Making your dream come to reality can be a difficult path. It easily becomes one of the most challenging times of your life. Take a couple of moments and read the amazing path of one strong woman who left her job in the banking industry and decided to wake up the child in her. To develop her creativity and live a more fulfilled life. An inspiration you maybe didn't know you need.
Where are you from? Where does the art journey start for you?
I was born and live in Russia. Now I live in the city of Yekaterinburg. Since childhood, I have been very fond of drawing and needlework lessons. But my journey into art began much later. After high school, I studied economics. And after the university got a job in a bank. I worked in the banking industry for over 7 years before realizing that I was moving in the wrong direction. My work was very stressful and I found solace in making small toys. Since then it's not just a hobby, it's a part of my life.
What is the first emotion that drives you towards creating an art piece? Do you recognize the connection immediately and let yourself flow on the creative process? Or do you "bake" the inspiration for some time?
The creation of my works begins with excitement and joy, as well as the desire to quickly begin to embody my ideas.
When an idea is born in my head, all concentration is focused only on it. And until the result appears in my hands, it’s hard for me to think about something else. Therefore, I can say that the connection is recognized immediately. I give free rein to my hands and in the process supplement the work with new ideas.
What is the back story of your design? Because every one of us sees the world through separate lenses. How hard it must be to transfer it to other people?
Since childhood, I have had a special love for small toys and animals. The versatility of our surrounding world, its beauty, help to generate new ideas for my work. My works hint at the children's perception of the world of each of us. After all, regardless of age, a small child lives in every person.
Everyone understands my work in their own way. But most people see exactly what I want to convey to this world.
When it comes to making a living from your art, what are the main struggles? And what would be your advice for starting artists?
Initially I was very insecure about my work. I have always felt uncomfortable taking money for my work. But reality dictates its own rules. Sometimes you need to overcome your fears and keep up with the times.
Doing what you love and earning income from it is a very good motivation.
I would like to advise novice artists to believe in themselves and love their work. Never give up. Success does not always come immediately, sometimes it takes years.
What do you prefer, single pieces or storytelling through a whole project? And what approach do you use in each case?
Since I have a small child, there is often not enough time to implement large projects. Therefore, I easily take on smaller projects, but at the same time I do large ones. Usually I do several projects at once, as the number of ideas in my head requires immediate implementation. Wherever I go, I always take my little suitcase full of tools with me. So I feel more confident. And I can get down to business, even being far from home.
Why do you use certain materials? What connects you with them, and makes you feel they are perfect for your art piece?
I love mixed media in my work. I can work with clay, wool and fabric. But my favorite is plain cotton fabric. I am always curious to observe how a doll or a small toy is born from a small piece of fabric. With the help of paints and a brush, you can draw any facial expression, any pattern on clothes. The fabric accepts my every decision and is the best material for my work.
What does ART, in general, mean to you?
Art is one of the most powerful energies in our world. With the help of it, spiritual wounds are treated, feelings and emotions are expressed. Our whole beautiful life is art.
The FOURLINEdesign team would like to thank Nadya Obelets for sharing inspiring thoughts with our community.