INTERVIEW BY H. CANDEE

Interview by Harryet Candee Photography of Artist by Tasja Keetman

Motivational Interviewing Mixed media on canvas 24 x 24”

Harryet Candee: How would you define yourself as an artist? ERIKA LARSKAYA: I like to think of myself as someone who aspires to lay out otherwise fleeting and intangible experiences on physical surfaces. The abstract result allows for flexibility in how viewers relate to and interpret the artwork. I explore new ways of representing experiences through my artwork by experimenting with various mediums and supports. I hope to demonstrate the unlimited ways of interpreting our experiences and seeing the world around us, and I hope to encourage viewers of my work to expand their perceptions. I am very inspired by the natural environment and am fortunate to be surrounded by it. Flowers, grasses, and tree branches create such a beautiful web of lines, shapes, and colors that I find impossible not to embrace. In what ways was your childhood an influence on the ways you see and think as an artist today? I was lucky to have been exposed to a wide variety of art while growing up in St. Petersburg, Russia. I've been fascinated by the old masters’ paintings displayed at the Hermitage and many other museums. Though at the time I did not understand the importance of those historic pieces of artwork and architecture, they ultimately had a profound impact on my appreciation for the arts, eventually aiding me in my self-taught process.

I know you spoke of growing up in a suppressed environment in Russia and how wonderful it was to come to America to live. I would love to hear your story, please. It's been over thirty years since then. I wouldn't say it was wonderful; it was better than what I had before. At the time of my arrival to US, I didn't speak English, didn't have a job, and didn't know how to find one. But when you are young and adventurous, you are not so scared by those things. The first place I arrived at was Brighton Beach in Brooklyn NY. The abundance of consumer products was the biggest shock to my system. Today Russia is not that different from any other European country or the US.

Rain In My Coffee is very beautiful. Tell us about this painting, please. It was a very rainy day, with lots of water falling from the sky. While painting, I was listening to "Metamorphosis" by Philip Glass, which reminds me of the rain. Earlier that day, on my way to my studio, Continued on next page...

AN INTERVIEW WITH ARTIST ERIKA LARSKAYA

Rain in My Coffee Mixed media on canvas 30 x 24” Erika Larskaya

I was walking to my car. I was carrying my coffee mug as I always do. The raindrops were falling, splashing into my coffee. In that moment I felt different emotions, and I was moved. I think the painting reflects that experience in a way that words cannot.

Can you explain your development in the various styles you have explored with your art and how each phase led you to your most current one? Exploring various styles, tools, and mediums is necessary for an artist's development. We need to go through different stages to grow. Sometimes, we circle back to one we originally started with. To confirm that's the one, we must know the ones that are not and so we have to try other approaches as well. With each new exploration, I've learned something about myself and the emotional states that are evoked. Some methods of artmaking cause time at the studio to feel like torture. You can endure it if it makes sense, and you feel driven enough. It was difficult for me for some time, and I wondered, will it always be this difficult? I'm glad I now find myself at a place where artmaking is pure joy.

As far as artistic challenges are concerned between you and making art, what are some of those challenges that you can shed light on for us so we get a better understanding of the meaning and reason for what you create? I think the biggest challenge is to not let fear and overthinking take over. I can always tell by looking at my work where I was not in the right headspace. Those pieces get recycled. The art must be genuine, created without concern about it being liked or accepted. It takes practice, but it's worth the effort. Sometimes, you have this idea that your next piece must be some sort of masterpiece. I'm not sure if it's ego or sense of responsibility to the viewer and the craft itself, but that's recipe for a serious creative block. Another challenge I deal with is finding balance between creating a consistent body of work and staying motivated throughout the time it takes to complete. I might start feeling anxious to begin something new after about five pieces in! I don't have a solution for that. Ultimately, all these challenges are part of the creative and learning process, so there are no mistakes or regrets.

Advice on Leading a Better Life Mixed media on canvas 30 x 30” Erika Larskaya

Say Nothing Mixed media on canvas 48 x 24” Erika Larskaya

leled directly with inspirations leading up to your next work of art? Can you explain your thought process using a painting you have made or will make to illustrate your answer? There is one that I have brewing in my mind. It has a lot to do with someone close to me. The complexity of it is so overwhelming that I repeatedly seem to be putting it off. I'm waiting for the proper emotional response. That's what usually drives the process. If it's a sunset, it will be about how moved its magnificence makes me feel. But when it's about a loved one, that's where it gets complicated. It gives me anxiety just talking about it. (smiling)

We have gone through quiet a year, and our problem-solving skills should be at a better level due to a massive learning curve we each experienced. Have you had any profound art experiences that you have had over the year as a reaction to circumstances beyond our control? I'm not sure if I have had any overly profound experiences in the past year, other than I've realized something I've known all along - tomorrow may never come. I've always tried to live cherishing every day as a precious gift. The pandemic has intensified feelings of living in a time when we have less control over our fate to a new extent. But being isolated for a few months and spending every day in the studio painting was surreal and exciting for me. At that time, when we had little idea how things would unfold and with no other place to go but my studio, I realized that I needed to be able to do what I love most; make art. Nothing is more important than our loved ones and doing what we love to do.

Last Minute Dream is one of my favorite paintings I have seen of yours, Erika. I am wondering what the title has to do with the piece? For me, titling artwork is more challenging than making it! I often have no idea how the title will come to me, and I usually rename pieces as time goes by. For example, the original title for this painting was very literal. Then one day, I had a very colorful dream right before I woke up. All I could remember was a lot of light and colors, just like the painting. And there it was, a new title. The Last Minute Dream is currently in the show, called Chaos Theory at Spazi Gallery in Pittsfield, MA. Continued on next page....

