Interview with Luana Stebule
Your work is characterized by an eclectic use of mediums – from oil paints to collages on diverse bases like wood and mirrors. How do you decide which materials and techniques to use for each piece? Can you describe a particular instance where the choice of medium significantly transformed the message or impact of the artwork?
In the history of the art, too many artists, if they live longer, used different mediums, style and techniques, like my beloved Pablo Picasso. My artistic career has started in 1989, in this year I have had the first solo exhibition in Art House, Kaunas, Lithuania. I always like to try different techniques and styles. Usually in my head I have an idea, or vision which makes my choice of mediums. At the beginning of my career I have painted a lot of realistic landscapes, in the same time I was creating collages and abstract paintings. It was more interesting to me. By using different materials: textile, wood, mirrors, photos, leather I am creating the mine structure of the artworks it helps me achieve richness and dexterity of surface, stronger and deeper impression. Each material has authentical structure and spirit, the artwork physical body juxtapose and suffuse each piece by the last touch with oil paints, it veritably creates a jazz of the visual performance. I love jazz! For example one of my collages “Generational touch” I created by thoughts about generations of my family and composed my grandmother’s cross-stitch, photos of my mother and myself and my daughter’s hand prints and more authentical things. The final touch was by oil paint. It expresses my attitude and feelings of the female side of my family.
Over the years, you’ve transition through various artistic phases, currently embracing Abstract Figurative style. What key experiences or insights prompted these evolutions in your style? How do you see your artistic expression evolving in the next decade?
Perhaps solitude, silence and yearning effected my new style. Only in 2020, during the pandemic period I discovered a new way how to express myself. My thoughts about humanity, family, beloved one’s, invisible connections with each other’s and more things allowed me to become more sensitive and deeper. I made to many sketches, and it was surprisingly something new to me. I think, it is something unique. I have transformed personal to impersonal in power of general believes. I cannot predict what will happen in the future. I am living here and now!
You’ve mentioned that houses shaped like shoes and unique orchids have notably influenced your work. Could you elaborate on how these forms challenge your aesthetic and conceptual frameworks? How do you incorporate such unusual inspirations into language of abstract figurative art?
In 2014 I came across, and was impressed, by the houses in the shape of shoes and the rare type of orchids. I haven’t seen it in the contemporary artworks and created about 50 oil paintings on this theme. Also, despite that all this strange houses and rare orchids exist in reality, in the paintings they look unreal, especially the rare orchids. Also, the houses in the shape of shoes dictated to me all style of the artwork. It was fun! I think it is usual inspirations with slightly different point of view. Everything is behind shapes and colours, it is the spirit of my soul.
Having received numerous prestigious awards, including the International Leonardo Da Vinci Prize and ATIM’S Top 60 Masters Award how do you believe these accolades have influenced your career? Do they after the pressure or expectations you place on your creative endeavours?
Thank you, yes, I received many awards, my artworks included into many books. In 2023 by the World of Art Magazine I was selected into book as one of the “Top 10 Contemporary Artists 2023” and “Guggenheims’ Museum Issue. This year my artworks included into Art Anthology “Important World Artists 2024”, the publisher is “Artavita”, US. Also, into books “Internationally Recognised Artists” and “la Biennale di Venezia 2024 & MoMA”, the publisher is the World of Art Magazine. The outcome did not however result in any perceivable increase in sales of my artworks, but personal appreciation for these awards is well received.
You have been recognized for creating art that not only pushes the boundaries of mediums but also engages with significant social and cultural issues. Can you discuss a piece where you intentionally addressed a societal theme, and what was the public reaction to it?
All ideas are in the air, or different dimensions, perhaps I was lucky to receive it! My life was very complicated at the beginning, with a lot of ups and downs, but I was able to escape into the world of the shape and colours and only it keeps me alive. Yes, I have created numerous paintings which intentionally addressed to a social theme. For example artwork “Evening in Brooklyn” In 2022 in New York streets three times I have been attacked by aggressive guys, they tried to steal my hand bag, mobile phone and wallet. I was lucky, it didn’t happen. When I back to England I have created artwork about these three guys “Evening in Brooklyn” different people can see different attitudes. This painting I exhibited only once, but received too many comments from the young gentlemen’s… Interesting.
In the era of digital media predominates, what do you believe is the role of the physical artworks and installations? How do you see your artwork contributing to or altering this dynamic?
Now is the era of digital media predominant, but I prioritize the physical exhibitions and installations. It is the similar feeling than you listen to music originally, or on You Tube, or records. But I appreciate online galleries and exhibitions, I have participated in a lot of exhibitions online. It is far cheaper and I am able to show my artworks to bigger audiences. The bad thing is that personally images of my artworks use too many galleries around the world and I don’t receive any money for it.
You often mention the use of meditation and internal reflection in your creative process. How do these introspective practises influence conceptualization and execution of your art? Can you walk us through the journey from the inception of your idea to its final artistic expression?
I like the rich tapestry of the life. All inspirations come from the higher me and lower sources. We are like a tree which has not only branches but and roots… occasionally I immerse myself in the bohemian lifestyle, after I have a period of meditations and self-discoveries. Usually in my meditations I am not concentrating on my art, but in general. All ideas come when they must come, you can predict it. It could be a few months of silence. Usually, I am listening to my inner voice.
As an artist with a significant influence and a long-standing career, how do you perceive your role in mentoring emerging artists? What core principles or advice do you find most important to pass on to the next generation of the artists?
I think, nobody can help to anybody. All young artists are very arrogant, they will find own ways how to express themselves. Just listen your intuition, appreciate and learn from old masters. It is my advice.
What have been some of the most significant challenges you’ ve faced in your artistic journey from the inception of an idea to its final artistic expression?
Each time I am facing challenges, and it surprises me. Since 2013 when I moved to the United Kingdom, I discovered new things and conceptions, and it transformed my inner world. Personality created your personal reality, also, my paintings. I am pleased what I discovered!
Looking forward, what new themes or projects are you more excited about exploring in your art? Are there particular collaborations, exhibitions, or new techniques you aim to tackle in the future?
At this moment I am working on the Figurative Abstract style, I am exploring similar themes with more deeper observations. The last year I was participating in the Florence Biennale 2023, in Museum Maritim de Barcelona, FIABCN, in Venice and Rome with ITSLIQUID Group. This year I am less enthusiastic, I have too many invitations, but it depends on my artworks sales. I am working as a full time artist, all exhibitions cost a lot of money.
