Art Chowder: What inspires you?
Victoria: Challenges. I mean, things like:“ Can I do it”?“ Can I catch a particular feel on canvas”?“ Can I break the rules and still make this composition work”?“ What if …”?
Art Chowder: Do you find the art culture here to be different than in Russia?
Victoria: The art culture is very similar, but when I was showing art in Russia it was before computers and the internet. You would get word that there was a juried show; you would take your painting, bring it and set it in front of the jury. They look at it, right in front of you, and tell you nice things or bad things— whether you are in or out, whether you are to leave it at the gallery or take it home. Now, with computers, you send a digital file and wait.
One difference is, in Russia, they are very direct. If they like something they tell you. If they don’ t like it they’ ll really tell you. In America, when I heard rejections like,“ It’ s nice, we like it, but …” I didn’ t know what to think. They were kind, but confusing. So I learned over time to understand.
" Pan " 36 x 24”- oil on canvas
" God of Grapes " 24 x 36”- oil on canvas
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