Dive into the world of Diana Savostaite, an artist whose journey began in 2007 at the Vilnius Academy of Arts. Her abstract work intertwines nature with personal introspection, creating art that mirrors the unseen connections between self and surroundings.
Diana's work is an invitation to embark on a journey of self-discovery, where every curve, colour blend, and texture reveals layers of interconnectedness, urging us to pause, reflect, and find our own place in the intricate web she weaves through her art.
Discover the inspiration and journey behind Diana's art.
Image supplied by Diana Savostaite
When did you become an artist?
I have always had an urge to create and paint. It's a significant part of my personality and life. There is something special about applying paint and colours to the surface— a process that releases any tensions and helps me understand myself and the surrounding world, establishing a connection between the inside and the outside. From a professional standpoint, in 2007, I graduated from Vilnius Academy of Arts in Lithuania and was awarded a Bachelor's degree in painting.
What inspires your art?
I draw inspiration from the observation of my feelings, bodily sensations, and the invisible connections with my surroundings. Nature serves as a constant inspiration for me, whether it be the intricate details of the smallest elements or the boundless expanse of the universe. Wherever I go, I always observe colour combinations, shape formations, shadow movements or shifting light.
What gets you in the creative headspace?
To me, it is very important to spend time with my own thoughts, to be still and quiet for a while, or to meditate occasionally. I often take walks in the forest where I can immerse myself in nature's sounds and smells. From the moment I step into my studio, I enter my creative zone and immediately begin working on a piece. The studio space seems to work its magic, allowing me to intuitively grasp what needs to be done. When I paint, I become fully immersed in the process, and my passion for painting intensifies. I find myself in a zone where time seems to pass effortlessly as I engage wholeheartedly with the creative process.
Deep infinate space by Diana Savostaite
Can you tell us about the techniques or mediums you enjoy in your work?
I enjoy exploring diverse textures and mediums in my artwork. While my primary medium is oil paint, I often combine it with wax paste and sand to produce heavy textures in my work. A recent discovery for me has been raw pigments, offering an array of colour possibilities in delicate washes. Typically, I initiate my paintings by applying pigment marks onto an empty canvas and subsequently layering with oil paints. Additionally, I occasionally incorporate embroidery collages or dried flowers into my artworks. In my latest practice, I experiment with different canvas shapes and their compositions. Creating uniquely shaped canvases from scratch has given me the freedom to express myself and expand my artistic approach. These canvases have no precise rectangular boundaries, and as a result, they appear to be in a perpetual state of flux and transformation. I really enjoy how these unconventional shapes become guides to my painting.
Wilderness by Diana Savostaite
Are there specific themes of messages you aim to convey through your art?
I find great fascination in exploring the connections between the natural world and the human body. My interest lies in delving into the intricacies of natural cycles and understanding how they harmonize with every living being. This includes the ever-changing seasons, the dynamic play of light from morning until night, moon cycles, and other interconnected phenomena.
Dawn detail by Diana Savostaite
How has your art evolved over time?
Over the years, my artistic practice has undergone significant evolution. The ability to experiment with various materials has led me to the realization that I can embrace a total freedom, understanding that each experiment ultimately contributes to my growth, even if it involves the occasional ruin of canvases or artworks. Themes in my work have become more cohesive, and my painting style has refined. Notably, my artworks have transitioned from conventional rectangular shapes to more unconventional, larger, and shaped forms.
How do you balance staying true to your artistic vision while also adapting to trends or changes in the art world?
I believe that my natural curiosity drives me to experiment with new materials and trendy techniques, which I thoroughly enjoy. However, ultimately, I instinctively discern what aligns with my artistic identity and what does not. I think that it is crucial to understand the core values of your art and the direction you wish to take. Simultaneously, maintaining a healthy degree of flexibility is essential, allowing for the incorporation of new elements. Because embracing this flexibility might lead to unexpected and surprising paths in your artistic journey.
Unexplored land by Diana Savostaite
Do you have a favourite piece of your own work, and if so, what makes it your favourite?
I couldn't possibly choose one painting, but ones that hold a special place, is my large and uniquely shaped pieces. I am particularly proud of "Deep Infinite Space." It stands out as the most innovative painting I've created to date. I appreciate the cut-out details and weird angles, the use of different textures and new materials. The interplay of dark colours with the silver leaf area and the juxtaposition of rugged textures with empty board areas. The overall feeling this piece evokes, allows me to escape in my mind and justifies my frequent daydreaming state. Another painting that I really like is "Back to My Roots/Circle of Life." I love its unconventional shape, almost resembling origami. The painting possesses qualities of movement, achieved through a variety of textures, directional paint carving techniques, and the overall shape. It was my first piece where I included an embroidery collage. When I reflect on this artwork, it prompts contemplation about the interconnectedness of everything on Earth and in space, where everything appears to be the same matter just in different shape; it makes me think about the never-ending cycle of life and death.
Thank you, Diana, for speaking to us. Check out her website to discover more of her colourful and distinctive shaped paintings.
Diana's journey is a fusion of nature's whispers and personal stories, creating this vibrant tapestry of art that just pulls you in. Each stroke talks about connections between who we are and the world around us, enabling you to delve into your own thoughts and reflections. Diana captures the essence of life and how we're all connected, making you feel like you're part of her ever-evolving creations.
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