Crossroads acrylic on canvas, 30”x 24” (76x61cm) © Irena Belcovski
Brief introduction of yourself.
I am an abstract artist form Ontario, Canada, born and raised in Macedonia. I enjoy small things in life like a glass of good wine and deep conversations with my friends. I am deeply moved by the sound of music and the beauty of the visual arts. I enjoy spending my free time in art galleries and museums, looking at the paintings while they provoke grand feelings inside me. I create art because it helps me to tap into my true-self and be present in the moment, something that we seem to forget in our busy lives.
Acceptance, acrylic on canvas, 24”x 24” (61x61cm) © Irena Belcovski
Do your work engage with current events (and how) ?
My work always engages either with events from my personal life or some political or social event.
For my new series called “Identity” I was inspired by the long decades of struggle of my nation for keeping its identity, something that I can closely relate to Indigenous people here in Canada and their historic struggle in keeping their cultural traits.
Checkmate, acrylic on canvas, 24”x24” (61x61cm)© Irena Belcovski
Can you describe your typical working day?
I am lucky to have my studio at my home and I can easily have access to it any time of the day. I start every day with a cup of strong Turkish coffee, while going over my email and social media sites. If I plan to start with a new artwork, I usually begin with some sketches or color swatches in my sketchbook and later on I apply those ideas on canvas.
I paint in many layers and I am usually back and forth between my studio and my kitchen; I always cook something while waiting for the last layer to dry. Cooking is art itself, isn’t it? ☺
Which techniques do you want to try next?
When I started learning fine arts I used traditional mediums and techniques; however, I always wanted to explore and try different things. My last series of paintings was mixed media collages, something completely different from my current work.
I can say that I am definitely leaning towards the minimalist painting technique with fine, clear lines and shapes.
Reunion, acrylic on canvas, 20”x16” (50x40cm)© Irena Belcovski
Which painting would you choose for your living room and why?
If I have to choose I would go with the “Le Rêve” by Pablo Picasso, because it is a painting of passion and love. It is believed that this painting was finished in one afternoon, which means that it reflects Picasso’s truest feelings he had at that present moment. I also love the simple outlines and bold, vivid colors in it.
Discover Irena Belcovski:
www.irenabelcovski.com
www.facebook.com/Irena-Belcovski-ART
www.instagram.com/irena_belcovski_art/
Twitter :@IrrenaDb
