Art Chowder : What inspires you ?
Victoria : Challenges . I mean , things like : “ Can I do it ”? “ Can I catch a particular feel on canvas ”? “ Can I break the rules and still make this composition work ”? “ What if …”?
Art Chowder : Do you find the art culture here to be different than in Russia ?
Victoria : The art culture is very similar , but when I was showing art in Russia it was before computers and the internet . You would get word that there was a juried show ; you would take your painting , bring it and set it in front of the jury . They look at it , right in front of you , and tell you nice things or bad things — whether you are in or out , whether you are to leave it at the gallery or take it home . Now , with computers , you send a digital file and wait .
One difference is , in Russia , they are very direct . If they like something they tell you . If they don ’ t like it they ’ ll really tell you . In America , when I heard rejections like , “ It ’ s nice , we like it , but …” I didn ’ t know what to think . They were kind , but confusing . So I learned over time to understand .
" Pan " 36 x 24 ” - oil on canvas
" God of Grapes " 24 x 36 ” - oil on canvas
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