Interview
Maria Susarenko
Maria Susarenko is an artist and a member of the Russian Artist's Union. Her creative art is distinguished by bright colours, expression and art individuality.
In 2019, she received a Gold Medal in ‘The Artwork of the Year’ competition.
Maria is a graduate of the Stieglitz St. Petersburg State Academy of Art and Industry. Her artworks are in private collections in Paris, Prague, Sydney, Philadelphia, Moscow, Italy, London, Helsinki, Bogota to name a few.
Maria was born in Kostanai city in the Republic of Kazakhstan. At the age of 5, Maria attended art school where she took part in different art competitions. She also took part in the International Delphic games and was awarded a diploma for art individuality. She passed through special graphic design courses in St.Martin's College in London. Maria studied graphics and painting in studios of L.Bashkhov and I.Vasilyev.
Art is the most important part of her life. She spends at least 12 hours every day creating new graphic compositions.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I started attending art school when I was five. I finished my primary education there and attended art school for the next 11 years. For the next six years, I studied at the Russian Academy of Arts (Stieglitz Academy of Art and Industry). I received my Masters Degree in Art and Design from the same Academy. That means my art career started 24 years ago.
In 2012, I completed a Graphic art course at St Martins College in London, and went on to study fashion design at the Art Academy. But even during the fashion design classes, I found I was more interested in graphics. I'm happy that I have a classic academic education. I think it's important for every artist to have this foundation.”
What inspires you most?
“The most inspiring themes for me are cities, architectural compositions, travelling, figurative graphics and mythology. Women are the main source of inspiration for me.
However, the things that inspire me are forever changing. Currently, I’m working on a graphic series of architectural gothic compositions on canvas. Travelling and the special energy of other cities are other inspiration sources for me. I’m also creating a new series of mythological creatures. It's always interesting for me to start a new theme in my art.
Music is also an important source of inspiration for me. Music brings so many emotions; it helps me to visualize what I want to create. I also get inspired when reading about artists and their life stories.”
“I always try to express positive and happy energy in my artworks. When I create architectural compositions I want to show special energy of the city. When I create figurative painting I want to express passion and some kind of sadness. I also try to show how people are connected with deep space.”
How would you describe your work?
“I create artwork in my unique style which makes it look complicated and sophisticated. I try to create light compositions with multiple lines and colours, giving the artwork a unique and interesting look.
Being an artist is a very interesting journey, but it's also a struggle with yourself. It's hard to become popular, and also hard to keep customers interested in your work. When I decided to devote my life to art, for the first two years I didn't have money, even for food. I wanted to give up my art career many times, but something inside me helped me keep going and it worked...I guess, or not. It's still hard to say.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I love Albrecht Durer, Ingres, William Turner, Rembrandt, Botticelli, William Blake. Sometimes when I scroll Instagram I see artworks that inspire me too.”
What is your creative process like?
“I'm happy that I'm a full-time artist. I devote all my life to art. I spend 6 to 11 hours a day creating graphic artworks and paintings. Usually I already know what I want to create, so I don't create sketches but start an artwork with a liner or brush. Creating large artwork takes 7 to 9 days. My favourite theme in my art is creating mythological creatures. I love creating graphic feathers and snake skin. Creating all the small details makes me feel happy, like meditation.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Artists play different roles in the society. For example, one artist can just create artworks, hold art exhibitions and find customers that will support his art activity and living. But there is another type of artist. This one is very concerned about social problems, creating artworks, murals and graffiti along this theme. This kind of artist may not have support and may even find themselves isolated. But their work is important and it's respected.
A third type of artist creates artworks in their own manner and style and doesn't care about other people's opinions. I think that it's important not to spend a lot of time on Instagram or other sites and not to care much about what people will think or how your art will be judged. Pure art will come directly from your heart and soul.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I’ve had 9 solo art exhibitions and taken part in more than 20 group art exhibitions. The most remarkable for me is an exhibition when I was awarded with the Gold Medal: ‘The Artwork of the Year’ IFA, Saint-Petersburg, 2019.
My solo art exhibition ‘Birds&Berries’ was held at Nevsky8, Saint-Petersburg in 2020. Take a look.
In July 2021, I had an interesting solo exhibition that was held on a real ship, the Flying Dutchman, which is a restaurant now in Saint-Petersburg. It was combined with the celebration called Purple Sail and it was a very impressive and beautiful event.
My 2021 group exhibitions include:
‘Spring 2021’ - Saint-Petersburg's Artists Union.
‘What is Love’ and ‘Winter Miracle’ - both at the Molbert Gallery, Saint-Petersburg.
‘The Artworks of the Year’ - IFA, Saint-Petersburg.”
