. However, I will name Picasso and Dali, not only because of their style, but also because of their attitude. There are both rebellious and very inspiring artists.
My true inspiration comes from modern artists, regardless of whether they are amateurs or beginners. I appreciate that they always have passion for art, experiment, and reflection of current social and even political issues. I enjoy seeing the ideas of the classics being transformed into modern products.”
What is your creative process like?
“I love order and organizing things. All art materials are clearly structured, and I always make swatch charts of all materials I have or buy. I can find any paint with my eyes closed. I guess studying for one of my Master’s degree which was related to China and Asia, has had a significant impact on my art. In oriental painting, the author arranges all objects in a certain way so as to minimize distracted during the process, and limit time spent on unnecessary movements.
I always think about the composition, even as I make a color palette for the picture. As a result, such a competent organization of art supplies on the table, and a color scheme and mood of the intended painting allows me to accomplish the initial idea, while leaving space for improvisation. A clear plan and organization of the process gives me total freedom to think only about the painting. There is nothing worse than trying to find the right color pencil or paint in the middle of the process.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“The beauty of emotion and empathy is probably the main thing in my work. I try to show the value, fragility, and beauty of this world through art that combines European and Eastern principles. I show the uniqueness of each, and how at the same time, they all look alike.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“An exhibition is far down on my bucket list. I first want to find a place where people will come and admire the artwork, simply because there is an emotion and theme that resonates with them.
I’d like it to be a little cozy places. I can share it with several authors with a similar theme and idea. I really don’t like the idea of exhibition. Just because one is an artist, you should not be obliged to participate in exhibitions simply because you must replenish your list of merit.”
Website: www.ksenialutsenko
Instagram: @xenia.lutsenko
