ARTIST STATEMENT
I use formless substances to behold people on the flatness of my canvas.
Throughout my life I have used a variety of media. At some point, however, I understood that a life-time is not enough to truly learn something well. Thus, I chose to focus on oil and charcoal in order to have a chance. Both of these are formless and completely pliable substances that can be molded into the visions of new reality and impressions of people.
I find the essence of a person somewhere in the expression of their face and hands. I ponder on the composition, research relevant history, perform preliminary studies, calibrate the proportions, solve anatomical problems, harmonize colors, and construct perspective… All of these tasks are a prelude to the sacred instance when the subject, my canvas, and I will come to be one. Once I complete my preparation, I stand still and dive into the irrational and enigmatic search for the ineffable entity that will make my portrait to be true to the person I paint. I like to think of this entity as the soul. It doesn’t come in tubes or jars nor depends on any particular technique. …I search for it at the late hour, when time has lost its meaning and I, myself, am lost in the wilderness of my search. I search some more and don’t stop until the flatness of my canvas is looking back at me with the gaze I know, until I feel who is looking at me without turning my head to see.
I engage in these artistic pursuits because I value dialogue. Sartre felt that “hell is other people.” I think Sartre was wrong — monologue is hell. I want to make sure I am not in hell, that is my motive. Each person that I behold, I keep with me forever. Even when there is no-one here, I know that I am forever entitled to a dialogue.
BIO
Anasyasiya was born in Eastern Europe and immigrated with her parents to the US when she was fourteen. She started drawing and painting in her early childhood and received a figure-based atelier training growing up. Anastasiya’s meandering path in visual arts educational took her through the rigor of earning professional Bachelors and Masters degrees in architecture from The Cooper Union and University of Texas at Arlington, respectively. She has received additional training with established realist painters both privately and in workshops. Currently, Anastasiya is working on her PhD in Visual Arts with the focus on research-creation practices. The concoction of architecture, realism and research define her work today.
Anastasiya is recognized as an Associate Living Master by the Art Renewal Center, additionally she has been awarded recognition by the European Museum of Modern Art, National Portrait Society, Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists, Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, Poets Artists, and many others. Anastasiya’s work has been published in Beautiful Bizarre, and many Goss183 issues. Anastasiya’s work is available at by 33 Contemporary gallery in Chicago. Her work is also found in private collections across United States and around the world.