Interview with Gustavs Filipsons
Statement:
"When painting, communicate the Inner Realm, cross the boundaries of human mind ,touch the Soul and find revelation through artwork."
I was born in 1974, Riga. When I was a child, I was deeply inspired by the cities old architecture and its different moods in different seasons. At that time everything seemed to live its own life and had its special spirit. Dark Art Nouveau style houses in Autumn evenings became alive in feeble lamplight, which was swinging in the wind above the street. Those mythical silhouettes and symbols at that time had much greater influence on me than the bypassing Soviet Era. In 2004 I acquired Masters degree in painting, Latvian Academy of Art. Abstract Art is the means for me to let the spectator widen his or her perception of ones self and the spiritual Universe it inhabits. The sole intention and purpose of my work is to communicate the unknown in my subconscious mind, to find the connection with our, as humans, true self, which I believe is something in common, we all possess.
Can you share a bit about your background and what initially inspired you to pursue a career in art?
What initially drew you to abstract art, and how has your approach to it evolved since you began your artistic journey?
When I was a child I used to read a lot. I was inspired by fairy tales of different nations. Especially of these living in far north. I felt there is something very true in those "Fantasies".The way they looked at Nature and saw the spirits behind it truly captured me. I walked through the woods also capturing images in fallen trunks or listened to the birds as if they were one of us or delivered some meaningful message. Everything was alive and spoke to me. I was so filled with energy, I did not know were to put it.
I was also deeply inspired by the cities(Riga),I am born in, old architecture and its different moods in different seasons. At that time everything seemed to live its own life and had its special spirit. Dark Art Nouevau houses in Autumn evenings became alive in feeble lamplight, which was swinging in the wind above the street. Those mythical silhouettes and symbols at that time had much greater influence on me than the bypassing Soviet Era.
After years when I had to ask myself who I am going to be, I knew that nobody else, but an artist. I wished to carry the way I look on things and feel them further and already then I was confronted with a way of thinking the "real"world possess. That made my conviction even stronger to become a story teller myself only in visual Art. I felt I was born for it. The very idea of becoming an artist and study Arts was clear for me at the age of 15.
Understanding that I think differently came to me at a very early age. I was attending kindergarten, when I realized my concepts of who I am and how I see the world differ from others. I new I would express myself through abstract already then. Abstract is the way how to perceive the world without any prejudice. The beauty and the truth that is embedded in everything you touch. The essence is to be open to it. One has to be free in his or her mind to reach this state of looking on things. That is what I strive for when painting. Looking inwards rather than outwards has begun to interest me even more. When actually pursuing the career of abstract painter, I have confronted myself with numerous obstacles, the real world brings with itself. The idea of following the abstract art is so fascinating because of them. In ‘’real’’ world things you are talking about is nonsense. You have to bring “spirit’’ way on looking on things in the world where main interest is survival and being superior to others.
From the very beginning its a hard task to take. Regardless to that I have paid main interest in developing my creativity. Always maintain fresh look. You must feel and be together on the same frequency with what you are about to paint. I have worked much to make this possible. That is where I have had much struggle in. I always carry the same love towards what I put on canvas as I did when I was a child. I believe these are thing worth living for. And not loosing – only opening new!
Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you translate abstract concepts or emotions into visual art?
