Interview
Nijolė Rasmussen
Nijolė Rasmussen was born and raised in Lithuania. Since 1992, she has lived in Denver, Colorado, USA. The journey through life has taken her to photography, and eventually to painting, which has been her passion for the last 12 years.
With some guidance from professional artists, Nijolė is mainly self-taught and derives her inspiration from nature, travelling, and a love of art. She enjoys reading and does so in several languages, and also loves writing poetry.
Nijolė has had many exhibitions in Denver, and one solo exhibition in Chicago.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Art has always been close to my heart, but I started creating later in life. The passion for art was with me all along, but it needed time and the right environment to bring it into focus. I took some art lessons earlier in my journey, but since then, I’ve taught myself all I know. It is a journey I have taken very seriously, and it has led me to the art world where I now reside.”
“Painting allows me to access the deepest, remotest and most private corners of my imagination; a place where I can be free to welcome many opportunities for happy accidents to occur. When I paint, it seems that my soul takes better shape. The longing for life and beauty empowers the creative process.”
What inspires you most?
“Life itself is more than enough for a painting to start developing in my mind. I am very influenced by my ambience, by the things and people surrounding me. In those moments of vibrant reality, art knocks at my door very gently, but with diligence and dedication. I am inspired to put my emotions on canvas; to use color and shape to connect with myself and the viewer.
Another source of inspiration is nature. I keep my love of nature close to my soul and heart. It helps me be authentic and true to myself. Nature responds to me, and when I respond to it, art is born. Reference to the color and shapes I see in the green of the garden is the foundation of the expression of my desire on the canvas. It can be a flower or an abstract piece; its origin is nature. It is with this indulgence of love for life that I approach a blank canvas.
Nature influences my art. Where nature ends, my abstract forms begin their journey. Perhaps the path traveled matters little. The will to arrive is sufficient. Giving preference to form, shape and color, I am led to unknown places—places where a beautiful world exists; the world I am willing to share with the like-minded. Beauty understood has this power to illuminate the senses, still the mind, and enchant the heart. My vision to interpret the reality in abstract form is my saying ‘yes’ to spirituality, beauty and life.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I paint with my soul — the joys and experiences I’ve painted are hung on the walls, witness to the readiness of my brush. Effortlessly, every canvas has lent its surface to my imagination.
As an artist, my message is the importance of beauty. Art suggests for us to be in the present moment, to be aware of beauty around and within us. Art is here to awaken a sleeping soul, to lift a weary heart, and to encourage one to take the path less traveled. My art is a remedy for a broken heart and for uneasy feelings to be lifted up.”
“Art is a harmony of nature, soul, and spirit. It gives me power to express myself without much involvement of the rational mind. This harmony, that my eyes can welcome and my soul can respond, is the result of my art.”
How would you describe your work?
“I work with acrylic on canvas, and with pastel on paper. I am also a photographer and have tried my hand in writing poetry. These are what define me as an artist.
On canvas, I express myself in abstract forms, using shapes and colors to tell the story. When I paint flowers or landscapes, it is through impressionism that I make myself known. I love using pastel for portraits and nature scenes. Working with this medium makes me feel so close to the process, and I can take as long as I want to create, not having to rush. As a photographer, I like fine art photography of nature, people, flowers and everything else that attracts my attention.”
Which artists influence you most?
“The artists that inspired me most are Van Gogh, Modigliani, Vermeer, Klimt. Also, I am fond of looking at the works of Matisse, Georgia O'Keeffe, Franz Kline and Helen Frankenthaler.”
What is your creative process like?
“I paint when I am ready. I have to be in the vibration of creativity. It is important for me to be connected to myself and my canvas. Also, it is important for me to be alone. I have developed the capacity of being by myself. Then in the quietness around me, I find my concentration. I think about what is next and I pay attention to how it feels to put color on the canvas. It is simple yet it feels profound.
I have to have a wonder in front of me—that vast landscape of imagination—in order to express my thoughts. I am always surprised by the endless wonderment that resides in the bottom of my soul. Sometimes, I don’t know what my creative process is. I just paint.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist’s role in society is to show us beauty. To show us who we are; to expand our limitations and evolve our imagination. One needs food for their soul. In our age of materialistic and technical achievements, art takes an even bigger role. It brings us back to ourselves, back to nature, back to harmony and balance within one’s soul.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I’ve had many exhibitions held in local venues in Denver, Colorado.”
Website: www.nijolerasmussen.com
Instagram: @artbynijole
