My Interview with Kitchener, Ontario based Independent Artist Martina Vigini Raghunath- A most promising Canadian Artist whose work will blow your mind!
Date: December 4th, 2019 | By Reema Chopra
Life isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself.- Unknown
“I consider myself a statement artist with emotional tone. It is important to express oneself, provided the feelings are real and are taken from your own experience. Every portrait or figurative I paint provides me with the opportunity to create a work of art that exhibits both beauty and emotion. Hopefully it can speak for itself and whatever it says to the viewer - it's the right message because there isn't a wrong and a right message. Each person takes something a little different from the same painting and I'm happy with that”
Toronto-based Independent artist Martina Vigini Raghunath
To connect with to Martina Vigini Raghunath click the links below
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Website: www.refinedesignco.com
I am committed to partnering with the most forward-thinking Canadian artists/curators/creators of our time and bringing their visions to life. Here, in their own words, many of these creators/founders share their creative process and their stories. At my blog, I love to dig deep with Canadian artists to find out what inspires them to support Canadian art!
We artists, often refer to our life’s work as pursuing a passion, but how do we define “passion?” Whether it’s a memory or a feeling, a piece of art can evoke powerful emotions when we look at it. So when you find yourself questioning why you create art, take a deep breath, and reconnect with the passion that keeps you going, that makes your blood flow. When you feel for something as strongly as you want to breath, then you have a passion!
I was more than thrilled to interview Martina Vigini Raghunath about her deep passion for arts as well as for other fellow artists. A special thanks and gratitude to Martina for contributing to this interview. - Reema Chopra
STATEMENT
When I am painting abstract, I am not aware what I am doing. Some of the most unexpected patterns arise in the layers of my paintings and sometimes none if it is intentional. I just let it develop and evolve through the layers. I am fascinated by the patterns, forms, and textures that interplays between those layers. Exploring the effects created by mixing various gels and molding pastes is a major theme of my art pieces.
Martina Vigini Raghunath
What’s your background?
I was born in Zagreb, Croatia
Do you have any formal training or education in this field?
I studied art in at the Academy of Fine Arts in Croatia. After moving to Canada in 1993 I continued my education where I received a scholarship in OAC art.
What’s integral to the work of an artist?
I don’t set out with a plan or idea. My paintings are driven by emotion. I am not focused on what the viewer will think or feel when viewing my works. Just the fact that I can make those viewers feel anything is an accomplishment for me.
What role does the artist have in society?
Art is subjective, therefore our role in society as artist is subjective. It is largely dependent on the personality of the artist and on what artist's chosen subject matter is.
“As an artist, If I let the outside world define my artistic success, then I would be chasing the ideals of others. I believe that each person has to create their own measure of success and be true to it. The definition should not be written in stone but flex with life’s curves. ”
How has your practice change over time?
Art has been used as a tool to inspire and guide dreams and visions and you've probably heard the saying "Practice makes perfect" at least a couple of times during your life. And there's nothing cryptic about this phrase. Along the way of this journey you may discover some new painting techniques, paint options. Possibilities are endless!
What’s the best thing about being an artist?
Having the freedom to do what you love every day and connect with a viewer.
Did you always want to be an artist?
I come from an artistic family and art has always been a part of my life.
What work do you most enjoying doing?
As an Artist and Interior Stylist enjoy combining those 2 worlds.
Do you work on commissioned projects?
Yes, I worked on many commission projects anywhere from small to large events, companies as well as individuals that are well known in our society.
What is art mean to you?
Art evokes emotions, whether they are happy or sad, disturbing or exciting. Art makes you feel, and art makes you think. Pieces of art can make you question not only the artist's interpretation or message, but also your own feelings.
What subjects inspire you?
Subject with emotions, depth, balance.
“Art helps us identify with one another and expands our notion of WE – from the local to the global”
Whether I paint portraits, figurative or abstract I hope it contributes to the society by giving a sense of beauty beyond the every day and by giving making people more aware, more imaginative and more sensitive.
A society with people like that is a better society.