When painting I do everything to match the flow of energy to be delivered in artwork. First place You have to be open to creative impulses to guide you. My mind in my life is constantly set in a state that allows me to capture symbols and the logic of events that happen in relations. All that actually matters is mind flow that is set right. This striving to achieve this has been with me since I remember myself. For all my life I have sensed that all is alive even stones, and all is speaking to me. Later I understood, that I must deliver some message of what I feel. Since then i am serving this goal. Much has of course changed in my way of perception. I have understood that the "core" is found in human mind itself, and its capacities are enormous. The thing is, a man doesn't have to fill it with garbage, but keep like an "open window".Painting is also the goal in it self. That helps to keep this window of mind open. Much of my inspirations are driven from dreams, I used to practice conscious dreaming also. Dreams tell much, and open much, but they can also lure you in a pit. Not everything is good inside this realm. To trust your intuition, while painting is essential. I love painting layer by layer, until the actual artwork" arises". Sometimes many already finished motifs transform to totally different picture, until it "finds" the "right" "position".Sometimes I use sketching. I sketch a lot from my head ,then i use what captures my interest as a bases for an artwork, that later also is subjected to change. But composition more or less remains previously set. Images in my artwork can vary from abstract to semi abstract, the main goal is the manifestation of secret and energy inside an artwork. Artwork as such is a conversation that reveals and opens something. Tells something. Subconscious mind tells something that captures. Here the work is finished. You are filled with satisfaction and excitement. Painting process is quick, and i use different kinds of stencils ,brushes, glosses, paints. Spray paint mix with acrylic, oil. Use markers. I splash, scratch lets say bite the canvas, to achieve the unpredictable in predictable. And vice versa. But i can say, all of it comes in freedom, I know intuitively what to do further. Recently I have found plywood very useful as a base where to apply the artwork on. Color scheme usually is dark, but in time I have incorporated more color. Texture plays pretty significant part in paintings logic. I love compositions in scratches and textures itself. T hat constitutes, much in hidden energy within. Usually I paint on canvas. The technique is developed to let unintentional to become intentional, that's why it first hand appears a kind of brutal, because this process is like a volcano that sculpts. I am interested in the pure logic of interconnection of the certain images which had aroused unintentionally in the process of such painting, actually they have acquired certain logic. The same is about spaces and there relations in painting that seems flat for the untrained eye, but has deepness within. Images can cover images, even ten finished paintings sometimes can cover each other, until the actual artwork arises.
I use rollers to apply the paint also. In future I plan to broaden material stuff i use. I also believe that in order to create a good Art, one doesn't have to use plenty of materials. You just need the materials to create what has to be created.
When starting to paint, an artist can develop the idea for a project before he finds the canvas, and vice a versa. My approach to creation is both of those two mentioned methods. That depends on the state of mind I am in at the moment I prepare myself for the painting process. On canvas I am trying to realize just the most vivid images or "realities".But exactly on canvas the painting actually is born. I do sketching, make photos of different kind, then fragment them and find what captures me in it. After putting on canvas the actual image I still transfer it tremendously to suit it my inner eye and feeling. The moment an excitement appears in me I know I am on the right path and soon the piece is ready. There are times I start to paint without any preparation at all. Just paint and look where "the path" leads. Images and planes appear, and I am after it, looking for inner logic of pictorial space. That is like venturing into the unknown.
Most of the cases there is some originally found sketch on the bases of which i develop my work. Its always found by some unconscious way, unintentionally, but I still go further and develop it letting intuition lead me.
Dr.phil.Ingrid Gardill on my art: We appreciate this artist because he executes his paintings with open working methods and with techniques that he is always developing. His large-format, abstract paintings are convincing because of their radical formal language, which is characterized by vitality. When making composition of the artwork, he mostly dispenses with a "classical" structure, such as a pictorial center. Instead, he allows his forms to take on a life of their own, or sometimes they enter into a surprising connection with the depth of the background. His liveliness and joy of experimentation are always coupled with a virtuoso use of painterly gestures. Even if he is inspired by chance and open to novelty, he leaves nothing to pure chance, but guides his painting tools skillfully and with a sure hand. Lively gestures are withdrawn or additionally accentuated until an expressive form is created. Sometimes Gustavs Filipsons also takes stencils, which he intuitively surrounds with color in many layers. In doing so, he shifts them many times until the resulting structures show the right tension. The works are never boring, no two are alike. Moreover, his paintings dispense with a concrete message in favor of a kind of introspection.
Who or what are your biggest influences in the world of abstract art, and how do they shape your work?
I drive inspiration from the paintings of Franz Kline, Willem de Koonig, Marc Chagall, Kazimir Malevich, Vassilij Kandinsky, Paul Klee. I admit that those big artists in their art have struggled to achieve much the same goals I strive for. The reason I have an urge to paint is embedded in myself and I believe, I can also produce art that is capable to communicate the spectator. Those artist I mentioned are the relatives in my artistic mind. I deeply admire them for their talent and devotion what is crucial. Thats very hard for a man to carry the idea through life, when everybody takes not much interest in what you do, and for a long time. That tests everything. And through this real attitude arises, if you survive. Those guys have.
I am aware of the fact they are pioneers. I am not following them. I am looking for my own inspiration, and I have my own story to tell. All I say – the determination is badly needed to carry on. And this attitude and determination towards what you do is is what I learn from them.
Staying focused is vital.
