For the special Winter Flash Sale, we had the opportunity to interview the artist Evgenia Saré. She was kind enough to present to us her creative world and latest inspirations. Discover the three exclusive works of Evgenia in our Winter Flash Sale!
When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I started drawing very early in my life and I loved the theatre world. When the time came to choose a profession – there was no doubt about it – I wanted to be a scenographer.
I entered the Academy of Fine Arts which was really an “academic” education. 6 hours a day for 6 years of drawing and painting, not to mention other disciplines – art history, composition, etc.
I started working for the theatre as a student and after graduating from the Academy, my work became permanent. In total, I have directed more than 40 performances (costumes and sets) and some feature films. Parallel to my main work, I became interested in trying out different techniques – especially everything associated with prints – engravings and monotypes.
Where do you find your inspiration?
For me, in printing techniques, there is a very attractive element of mirror reflection; an element of play. I continue to make engravings, but painting is gradually taking more and more time. Especially since the painting technique I practice (oil, glaze, multi-layers and work on details) takes a lot of time and requires concentration. To put it simply, I don’t have enough time to do everything that interests me.
The material is very important to me. From the preparation of the surface of the canvas to the quality of the brush. I have now developed a technique in which I feel comfortable and confident, but along the way, there has been a lot of research. So, I stopped at a classical painting technique that was already used in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is a technique that gives you the time to think. It does not tolerate haste.
My method surprises many collectors, because our era requires much more reactive, faster techniques. Collectors experience cognitive dissonance – a clearly modern painting done in the classical technique. Some of my clients, amateurs of ancient painting, have confessed that my work is the first modern painting of their collection.
What is your creative process?
My characters are real to me, nothing human is foreign to them. The characters are sometimes placed in unusual conditions or combinations (cat or crocodile on the head), but this can happen to anyone, right? These combinations give the impression of being out of the ordinary. In fact, they are like people around us; with their worries, their thoughts, their journey, their wisdom and their kindness.
I think that my work in the theatre left a mark on my painting, in the duality of the actors playing their roles. Usual things in unusual combinations can change the meaning of any situation.
It’s a fascinating game. A game with meanings and interpretation. It’s an opportunity to look at familiar things from a completely different angle. Try it, you’ll love it.
Do you have a favourite artist or movement?
I can’t say what exactly shaped my vision of the world. Just as I can’t name a favourite artist or work. We collect everything around us, all the knowledge we accumulate over the years: we recycle it each in our own way. Of course, literature and music influence us the most emotionally.
I can never say exactly what influences my work, what serves as an impulse for a kind of composition, it’s always a bit of improvisation, in a sketch. When I start working on the canvas – the place of improvisation is taken by a measured action. Technically improvising on the canvas – it’s almost impossible.
Who are the characters in your artwork?
My characters live in their own world. They look at us, and they tell each of us what we want to hear. These characters comfort us and invite us to dream with them. They know something about us that we don’t know about ourselves. (With me, they don’t share their knowledge either). Each viewer can tell his or her story, and I think it’s a fascinating experience.
The range of colours in which I work gradually becomes clearer over the years. My paintings are brighter today than they were ten years ago, but not by much. This is done naturally, nothing has been decided in advance. I don’t have any favourite colours, how could I steal myself by preferring one colour. But often the painting itself dictates a range of colours in which he will feel comfortable.
How are the current events influencing your art?
Looking at humanity with admiration, despite some disappointments, I think that people have everything that is most beautiful on earth. I am enormously interested in observing people and analyzing their actions. More and more, I regret not being able to see human development in 100 or 200 years.
I believe that self-preservation instinct will help humans in their development. They will become more tolerant towards each other, that the natural changes of civilizations will not lead to the disappearance of good and of understanding. It is necessary to keep a lucid and positive vision of the world, and then humanity will have a chance.
What are your future projects?
Today, I cannot say anything concrete about my future projects – since the beginning of this year, many exhibitions have been cancelled and the end of this state is not yet visible. I am very happy with our collaboration with Singulart, and when I received the proposal to participate in the Winter Flash Sale, I was thrilled.
