Painting for me is a passion, a fascinating process of seeing, which alters the vision of things. I can’t imagine not being an artist. Painting truly gives me a sense of purpose, and all the questions regarding my existence simply find their answers during the process. The everyday becomes special, unique, unknown. When somebody inquires: “How long did it take you to paint this picture?” – I answer it, but to myself I think: “How long? My entire life!”; it is a result of a lifelong journey into self-discovery.
I work mostly with oil, because it allows me to create an intricate volumetric texture. It is a classic and time-proved medium. Naturally colour is my favourite way to connect with the world. It is a powerful instrument that conveys the special mood in each painting. Texture creates depth and helps color look even tastier. I use vibrant and precise colors to enhance the emotional message of my paintings.
In my figurative work I want to catch different emotional sides of models and freeze them at a particular moment in time. They are not necessarily reflections of my state of mind or mood; rather they are what I am curious to explore and express. Each of the portraits is an imaginary character born during the process. I never know what personality will appear.
In my abstract paintings I present an attempt of accepting life “as is”. By exploring life’s mystery of connections, how things affect us, I want to hear the ”voice of life” in all of its contradictions. I like to explore the contrast of shapes, color, visual rhythms. I always leave ways of visual translation to be a reflection of the viewer.
Julia Klimova
