Irina Greciuhina: One does not become an artist; one is born an artist!

What inspired you to create art and become an artist? (events, feelings, experiences...)

One does not become an artist; one is born an artist! I have always drawn, but not quite like I do now. As an architect, at some point, I felt an inner calling that led me to spend nights in the office, focusing on painting with a more serious approach, on larger formats. These larger formats became extremely important to me.

Painting is not just a hobby but a way of communicating with the surrounding world and with myself. Through the creation of artworks, I find internal harmony, expressing my emotions and experiences through colors and shapes. My paintings help me better understand myself and the surrounding world, as well as find inner balance and peace.

My works dedicated to women have become a sort of dialogue with the archetypes of my own subconscious. Art has become a language through which I can tell my story and share harmony with others. I hope that my works will touch the hearts of other people, evoke a response in them, and provide moments of inspiration and reflection. This gives meaning to my art and makes me happy. I feel that painting is more than just pictures on canvas. It is a way of interacting with the infinite fabric of human emotions and consciousness, and I am happy to be part of this wonderful web.

What is your artistic experience, techniques, and themes that you have already experimented with?

My artistic experience is, perhaps, a few lifetimes (joking). As for techniques, I have experimented with various styles and materials, but acrylic and oil are my true passions. I am very interested in combining these two materials in my works. Acrylic gives me the freedom to quickly convey bright and saturated colors, while oil allows me to play with texture and depth, creating paintings with rich details.

As for themes, my works are often dedicated to women, their inner world, and archetypes. Each work becomes a kind of exploration of the female nature and inner worlds. However, I am always ready for new experiments and exploring different themes and techniques to expand my artistic horizon.

What are 3 aspects that distinguish you from other artists, making your work unique?

My creativity is not the sum of three specific aspects that would set me apart from other artists. Rather, it expresses my unique view of the world and my inner experiences. Creativity is the art of self-expression, and each artist has their own sources of inspiration and ways to express them.

I believe that it is important not to seek differences from other artists, but to strive for sincere and profound expression of one's own feelings and ideas. My uniqueness lies in my ability to convey my own life palette through canvas and paints, making each of my works unique. Therefore, I prefer to focus on the act of creation itself and conveying what lives inside me, rather than seeking differences from other artists.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Inspiration, in my opinion, emanates from the depths of our own consciousness and soul. It's something we can't always explain rationally. It may arise in moments of solitude, in nature, in music, or in art. Inspiration is like encountering something higher than our everyday reality. It comes when we open ourselves to new experiences and truths. Perhaps it even results from spiritual seeking. However, it's important to remember that inspiration doesn't always come all at once; sometimes it requires patience and readiness to perceive its subtle signals.

What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations, or feelings do you aim to evoke in the viewer?

My artistic approach has always been connected with the search for truth and inner understanding of human nature. Through my paintings, I seek to reflect not only the world but also to instill reflections in the viewer about the meaning of life, human values, and spiritual aspects of existence.

My goal is to evoke in the viewer feelings of inner dialogue and deep reflection. I hope that my works will help people feel a deep connection with themselves and inspire inner growth and understanding of the human essence.

What is the process of creating your works? Is it spontaneous or with a long preparatory process (technical, inspiration from art classics, or others)?

The process of creating my works is an exciting journey that can begin from various sources of inspiration. I find triggers for my works in different places: classical works that I keep on the shelf in my office, photos from the internet, beautiful faces, or interesting poses.

When I find something that captivates me, the creation process begins. I shape this idea into a sketch on the tablet using an iPad. The material used to form new ideas undergoes various transformations, changes, deformations. Sometimes it's like assembling Frankenstein's monster, where different elements come together until I feel that the sketch is ready to start a new work.

Do you use a specific working technique? If yes, could you explain?

I paint with oil and acrylic on canvas, as long as I find this combination of materials interesting.

Are there any innovative aspects in your work? Can you tell us about them?

The concept of "innovation" in the context of an artist can be controversial. Often, it's associated with creating something entirely new, revolutionary in art. However, when an artist aims to speak about eternal human feelings and emotions through their creativity, it may not seem entirely innovative in its pure form. But in this context, innovation can manifest in the way of rethinking and conveying the same eternal ideas in a new context, using modern methods and forms of art. Thus, an artist becomes innovative not only by creating something entirely new but also by shedding light on already known truths in a new light.

Do you have a preferred format or environment? If yes, why?

If the question refers to the environment, like a studio, then for now, my environment is an office in the evenings after work or weekends because painting for me is a hobby, my passion, my healer.

Where do you produce your works? At home, in a shared studio, or in your own studio? And how do you organize your creative work in this space?

Most of my works are created in an architectural studio. This usually happens in the evenings when the architects finish their work and leave for home, or on weekends when no one is around. My works often require a lot of space as I prefer to work with large formats.

Additionally, I have another place that inspires me for creativity – my country house. During weekends spent there, the surrounding nature and solitude contribute to my work and inspiration.

Does your work require you to travel to meet new collectors, attend fairs, or exhibitions? If yes, what does this bring to you?

My deep interest in painting has expanded the horizons of my travels. Now, in addition to architectural and design exhibitions, I have included visiting contemporary art fairs, art exhibitions, and other art-related events in my list.

These trips bring me incredible inspiration. Meeting new collectors and exchanging experiences with other artists enriches my creative world. I am convinced that they also add new depth to my understanding of architecture and the aesthetics of harmony. It is crucial to observe how artists embody their ideas and visions; this brings me valuable lessons and helps me evolve. In our time, with access to the boundless world of the internet, I believe that learning and exchanging experiences with contemporary artists make our time remarkable and enable us to achieve incredible results.

How do you envision the evolution of your work and your career as an artist in the future?

I see the future of my artistic career as a continuous pursuit of perfection. Creativity is like air for me, and it's hard to imagine my life without it. I plan to continue painting, seeking inspiration, and evolving.

I hope for the relevance and demand for my works because the dialogue with the audience and recognition play an important role in the life of any artist.

What is the theme, style, or technique of your latest artwork?

I paint with oil and acrylic on canvas, as long as I find this combination of materials interesting.

Can you tell us about your most significant exhibition experience?

I believe that my most important exhibition experience is yet to come in the future, and that I am only beginning my journey in the world of art.