DPW Spotlight Interview: Iryna Khort

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings. To enter to win Iryna's painting "Amazing Colors of Nature" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.

From Iryna's DPW Gallery Page:

I have been painting for more than four years. I discovered a craving for art accidentally and I am happy herewith. Now I develop my art business and paint bright oil and acrylic paintings.

I find inspiration in birds, nature in general, and people. The bird is a symbol of the flow of thought and freedom. Freedom to think and move around - this idea is the heart of the desire itself and at the same time is an implementation of reality.

My goal is to give joy to my clients and friends through my art, to share impressions and inspire.

What did you want to be growing up?

In primary school, my teacher asked my classmates and me who we want to be when growing up. That was funny because most of the class replied that they wanted to be a teacher and I did too. Every next year my desires change, and I never thought that I would be an artist.

When did your artistic journey begin?

Several years ago, I accidentally got into the studio of an artist. In those days I earned a living in a completely different field, not related to art, and honestly, I didn't like my job. The studio was placed in the basement, however, there was a lot of space and light. Beautiful women looked at me from large paintings; stretchers, frames, canvases were everywhere, all had turned into a sense of discovery: bright images, color, and depth, the smell of paints. I had felt right at home. Since then, I have had a desire to paint.

Amazing Colors of Nature
(click to view)

Enter to win by clicking on the link at the top of the DPW home page announcing Iryna's interview.

Did you have any long periods without creative expression? How did you "get back on the horse"?

There are definitely times when I don't want to paint at all. At this time, I feel an emptiness inside. In this case, I let it go and just try to relax and do something else. And then the desire to paint comes again.

What mediums and genres do you gravitate to? Which ones don't appeal?

I like to paint birds, animals, seascapes, and the sky. I love soft mediums: oil, acrylic, charcoal. I'm not comfortable with solid materials which need focusing and tension as well as all the genre with straight lines and control, e.g. cityscapes, architecture, or transportation.

Duckling
(click to view)

What was the process like of pinpointing your personal style or finding your voice?

I'm not sure that I've already got my personal style. I think I will be on this lifelong way to search for myself and try to understand who I am. The process of the searching itself is the goal.

Name an artist, well-known or not, who you admire. Why?

Admiration for someone is not my cup of tea. Art is so subjective. There are amazing artworks that I like, and some I can't enjoy. But I love any manifestation of creativity, whether it be cave drawings of ancient people or a make-up of a teenager going to a party. I am open to the world.

Gentle Wind
(click to view)

If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger, creative self — what would that be?

I would advise myself to ponder less and paint more and never give up.

Do you utilize any habits or tricks for winning the distraction and procrastination battle?

I start with the little things. I have my own ritual. I turn off the Internet on my cellphone, put the canvas panel on the easel, squeeze the paints out of the tubes onto the palette and turn on pleasant music. All these little things bring me into working condition.

Tiny Friend
(click to view)

In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you push forward?

I try to keep myself busy. Most often, I do only what brings me joy. Thereby I try to avoid plunging into the uncertainty, which only takes away the strength.

What are some of your long and short term goals for yourself or your art?

I am going to develop my small art business, my skills, not only in painting but in taking a photo, video, keeping social media, etc. In the long term I want to have a bigger studio or own an art gallery where I would be able to paint, teach, have different exhibitions or other art projects.

Colorful Toucan
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

Success is being yourself, doing what you love, whatever it is.

What is one of your proudest moments in your creative life?

It is the moment when I overcame my fears and started just painting.

Thanks, Iryna!

© 2021 Sophie Marine