Interview
Sofiia Spivakova
Growing up in Kyiv, Sofiia always had this pervasive feeling of worthlessness, unimportance, and being undeserving of attention. Despite being captivated by visual art, she could never bring herself to create, paralyzed by a fear of the blank canvas. Reflecting on her past, she realizes that these emotions stemmed from the oppressive regime of the Soviet Union, under which Ukraine remained until 1991. The regime treated its people as disposable entities, and this attitude was deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness, affecting Sofiia profoundly. In 2014, a significant turning point occurred when Sofiia relocated to California. It was there that she gradually started engaging in artistic activities such as drawing, crafting, and painting alongside her daughter.
Through this process, Sofiia discovered a newfound joy that helped her overcome her mental and creative block. Encouraged by this newfound passion, she made the decision to pursue her artistic aspirations more seriously, eventually completing the Milan Art Institute Mastery Program. Initially, Sofiia's artistic portfolio primarily focused on depicting strong and determined women with captivating appearances. She portrayed them against whimsical backdrops that accentuated their resilience and assertiveness. However, she felt compelled to go beyond this and explore different techniques and styles. This exploration led her into the realm of non-objective abstract art, broadening her horizons while still maintaining a significant emphasis on portraiture. Embracing non-objective abstract art brought Sofiia a sense of artistic freedom, motivating her to find ways to merge her two passions: abstracts and portraits. Driven by her growing fascination with abstract painting, Sofiia began experimenting with creating abstract portraits. Her aim was to capture the essence and emotions of her subjects while presenting them in an abstract manner. Women, in particular, served as her primary source of inspiration, as Sofiia strived to convey their diverse range of emotions, feelings, and states through her artwork, ultimately highlighting their worth and significance. Throughout her artistic journey, Sofiia embarked on numerous experiments and trials, eventually discovering a unique style that viewers now recognize as the "Paper clips style" in soft pastels, as well as texturized figurative abstract in mixed media. Sofiia's work gained recognition when it was exhibited at the Gray Matter Museums of Art in San Clemente, where she held successful art shows. She participated in Art Walk in Orange and Oceanside, experiencing great success. Additionally, her painting titled "Flames and Flow" won the uniqueness category at the Milan Art Club, further affirming her artistic talent and vision. Currently, her paintings are displayed in the North Coastal Art Gallery.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“During my childhood, I immersed myself in the world of art, largely influenced by my elder sister who graduated from art school. She not only introduced me to renowned art masters but also adorned our house with her own exhibited artworks, creating an environment that fueled my admiration for artistic expression. Through her, I developed a keen sense of visual taste, finding inspiration in the beautiful creations that surrounded me. Despite this early exposure, and art classes that I attended, I hesitated to pick up a paintbrush myself. The fear of producing something less than aesthetically pleasing held me back, and I doubted my ability to create something truly beautiful. It wasn't until later in life, after the birth of my daughter, that I felt the pull to reintroduce art into my world. I took several drawing courses and experimented with liquid paint, delving into the mesmerizing world of fluid art. This marked the beginning of my journey back into the realm of artistic creation. The turning point came when I enrolled in the Milan Art Mastery program. Graduating from this program became a pivotal moment that propelled me into a deep exploration of my artistic voice. It was there that I gained the confidence to develop series of paintings, breaking free from the fear of an unsatisfactory outcome. The program not only honed my technical skills but also provided a platform for me to express myself authentically through my art.”
What inspires you?
“My inspiration is a vibrant mosaic woven from the rich tapestry of the world around me. Visually, I find inspiration in the elegance that surrounds us - whether it be the evocative strokes of fellow artists, the harmonious blend of colors in fashion, the intricate details of a well-crafted dish, the aesthetic allure of interior spaces, or the awe-inspiring beauty of nature in its myriad forms. Each element contributes to my visual vocabulary, shaping my perception and influencing the way I express myself on canvas. Beyond the aesthetics, my thematic inspiration springs from the well of human experience and emotion. People and their feelings become a profound source of creative energy. Exploring the intricacies of relationships, the dynamics of joy and sorrow, and the pursuit of what truly matters in the quest for happiness all serve as thematic anchors in my artistic endeavors.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Within my artistic pursuits, I gravitate towards themes that encapsulate the intricacies of the human experience and explore the depths of self-discovery. The concept of self-worth and acceptance is a cornerstone of my artistic expression. Through my creations, I aim to convey the importance of embracing one's unique qualities, acknowledging individual worth, and fostering self-acceptance. Another thread woven into the fabric of my art is the value of moments. Life is an intricate series of fleeting instances, and I strive to capture the essence of these ephemeral moments in my work. Whether it's the quiet beauty of a contemplative pause, the joy encapsulated in loved ones being together, or the creative moment compared to levitation, each painting becomes a visual ode to the significance of cherishing the present and appreciating the richness of life.”
How would you describe your work?