When painting, there is a moment I crave for- that the moment I feel the piece fills with energy, the image becomes alive and speaks to me. That is not what happens from the very beginning. Only then I can be sure, the piece is worth something. Sometimes it takes some time to reach that goal. There are times the connection is weaker, there are times it is stronger.
The best advice regarding art i was given is "In order to create and complete an artwork"decently"one must be able to sacrifice the places and spots you love the most, but which hinder from achieving unity and allowing bigger ,more impressive sense to appear. The goal is some "supper task".One has to feel its found. More important is the logic and interconnection of images and directions of textures or lines, than one beautiful spot."
Abstract art often leaves interpretation open to the viewer. What do you hope people take away from your art?
Statement:"When painting, communicate the Inner Realm, cross the boundaries of human mind ,touch the Soul and find revelation through artwork.
The sole intention and purpose of my work is to communicate with the unknown in our subconscious mind. To find the connection with our true selves ,I believe is something common, we all possess. Other goal is to create artwork that would be some kind of new, if not new ,then original kind of work, expressing oneself in terms of artistical form inside abstractionism.
The main concept of my art is to reveal and at the same time come "in contact"with the "inner realm"of ones "true self",which I believe is hidden due to complexities of everyday life. An ordinary man hardly ever comes into contact with it, because the strategy to hide from his or her" true self" seems much more appealing. All my life I have been craving to search for it, And Art has been the means to discover myself, find revelations on vastness of human soul, find liberation and finally peace with myself. I believe this is something we all consciously or subconsciously try to manage. Many things come under this concept"true self".It can be deep fears or emotions regarding love oh higher origin. It can be spiritual experiences caught during his or her life. It can be" highlights" or visions of a "higher mind"inside an individual. In psychology there is a concept of"collective subconsciousness", where all the experience of mankind dwells. If you have an insight you can contact it and transcend the images and feelings or energies in order to highlight the path of a man to further spiritual growth or even mankind as the whole. There is a special form of imagery the subconscious mind uses when it constitutes itself in a human being. Mostly we come in touch with it in our dreams, but if we are more close to it, it can be seen all over the place, as life itself can be assumed as a dream in a dream. There is other thesis as"a spirit world".In fact we all live in one interconnected spiritual universe where many dimensions meet and interact simultaneously, everything is connected and our mind and heart and soul, all of it helps us navigate through it in order to achieve spiritual growth and get closer the being to Higher essence of God itself. Our experiences are needed to discover our True Essence .Many manifestations in a dream state constitute the state in real world-even more-the images and conversations in a dream serve as a guidelines to solve the problems that lie ahead. Mostly"a sign"is a guideline or a benchmark that marks the turning point of mans spiritual path or life path, what is one for it serves one another. In order to capture all this a special form of thinking is demanded-the imaginative one. To read a sign and to deliver it one must have a constant contact with the subconscious mind or whatever you wish it to be, I believe there is a higher mind embedded in us to guide us in all life processes through every situation both in individuals or mankind s as such. The thesis "All is one and one is all"is absolutely right. If there is a higher creator then it would have been totally logically to assume that this higher being is never separated from himself. That actually He is everything that is. So everything that happens is Him, and everything that happens-happens with a higher reason, and the reason is evolution-the growth. The growth can be directed-and we have a choice which direction to take. Artist is a medium to deliver much of it.
The themes in my art are whatever this inner mind chooses to be useful for purpose of evolution-where there is an energy to interact, to awaken persons mind, let it think and analyze. Let it look deeper and not to hide from fears to go forth.
Abstract is the way the sign constitutes itself. Abstract is the way of thinking through which to reach reveal and communicate. It is the most perfect language to express Universal ideas of mind itself is Abstract, because it encompasses so much simultaneously and works simultaneously in different levels, even dimensions, but one sign can unite all those processes in one-in order to mark the direction which is one in the end, and it is Him.
The core themes :birth of life where there is death. The hope for eternal life what bears both of Life and Death but is Life alone after we have gone trough the Circles.
Love towards everything that exists, because God is everything
Light that dwells in the darkness as a feeble hope, but what has the potential to bring us forth like a thousand suns. The light of Spirit of God ,where we belong to.
The suffering that makes us stronger .All the calamities and obstacles that had been in our way towards the light also contribute, whereas without them we would be incapable to assess the meaning of true life force in us.
The forgiveness and compassion all of it is embedded in my artwork.
