Intriguing and Mystical world of Kukula

To be an artist takes a lot of courage. All of their inner thoughts, emotions, and experiences come tangled in an art piece. They are brought to us on amazing waves of inspiration and creative state. Feels like all of their privacy is presented to the world to judge. 

But why is art so important?

While most of our life is on autopilot and every day looks similar to the one before, looking straight into reality seems like the hardest thing to do. Taking a step forward, stepping out of your comfort zone.  Living your life unapologetically and having the courage to show what goes behind your eyes is truly inspiring.  

Artists are the definition of visualization. Taking a quiet moment in the morning, going through your dreams, and making them happen. One of these artists is Kukula, with whom we had the pleasure to work with. Her amazing spirit brought to life many of her dreams and one of our own. We are happy to share some of that inspiration with you.

Your work has a very unique signature. It feels like we could recognize your designs in million of other ones. What is integral to your work? And who is Kukula, what pushes you to create?

Has your practice changed over time? And what themes do you pursue?

Definitely and by a lot. I used to paint with acrylic and I always felt that it was not the medium for me, before I decided to take a course in oils. With time, I learned a lot from visits to museums. 

How does everyday life influences you? And tell us more about channeling your emotions into the art piece.

It's very intuitive, really. But because I studied illustration in art school and not fine art, the importance of a clear message was the main thing they tried to teach us. How to say something in just a few words, shortening the concept to a few words and then one picture is one way to bring a concept onto a canvas. With age, my goals for my work keep changing and evolving. My personal taste keeps changing too.

What memorable situation made you realize that you will conduct all of your work time into the art? And how do you keep your inspiration on the flow?

When I moved to the US, I wasn't yet committed to the idea that I'd be an artist for life, but I hated working in anything else, so I started selling cloth with my art. One of the stores wanted me to do a little show, which went very well. I posted my show online and soon got shows offered by a few galleries, and from then on, I'm only painting for a living. 

It is hard to keep inspiration, so I have to save ideas for a rainy day. I have something like an ideas bank, where I can go and pick up something to paint any time I need to. But when it comes to painting portraits, it's always about how I feel at that exact moment. Corona is very challenging regarding inspiration.

 

What is an artistic outlook on life? There is a stereotype that the artistic life is lonely, or the "Kukula Land" is a perfect place to be in?

I actually love to be with friends and go to nice restaurants and travel a lot. Seeing places is a really important part of my happiness. I think the ideal life is to make sure you have time for the good stuff. I miss going to art openings and art fairs. I miss Versailles and Paris couture week.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in your career? And is there anything you would like to share with the ones who look up to you?

My art teacher in college said, “Don't ever pay to have your own show.” Though I think it's very specific to his personal experience, I think what he really meant is to be proud and don't beg to be loved. Feel worthy of being an artist and things will work out, as long as you are talented. In some ways, a little bit of arrogance also helps with ideas, as it eliminates fears. 

We are very glad to announce our collaboration. The stunning home décor piece that we developed with you! Tell us more about your creative process in this project? Which hidden emotions lead you to the first sketches?

First of all, this is an extremely exciting project for me as well. I'm very grateful for this smooth collab. I had designed a few statues before this one, and that probably brought me to know how I would really like it to be. Sketching from three to four points of view isn't too easy.

The translation to 3D was so impressive, I couldn't believe my eyes. I think the hardest part was colors. I hope we can make many more color versions in the future. 

Product design is actually my little secret passion. I love the art of products; it makes everyday life more exciting. Why shouldn't we look at art while drinking our morning coffee?

And for the end, professionally what is your goal? And what wouldn’t you do without?

Throughout this process, we learned many new skills and improved old ones. But most importantly we got a new fresh breeze of inspiration from Kukula. Her creative strength and dedication lead us through difficulties of product creation and production. And we came out craving more and in a search for a new project.
The newest addition to our family Kukula Girl is our spoiled youngest child. Carefully nurtured and with great love presented to the world!