YELENA REVIS - INTERVIEW

I’ve been painting and drawing since my early childhood, as far as I can remember. I always had a rich imagination, which I embodied with paints on paper. I was known as that 'artistic kid' since I was a child and was known for my vivid imagination which found expression in drawing, painting and storytelling. Painting became my everyday practice, my source of energy, my dialogue with the world, my research of my own inner world. I graduated from the art school and then completed Master of Fine Arts in Painting at Omsk State University, Russia with First Class Honours. After completing my master’s degree, I began my 14 years career as a Fine Arts lecturer at the same university. During my work at the university, I completed Advanced Master Course in Fine Arts at the Repin State Academic Institute St. Petersburg, as well as a Professional Fine Arts Master Class at Surikov State Academic Art Institute in Moscow.

I’m currently working with acrylic paint using painting/palette knives together with brushes. I paint in my own style, a multi-layered paint overlay. First, I create a random texture on canvas using special technology. After this I read the canvas, looking for shapes and/or patterns. So these images will be the foundation of the future painting. After the texture is completely dry, I randomly lay the first layers of paint, eventually increasing search for harmony of its composition. This is to create an abstract work by playing with shapes and colours, constantly seeking balance. I use various methods of work, make my own colours, pass the brush knife, transparent layers of thick paint poses. Each subsequent coat of paint falls on the painting after complete drying. Thus, the painting is obtained with a number of shades and colour combinations. This makes painting with a rich texture, with rich colour and the desire to peer into every detail. This format is full of energy, intensity and emotion. Abstract artworks ask us to go beyond our knowledge of what we see, know and understand. They open up our imagination and explore our world of meanings about the artwork we are experiencing.

Throughout my career, I’ve accumulated a vast repertoire of artistic techniques that have allowed me to better illustrate my intentions as an artist. My aim is to create unforgettable works and impart a deep emotional connection between objects and human beings whenever I begin a new piece. As a result, most of my work conveys the synthesis between Eastern and Western art, the figurative and the abstract, and the real and imaginary. What drives my art practice is an openness to possibilities, and a willingness to take on new challenges and engage creatively as often and in as many ways as I can. A very important aspect of work for an artist is the opportunity to have fun and enjoy the process. My art distracts viewers from daily worries and daily routines. During my art life I went through several periods and styles. It was very interesting for me to study surreal art and I felt the influence of such artists as Salvador Dali, Rene Magritte, Gustav Klimt and devoted large period to surreal figurative symbolism.

My inspirations come from everyday life, an assortment of animals, nature, people and places. I am inspired by colour, shapes and movement. I love experimenting with mixed mediums, oils, acrylics, charcoal and inks to create different styles and textures. My paintings are inspired by memory, meditation, music and the culture and essence of Australian nature. I’m captured by the beauty of Australian landscapes, the colours of the ocean at different times of the day, magnificent sunrises and sunsets, urban architecture. All these is reflected in my works. Nature is a constant inspiration in my work. I have always loved movement and colour – particularly the interplay of colour in nature – I strive to bring these qualities to my work for an affect which is very alive, yet also calming. This creative introspection allows me to produce art that is not only beautiful, but one-of-a-kind.