The Sound of a Pink Sky Mixed media on canvas 24 x 24” Erika Larskaya

Summary of the Day Mixed media on canvas 24 x 24” Erika Larskaya

I think I have to agree with you on the subject of finding ourselves through the children closest to us. As you have mentioned, their openness and innocence are something we can learn a lot from as we get older. Tell us more about your closeness and relationship you have with observing children and creating your art? I think all children can teach us something we've forgotten. I believe it is important to watch and listen to them instead of telling them how to do things. There is so much wisdom in the simpler ways they perceive the world. We so frequently overcomplicate our lives with things we don't need. Only after spending time with my two-year-old grandson, when he would draw for hours on every possible surface, was I able to see it. Try telling a small child that his "dinosaur" doesn't look like one, see what happens. He was not concerned with expectations or his own doubts. His work was pure expression as is. That is liberating and empowering, but not something easily mastered by us as adults. That kind of fearless artistic expression is what I try to practice when making art.

Tell us about your life as it is today. Where is your studio, what interests do you enjoy outside of making art? My studio is in Torrington, CT. I'm working on exploring new ideas including my latest, working with crushed paper. "Sleepless Night" was one piece from the "crush" series, and it made it into a juried show at Five Points Gallery in Torrington, CT, earlier this year. Outside of making art, I love connecting with nature and going on walks and hiking. I love experiencing live music, especially jazz. I'm glad we are back to almost normal when it comes to live music performances!

Tell me about the painting Tango, please It has my kind of energy! "Tango" was a product of my mood that day, mixed with inspiration from "La Revancha Del Tango" by Gotan Project. I've been listening to that song for a few years. Many pieces were inspired by that tune. Music is often an essential part of my process. "Tango" was indeed a joy to make, hence the energy of it.

Do you have a teacher or artist in your life that is responsible for your art education and passion for being an artist? I was passionate about art before I knew what it was. As far as education goes, everyone has inspired or made an impact on me in some way. I've taken some classes in the past, but I am always learning. Every artist whose work touches my soul is my teacher.

Do you have any other careers that have brought you similar joy as being an artist? I can't say I do. Continued on next page...

Last Minute Dream Mixed media on canvas 48 x 24” Erika Larskaya

The Force of Good Mixed media on canvas 24 x 24” Erika Larskaya

Tango Mixed media on canvas 40 x 30” Erika Larskaya

Making art is more profound of an experience than the regards of selling art, do you agree or have an opinion? This is a very controversial topic. Yes, creating art is more profound, and it has a very specific purpose in our society. I don't believe it should be influenced or altered by sales. But who makes the rules? Would I decline a commission because the piece doesn't meet my personal standards of the depth of my creative process? Probably not. There must be balance, and artists need to be able to pay the bills like anyone else.

What are your thoughts on art materials, those that you use and being used by others, that need to be environmentally addressed? I'm a bit surprised that there is not enough talk about this. Studio safety has been well addressed, but not so much the impact of our practices on the environment. I seem to keep circling back to trying to find a way to create with the least amount of environmental impact without sacrificing my artistic methods. The way art materials are made is far from environmentally friendly. It's an ongoing internal conflict for me. I admire artists such as Andy Goldsworthy, who found a way of beautifully using nature's "paints" and "canvases."

Being an only child and using art as you did like it was a normal everyday activity enhanced your talents and honed your eyes to see as an artist does best. Do you regret anything that you lived through and would change if you could now look back? Since I have no way of knowing what would have become of me if things were different, I can't say that I regret my childhood experiences. And thank goodness for that, or I'd be one very miserable person. Any changes would bring different wins and challenges. I think I'd be making plenty of art no matter what.

What are some of your thoughts where you would like to be five years from now? I don't think that far in advance. It takes the fun out of life.

If there was anyone in the world past and present you would like to meet and talk with, who would that be, and why? Helen Miren. Her confidence is inspiring. I would love to experience that vibe and get to know more about her approach to life. I'd also like to meet Mikhail Baryshnikov and pick his brain about his creative process. He is relentless. Love him.

Sleepless Night Mixed media on canvas 22 x 22” Erika Larskaya

Photo of Erika by Tasja Keetman

If you were granted three wishes, what would they be? I would redesign the nature of human behavior. I would make it so that compassion always overrides fear, and the health of our environment is a priority before immediate comfort. That counts as two of the wishes. The third wish, I'd use it to alter that part of our brain that causes substance use disorders and addictive behavior.

Of all the films and books you have read, which of those are your favorite and why? The film "Stalker" by Andrei Tarkovsky is an incredible piece of work. It demonstrates the flaws in our design, our desire to expand and improve, and our inability to get there. To some, it may be a depressing thing to contemplate. However, I find it somewhat comforting. In the film there is a line which is relevant to my creative process and the way I look at life, "Weakness is a great thing, and strength is nothing. When a man is just born, he is weak and flexible. When he dies, he is hard and insensitive. When a tree is growing, it's tender and pliant. But when it's dry and hard, it dies. Hardness and strength are death's companions. Pliancy and weakness are expressions of the freshness of being. Because what has hardened will never win." In the literature category, I love "Master and Margarita," a novel by Mikhail Bulgakov. It exposes human weaknesses and strengths with a mix of seriousness and satire.

Where can we see more of your art? What is your contact info to find you? You can learn more about new paintings, photos, and videos I use for inspiration, as well as process videos on my Instagram @erika_larskaya_studio, or visit my website, www.erikalarskaya.art, to see my portfolio and CV. You can contact me via either one email elarskaya@gmail.com with any questions or requests for commissions.

Thank you, Erika. Thank you, Harryet.

H