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Art Talk: Alicja Krol on developing something uniquely "mine"
Alicja Król shares with us the role of art in her life, the privilege of having a persistent art style, and the importance of moving forward even when no hope is left.
1. What is your main concept of art?
AK: Through art, we should express ourselves, our thoughts, observations, and feelings. We can also approach this more globally and, for example, use the art for ideological or political purposes (although I do not do so). Art should be free, unfettered, and always developing. I consider only morality and ethics as the only guidelines. It would be perfect if art was "good" or "neutral". Creativity should not serve evil purposes or harm others.
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2. How did you start your art practices?
AK: Nowadays children come into contact with visual art at a very early stage of development. Drawing and painting have always accompanied me. For me, these were and still are the most natural means of communication with the world and with myself.
In junior high school, I used to draw during lessons, attend art workshops, and sacrifice sleep in favor of binge drawing. I have already had classic art classes and artistic specialization - tapestry at the State High School of Art. At Jan Dlugosz University, I studied Artistic Graphics and Traditional Print.
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3. What inspires you the most?
AK: Diving in the work of others, experiencing nature, short trips, interesting people, human psychology, and sexuality. In addition, the world of animals, memories, and thoughts.
I have the impression that it's just one big cauldron of sensitivity to the world around us.
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4. What are the medium and materials you currently use? And why?
AK: When performing traditional drawing - paper, pencils, crayons, ink, fine liners, markers. When painting, I usually make acrylic underpainting, then finish the work with oil paints and cover it with satin varnish. I use canvas and hdfs. For collages - newspaper clippings, fragments of old works, bookbinding, and spray glue. I often combine the above methods of expression in my works. When it comes to graphic software I use Affinity Photo, Clip Studio Paint Pro, and Open Canvas 7. The answer to the question "why?" is quite simple. All these media correspond to the pace and the way I work. They are universal and reliable.
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5. How did you develop your own style? What does a persistent art style mean to an artist?
AK: Through years of excruciatingly repetitive honing of basic art skills - drawing and painting. When I felt confident enough I decided to acquire new skills and learn new things to better express myself.
There have been so many generations of artists and the world of art today is so diverse that it's hard to have something completely new, fresh, and personal. I'm under the impression that "persistent art style" is also a privilege, a restriction, a blessing, and a curse all in one. Maybe when I grow old I will reach this stage, but for now, all I think of is pressing forward. I do what inspires me at the moment and try to infuse a few of my inner workings into my works. If that creates something uniquely "mine" then I've succeeded. My personal style is a side effect, not the point of my art.
Curator's Choice: Condemnation by Alicja
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6. What medium or materials will you explore in the future? Why?
AK: Recently, I have tried my hand at acrylic pouring and although it may not be something I'll delve deeper into, it's certainly another tool in my arsenal. I treat the effects of these activities like experiments and foundations for other works.
I am currently exploring the possibilities of coming with sewing machines. The artistic fabric has an appealing element. I have already had contact with weaving too. I'd like to see what I can do with a sewing machine and how to incorporate it into my artwork. I feel adventurous about it though.
7. What is the most challenging time for you as an artist?
AK: Mornings:) In the morning I am not at all suitable for mental or creative work. I need time to wake up. In the evening and at night I reach the peak of activity and possibilities.
The creation process itself is not difficult for me at any stage.
8. How do you develop a theme of a series? From life? From a social moment?
AK: A series of works is created when I don't feel satisfaction or fulfillment after completing one artwork. I develop the thought in the next, add something in another and the cycle grows naturally. I do not assume that a specific idea will be enclosed in a set number of paintings beforehand. I work until I cover the topic.
9. How do you understand the art world?
AK: Sometimes I have the impression that I keep up with it and sometimes quite the opposite. I understand creativity, inspiration, and emotions, but I am lost in the supplementary fields like promotion and marketing. The world of art has its own pace, layers, and levels of complexity that I sometimes want to explore, and sometimes I get overwhelmed by.
10. What would be your suggestions to young artists?
AK: Humble master your workshop first, before acting like a star. Learn, discover yourself, look for new things, but take advice from older artists, art dealers, and art historians. Acquire other skills as well. Gather experience. Do not give up on the path you have chosen and keep believing. There will be hard times but there will also be successes. The effort will bear fruit. If not now then in the future.
Curator's Choice: Secret of the Victory by Alicja
10. What does art mean in your life?
AK: This is not my whole life, but a significant part of it. By art I mean not only drawing, painting, photography, etc. but also sensitivity, collecting experiences, artistic temperament. Without that, I would not be who I am. This is an integral part of me. Through art, I express and appreciate other areas of life, e.g. food :), relationships, surroundings, work.
11. What is the power of art to people?
AK: Art unites people. Thanks to it, individuals may feel less isolated when they find artwork that captures their feelings and knows that someone feels something similar. It is a universal language without barriers. It allows you to express complex emotions and ideas in the easiest way.
It is also an outlet for emotions, therapy for sensitive souls, space decoration, and... a flourishing business.
If you want to see more work from Alicja, you can visit her page here. You can discover more of our artists here and their work. And if you want to know more about purchasing Alicja's art or other art collections we have, you can always make an appointment with us.
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