Artist’s interview: This month’s featured artist: Irina Velman
* Where do you get your inspiration from?
I am inspired by nature as well as creative process itself. Colour also inspires me a lot, so a natural theme in vibrant colours is the main subject of my art.
* Who is your favourite artist?
My all time favourite is Paul Gauguin
* What artist movement(s) do you feel most inspired by?
I feel a strong connection with post-impressionism and Russian traditional decorative art
* Talk about your art...how do you feel you art has evolved since you first picked up a paint brush? What do you aim to do within your paintings? Are you a 'clean' painter or do you need to get your hands dirty when you paint?
The first time I picked up a brush was in early childhood and my art has always been a part of my life. As we know, every child is an artist, and I was just one of those few lucky ones who never stopped painting. As my self-confidence grew over the years, my painting style evolved and became confident and bright. I never stopped seeing the world in a beautiful and mysterious way, and I hope my paintings reflect this vision.
I am a “clean” painter, I carefully plan my work and find excessive mess unnecessary and distracting.
.
* are there any exhibition/art event you went to recently that most impressed you and why were you impressed?
I visited the museum of Paul Gauguin in Tahiti and absolutely loved to see the original paintings of my favourite artist.
Here in NZ I have belonged to the west Coast Gallery for years and always enjoy their monthly exhibitions, it is amazing how much talent we have in West Auckland. Recently I travelled to Tauranga and visited The Art Lounge there, the selection of work is very impressive, a lot of colour and light.
* In your opinion, what makes good art?
In my opinion what makes good art is the combination of passion and skills. I am familiar with the opinion of some art experts that art is not so much about skills as it is about original idea, and I don’t agree with this. There are some universal laws of harmony that music, literature, dancing are based upon, and I think paining should be no exception: a lot of knowledge and practice should be there for me to call it good art. Also art for me must be aesthetically pleasing, the purpose of it to inspire people and make them happier instead of focusing on negativity.
* do you have a website?
My website is currently in progress, it is www.artbyirinavelman.com. All the latest updates on my work can be found on my Facebook art page: www.Facebook.com/artbyirinavelman
* What do you like most about Kumeu Arts Centre?
I discovered Kumeu Art Centre just recently and really enjoy it a lot: it is managed by great people who are knowledgeable and supportive, it is located on the main road and the monthly exhibitions ensure a variety of genres and styles.
* What would you like to change/improve in Kumeu Arts Centre?
I would like to see some permanent display of art work on the walls, which is not a part of monthly exhibitions, the permanent installation that can stay 3-4 months allowing more people to see it.
* Where do you get your inspiration from?
I am inspired by nature as well as creative process itself. Colour also inspires me a lot, so a natural theme in vibrant colours is the main subject of my art.
* Who is your favourite artist?
My all time favourite is Paul Gauguin
* What artist movement(s) do you feel most inspired by?
I feel a strong connection with post-impressionism and Russian traditional decorative art
* Talk about your art...how do you feel you art has evolved since you first picked up a paint brush? What do you aim to do within your paintings? Are you a 'clean' painter or do you need to get your hands dirty when you paint?
The first time I picked up a brush was in early childhood and my art has always been a part of my life. As we know, every child is an artist, and I was just one of those few lucky ones who never stopped painting. As my self-confidence grew over the years, my painting style evolved and became confident and bright. I never stopped seeing the world in a beautiful and mysterious way, and I hope my paintings reflect this vision.
I am a “clean” painter, I carefully plan my work and find excessive mess unnecessary and distracting.
.
* are there any exhibition/art event you went to recently that most impressed you and why were you impressed?
I visited the museum of Paul Gauguin in Tahiti and absolutely loved to see the original paintings of my favourite artist.
Here in NZ I have belonged to the west Coast Gallery for years and always enjoy their monthly exhibitions, it is amazing how much talent we have in West Auckland. Recently I travelled to Tauranga and visited The Art Lounge there, the selection of work is very impressive, a lot of colour and light.
* In your opinion, what makes good art?
In my opinion what makes good art is the combination of passion and skills. I am familiar with the opinion of some art experts that art is not so much about skills as it is about original idea, and I don’t agree with this. There are some universal laws of harmony that music, literature, dancing are based upon, and I think paining should be no exception: a lot of knowledge and practice should be there for me to call it good art. Also art for me must be aesthetically pleasing, the purpose of it to inspire people and make them happier instead of focusing on negativity.
* do you have a website?
My website is currently in progress, it is www.artbyirinavelman.com. All the latest updates on my work can be found on my Facebook art page: www.Facebook.com/artbyirinavelman
* What do you like most about Kumeu Arts Centre?
I discovered Kumeu Art Centre just recently and really enjoy it a lot: it is managed by great people who are knowledgeable and supportive, it is located on the main road and the monthly exhibitions ensure a variety of genres and styles.
* What would you like to change/improve in Kumeu Arts Centre?
I would like to see some permanent display of art work on the walls, which is not a part of monthly exhibitions, the permanent installation that can stay 3-4 months allowing more people to see it.