Laconism is the bases of the sign. In order to reach the spectators inner realm one must be precise and sharp in its approach. There are so many things in this flow of energy in our life that distract us from our core goals and purpose. That keeps us unaware who we are and where are we going to. There I come in with my artwork.
All this is what I would like to communicate to the spectator of my artwork.
Winning numerous awards is a significant achievement. How has this recognition impacted your career and artistic approach?
As I mentioned, it has been very hard during many years to follow my path of abstract painter.
Where I live I had no recognition at all. Even now, When I can boast of numerous awards, the fact my artwork is being exhibited in New York, does not change something regarding recognition in my country. I am not invited even on the smallest of local artistic events where state functionaries of art are involved.
What makes difference is that I feel I am no longer alone and not understood and estimated as an artist. I have always seen myself as an artist talking to the world the universal language of Spirit. I have not spoken the imagined. People of the world hear me. That is why I begun.
That was and is my purpose. Art is to uncover the true reality, the true way how to see.
Mostly no one likes it, who patrons the kind of their own. There is much lie in the field of art.
For many it is a craft. And in every craft there are those who own the place. They are not interested in the any language, but money.
As for money, my award have not helped much until now. Who knows what future will bring.
For me myself it has been very encouraging. I am grateful for that!
My approach has not changed much. The truth behind what we are being pointed at does not need any approvals. If someone is to taste it, one must be ready to move on without any encouragement other that his or her inner instinct.
Are there specific techniques or materials that you prefer in creating your abstract works? How do they contribute to your unique style?
Artwork as such is a conversation that reveals and opens something. Tells something. Subconscious mind tells something that captures. Here the work is finished. You are filled with satisfaction and excitement. Painting process is quick, and i use different kinds of stencils ,brushes, glosses, paints. Spray paint mix with acrylic, oil. Use markers. I splash, scratch lets say bite the canvas, to achieve the unpredictable in predictable. And vice versa. But i can say, all of it comes in freedom, I know intuitively what to do further. Recently I have found plywood very useful as a base where to apply the artwork on. Color scheme usually is dark, but in time I have incorporated more color. Texture plays pretty significant part in paintings logic. I love compositions in scratches and textures itself. That constitutes, much in hidden energy within. Usually I paint on canvas. The technique is developed to let unintentional to become intentional, that's why it first hand appears a kind of brutal, because this process is like a volcano that sculpts. I am interested in the pure logic of interconnection of the certain images which had aroused unintentionally in the process of such painting, actually they have acquired certain logic. The same is about spaces and there relations in painting that seems flat for the untrained eye, but has deepness within. Images can cover images, even ten finished paintings sometimes can cover each other, until the actual artwork arises. Recently I have started to paint on plywood, too.
I use rollers to apply the paint also. In future I plan to broaden material stuff i use. I also believe that in order to create a good Art, one doesn't have to use plenty of materials. You just need the materials to create what has to be created.
When starting to paint, an artist can develop the idea for a project before he finds the canvas, and vice a versa. My approach to creation is both of those two mentioned methods. That depends on the state of mind I am in at the moment I prepare myself for the painting process. On canvas I am trying to realize just the most vivid images or "realities".But exactly on canvas the painting actually is born. I do sketching, make photos of different kind, then fragment them and find what captures me in it. After putting on canvas the actual image I still transfer it tremendously to suit it my inner eye and feeling. The moment an excitement appears in me I know I am on the right path and soon the piece is ready. There are times I start to paint without any preparation at all. Just paint and look where "the path" leads. Images and planes appear, and I am after it, looking for inner logic of pictorial space. That is like venturing into the unknown.
Most of the cases there is some originally found sketch on the bases of which i develop my work. Its always found by some unconscious way, unintentionally, but I still go further and develop it letting intuition lead me.
Dr.Phil.Ingrid Gardill on my art: We appreciate this artist because he executes his paintings with open working methods and with techniques that he is always developing. His large-format, abstract paintings are convincing because of their radical formal language, which is characterized by vitality. When making composition of the artwork, he mostly dispenses with a "classical" structure, such as a pictorial center. Instead, he allows his forms to take on a life of their own, or sometimes they enter into a surprising connection with the depth of the background. His liveliness and joy of experimentation are always coupled with a virtuoso use of painterly gestures. Even if he is inspired by chance and open to novelty, he leaves nothing to pure chance, but guides his painting tools skillfully and with a sure hand. Lively gestures are withdrawn or additionally accentuated until an expressive form is created. Sometimes Gustavs Filipsons also takes stencils, which he intuitively surrounds with color in many layers. In doing so, he shifts them many times until the resulting structures show the right tension. The works are never boring, no two are alike. Moreover, his paintings dispense with a concrete message in favor of a kind of introspection.
