Janis Zingitis

Janis Zingitis Artist Statement

The World has Soul. Soul is present in all things, dead and living. Soul is present in every aspect of life (and death). Sometimes people deny existence of Soul; this denial is also an aspect of Soul.

People feel Soul’s presence because soul manifests itself. I feel Soul in politics, business, sports, science, travel, on the street, at home, in nature, everywhere. I feel Soul in arts. Arts are a way through which Soul expresses Itself, becomes perceptible.

Artist is an instrument in the Soul’s hands. Soul uses the artist as a tool to render Itself. Soul participates in creation of the artwork. This applies to all forms of art: music, dance, theater, cinema, poetry, you name it. Painting is no different.

In painting, Soul manifests itself. Painting is a window that allows people to see Soul. When making a painting, painter uses the means of artistic expression, such as composition, colors, lines, shapes, brushstrokes etc. But the overall feeling in the painting comes from somewhere else, from somewhere beyond the control of the painter. I believe it comes from Soul.

I have undergone a rigorous and lengthy art training under the Soviet art education system. In my art I am applying the skills I learned in school. Some skills I have learned myself, in my independent career as a painter. Some skills I have borrowed from fellow artists and art students. I am using them in the painting process. Sometimes these skills help; sometimes they get in the way. I consider my professional skills tools. The important thing is the force that gives me inspiration to paint, drives me forward. I hope this force comes from Soul.