“My art consists of two branches: figurative abstract and contemporary portraits in “paper clip style”. I bring figures to abstract, and abstract to portraits, which gives me the possibility to depict fully amoutions, states, and themes. My artistic approach can be encapsulated as an exploration of intuitive abstraction seamlessly interwoven with figurative elements. I embark on a creative journey where the boundaries between form and abstraction blur, giving rise to compositions that evoke a sense of fluidity and spontaneity. My contemporary portraits are infused with a distinctive "paper clip style” that involves a fusion of realistically though visually textured look, and hair visually created by tangled paper lips that brings contemporary vibes.”
Which artists influence you most?
“My artistic journey is profoundly shaped by a diverse array of influences, drawn from both contemporary artists and the timeless mastery of old masters. As I immerse myself in the vast sea of paintings and drawings, both from modern creators and classical visionaries, my mind becomes a curator, meticulously selecting elements, color combinations, techniques, and textures that resonate with me on a profound level.
Among the artists who have left an indelible mark on my creative consciousness, Gustav Klimt stands out as a beacon of inspiration. His intricate use of symbolism, mesmerizing golden tones, and the way he weaves emotion into every brushstroke have significantly influenced my exploration of visual storytelling. Klimt's ability to infuse meaning into every detail serves as a guiding light in my own quest to convey depth and narrative within my artwork. Albrecht Dürer, with his unparalleled skill in draughtsmanship and engraving, has also played a crucial role in shaping my artistic sensibilities. His meticulous attention to detail and the precision with which he captures the essence of his subjects inspire me to push the boundaries of my technical capabilities, fostering a commitment to craftsmanship in my creations. The ethereal ballet scenes and captivating use of light by Edgar Degas have left an enduring imprint on my approach to composition and atmosphere. His ability to portray movement and emotion within his subjects has influenced my exploration of figurative elements, pushing me to infuse vitality and dynamism into my own portrayals. Toulouse-Lautrec's distinctive style, marked by bold lines and vibrant colors, resonates deeply with me. His ability to capture the essence of his subjects in an expressive and unconventional manner has encouraged me to embrace my own unique visual language, characterized by a "paper clip style" in contemporary portraiture.”
“My inspiration is a vibrant mosaic woven from the rich tapestry of the world around me.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process is a dynamic and immersive journey that begins with the inception of a vision or theme. This initial spark ignites a mental canvas where I visualize images and scenes, allowing my imagination to weave a narrative that guides the artistic endeavor. From this conceptual foundation, I transition into the realm of color exploration, carefully selecting dominant hues and complementary shades that will define the emotional and visual tone of the piece. The canvas preparation is a crucial next step, where I meticulously prime and treat the surface in a particular way that complements the intended aesthetic. This sets the stage for the intuitive and spontaneous creation of abstract elements. As I engage with the canvas, I surrender to the fluidity of the creative process, allowing my emotions and instincts to dictate brushstrokes, textures, and forms.
Upon completing the abstract foundation, I take a deliberate pause to closely examine the intricate details within the chaos of abstraction. It is in this reflective moment that I begin to discern emerging figures and shapes that have organically surfaced within the abstract composition. These hidden elements act as catalysts, sparking the transition from the purely abstract to the incorporation of figurative elements. The figurative stage involves a meticulous search for references that align with the envisioned form. These references serve as anchors, providing a more specific visual framework for the figures taking shape in my mind. The subsequent phase sees the fusion of the abstract and the figurative, a delicate dance where the two realms harmoniously coalesce. The ultimate goal is to create a seamless and symbiotic relationship between the abstract and the figurative—an artistic marriage that transforms the initial vision into a tangible, evocative piece. This layered and multifaceted approach results in artworks that carry the essence of both intentional planning and spontaneous creation, inviting viewers to explore the nuanced interplay of form, color, and emotion within each piece.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist's role in society is akin to that of a mirror reflecting the ever-changing landscape of the world and the collective emotions that shape it. It goes beyond mere representation, delving into the realm of interpretation and expression. Artists act as storytellers, capturing not just the visible facets of reality but also the intangible nuances of human experience. In essence, artists hold a unique responsibility to illuminate the unspoken, the felt but unnamed, and the thoughts that linger in the collective consciousness. They possess the ability to provide a visual language to the sentiments and perspectives that may elude verbal articulation. Through their creations, artists act as cultural commentators, offering insight into the prevailing tendencies, events, and societal shifts. As the artistic landscape evolves, so too does the artist's role in society. There is a discernible trend toward increased inventiveness, with artists seamlessly blending different mediums and incorporating cutting-edge technologies into their work. This dynamic fusion serves to enhance the impact and essence of the messages they seek to convey. The integration of diverse mediums allows artists to transcend traditional boundaries, offering audiences a more immersive and multi-sensory experience. Whether it's the convergence of visual arts with digital technology, the incorporation of interactive elements, or the fusion of traditional and contemporary techniques, this innovative approach enables artists to communicate with greater depth and resonance.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“As I gear up for the March Art show in Los Angeles, I reflect on the enriching exhibition experiences of the past year. Participating in Art shows in Orange County and Los Angeles, along with a group show at the North Coastal Art Gallery, provided unique opportunities for showcasing my work within diverse artistic communities.”