What are some challenges you've faced specifically in creating abstract art, and how have you addressed them?
Creating an abstract art is a constant struggle. First you have to break the boundaries of familiar perceptions of the world and processes inside your mind and come into contradiction with those never have attempted such thing. That instantly makes you a stranger and enemy for most people around you, as you start to see the world differently and your value systems differ. By creating abstract you serve your purpose to widen the consciousness of others, but you just remain isolated. The other thing is that your artwork will hardly be acquired. You will have no income on what you do.
When I started painting abstract after graduating Academy of Art in Latvia, I was totally left to ‘’die my own death’’.If you are painting abstract in area where realism has dominated for so many years, you simply do not belong. Anyway that did not hinder me from doing what counts. I just painted. I became a worker in construction business in order not to loose a fresh look on things – my creativity. That is the main source of my inner artistic strength and well of inspiration. I continued to show my work in internet. After many years of isolation and being outcast, I was spotted by Ingrid Gardill and Martina Kolle. I took part as the only latvian representative in their book’’International Kunst Heute’’.It was the moment I gained the approval of my art. That inspired me to take part in project that followed. I had to fee for participation, gut it did not stop me. I understood, that my countries corrupt system wont help me. I worked hard to take part in them. I am doing still. No one here wished me well. I had to do this on my own, If I wished something. Now my works are represented in two galleries in New York, USA.
In my homeland I still can not make myself heard. Recently my work was described as not suited for Latvian Culture by high ranking Art historians as I am painting like did those back in history.
I am still doing what I believe for. I am creating and letting speak the Timeless itself. I had several break downs, but this has not stopped me. I am all right now and doing the same thing!
Of all your works, is there a piece that you feel most connected to or proud of? Can you share the story behind it?
I think one of the core works I have produced is"By the window"2010.This artwork comprises all the qualities I was speaking before. The work aroused out of "nowhere", without any sketch material or whatever. In this artwork I have found my artistic self. It was already 6 years after graduating as I painted it. Previously I was occupied with aesthetics of black in various shades. The immensity of this color had totally occupied myself. I painted black on black. Here in this painting I have cut out images ‘’out of the blue’’.Black has acquired a form. I have started to create visionary images from my subconscious mind that had something to tell. The ‘’fell in place’’ on the pictorial space with no effort.
From this time I am able to paint from ‘’the Spirit’’ as I call it. I remember how I was taking a walk after just painted the work. I felt I have reached what I have craved for all my life. To fulfill my potential as an artist and mediator of subconscious mind.
What advice would you give to artists who are starting out in the realm of abstract art?
For emerging artist I would give the same advice one professor in Academy gave me - withstand five years after graduation. At that time I did not quite understood what he meant. I had to withstand 15 years until someone got interested in what I do. I suffered depression and anxiety, but still I continued. One must understand - everybody is interested in themselves first. If you are not going to bring someone profit with what you do, you are on your own. To earn money you have to do what you can. Even if that downgrades your ambitions, just never give up your ideals in what you believe. Then energy shall "sing" in what you do. You have to understand - art first place is yours occupation only. Do not wait for any response soon. In order to find your true self in what you do you have to go "through desert".Believe that the very urge that nurtured in you the necessity to become an artist will stay alongside you at the darkest moments. If you hear the sound of your artistic voice in your pieces then that is the sign you must follow it and let it be heard someday. Trust-it will be. Because the sound of your inner voice has a resonance in Universe- and this alone what you do has a greater purpose- communicative one. Even if it is only on subconscious level at first. The time shall come an you will be heared of and noticed. Everything of it is demanding. Be ready to feel depression, anger, anxiety. Be ready to be weak. But this is not going to last forever. Just continue.
Looking ahead, are there any new directions or projects you are excited to explore in your abstract art?
I hope I shall have new opportunities to show my art and energy to be there. Much of it not always in our hands alone. What I wish is the strength to continue. To find new ,even more persuasive imagery, would be great. I am sure I am ready to involve new techniques how to apply paint and on what surfaces. That would make my work even stronger. The very state of mind is crucial when painting. I have worked much on it until now, I hope Ill proceed with that. New dimensions in my art are going to be seen and felt.