Does art have a purpose?
Yes, absolutely. The purpose of art is to produce thinking. It is created to communicate ideas of cultural values, beliefs and identity and helps to preserve the many different communities that make up our world. It creates a sense of beauty, explores the nature of perception or to generate strong emotions.
Should art be used to influence political, religious, social, environmental views, etc.?
Art can motivate people to turn thinking into doing.
Should art be used to express beauty and the ugly and painful side of life?
Yes, I definitely think art should be used to express beauty and the ugly and painful side of life.
Does your art contribute to society? Should it?
Whether I paint portraits, figurative or abstract I hope it contributes to the society by giving a sense of beauty beyond the every day and by giving making people more aware, more imaginative and more sensitive. A society with people like that is a better society.
Are you better today than when you first started?
When I first started I was more focused on painting techniques, composition well majority of the technical aspects of creating art. Today I focus on emotion, thoughts, words and actions which are all forms of energy. What we think, feel, say and do in each moment comes back to us to create our realities.
If you had all the time in the world and unlimited financial means – would you create the same art you create today? Or would you create something different?
As far as the emotions I portray in my art, I’d say no. But I may travel to paint more, my canvas size will definitely be bigger and quantity will increase. I’d want to take more art classes to improve and make the best art I am capable of.
Are you afraid of certain subjects, styles, media?
There are things I may struggle with painting but I always like to challenge myself. That’s the only way we can improve and concur our fears.
What do you dislike about your work?
We artists are complexed creatures ha ha. Me as an artist and a person with ADHD I have a hard time focusing on one subject/painting. I tend to work on few paintings at a time and some of them end up sitting unfinished. Major squirrel moments but that’s what makes it ME.
What do you like about your work?
Elegance and beauty that shows unusual effectiveness and simplicity.
What does success mean to you?
As an artist? If I let the outside world define my artistic success, then I would be chasing the ideals of others. I believe that each person has to create their own measure of success and be true to it. The definition should not be written in stone but flex with life’s curves. Being an artist is a constant process of creating new challenges. I enjoy the sharing of ideas and motivating others to find their artistic voice.
What is your Favourite or most inspirational place?
My family is my inspiration and they are the ones that support me and encourage me to be the best artist I can be. I used to have an art studio but most of the time I would end up painting at home. So painting at home with my family around is where I like to be. Imagine…3 happy kiddos, loving dog and an amazing husband…why would I want to be anywhere else ?
Do you have a responsibility to share your art with the world?
I don’t have the responsibility to share my art with the world but I do want to connect with the viewers in the world with my art. Each person takes something a little different from the same painting and I'm happy with that.
What is an “ARTIVIST”?
An activist who incorporates creativity into his or her schtick without losing credibility or street cred. And even if he or she does lose a little of those two things, the art usually makes up for the loss, rendering the person more soulful and/or funky, or at the very least rejuvinated for more activism-- sort of like what happens with religion, but less complicated, depending on the scope of the artivistic endeavor.
Do you consider your self an Artivist?
Yes.
Power of creative expression for social change is what comes to mind. It could be the best way forward in creative change and it doesn’t have to be by protesting on the street alone.
Thanks for your time Martina! I wish you the best of luck with your upcoming shows!
You have to be Passionate about what you do, and Martina certainly is an amazing artist with deep passion not only for her work but for the entire art community. You can learn more about Martina Vigini Raghunath and her art by visiting her at www.refinedesignco.com or contact her at Tel: 519.498.4012
About the Author: Reema Chopra is a CEO/Founder of White Antelope - A Marketing and Branding Agency, an art promoter, mentor, professionally trained artist and a Graphic Designer. Reema provides career advice, coaching, writing services, promotion, and digital marketing strategies for artists from beginners to advanced. Reema brings her vast knowledge and experience in advertising, art, antiques, graphic design, marketing, events and public relations, along with an international network of contacts to each of her clients. She is committed to the success each client entrusts her to bring to their efforts. She is one of the upcoming new contemporary artists to emerge out of the Canadian landscape in the last decade.
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