We recently sat down with Agata Ren, a local painter focusing on the environment and endangered species. You can learn more about her and her work by visiting her
website agata-ren-art.com.
Here is what she had to say...
1.
When did you begin to define yourself as an artist?
I
think the first time I called myself an artist was in 1999 after I got
commissioned for a big painting by a German doctor. Since I was a kid I wanted
to be an artist but my parents response was not encouraging. I always loved
painting and creating and my class mates asked me to paint for them in art
class. It took me many years, many inner struggles, determination and a
supportive husband to become a full time artist.
2. Is there one specific piece or series
of work that altered or defined what type of work you would make?
I think my work is an unconscious outcome of inspiration from hundreds of
artworks I've seen in museums, galleries and shows. My own Dodo definitely
initiated my series depicting endangered species that I'm working on ever
since. In 2013 after, what I call, a vision I had one night I brought my idea
into reality and created the Dodo.
3. Are there any artists in particular
that have influenced you and your work?
Up to my early 20s I was a big Dali fan. Then I got into
graffiti/street art as well as into serious art like Gerhard Richter, Joseph
Beuys and Andreas Gursky form the Arts Academy of the city of Düsseldorf,
Germany, since I started studying in Düsseldorf. The interest in all those
different artist could explain my artistic vary and range prior to 2013.
4. Do you find that your geographical
location helps or hinders your ability to show the type of work you want to?
Why?
I
find my current work was shown in key places in Palm Beach County and in South
Florida and won some awards even in those 2 years I started with this series. I
assume it's a proof for acceptance and recognition of my artwork.
5. How do you pick your
subject matter for your work?
My artwork is currently dedicated to
endangered species. I care a lot about our environment because I have children
and I want them and their children to grow up in a healthy and beautiful world.
I love people, animals and the nature and I understand that we need a
functioning Eco system for all of us to thrive! I feel even though I'm a small
part of a large arrangement it can make a difference what I do and I want to
give positive! Giving positive would
mean to me that my artwork would inspire somebody to feel deeply enough to face
the realities of our time! That we are creating our future and when we
transform we change our future! My motivation is my love for life and I want to
donate spirit.
6. What draws
you to painting more than any other medium?
I am
drawn to painting because I love to create with my hands. The more hands on I
am the more liberating it feels to me. That explains why I'm drawn to large
scale artwork and why I often use my own hands and fingers as a brush!
Sometimes the act of creating an artwork feels like a dance where I use my
whole body movement for the ceremony. It feels as if I have a primitive desire
to create that runs through my body anticipating to be exposed.
7. What do you want to accomplish as an
artist?
I want to inspire people! I want to show that people are
important! I want to show the lure of our nature! I want to show the beauty of
living and extinct creatures. I want for my artwork to give an emotional
imprint that stimulates all senses.
8. Where else can we see
your work- galleries, online, etc.?
My work was shown at the PBI airport, the Cultural Council
of Palm Beach, Coral Springs Museum of Art, the Lighthouse ArtCenter Museum to
name a few. Some of my work can be seen in public places, for example in
Pompano I have a Painted fish sculpture, a mural at Pine Grove Elementary
School and street art in Delray.
I have a studio in the heart of Boca where I have people come
see my work by appointment and my work is constantly in different
exhibitions as well.
Stay tuned on Facebook and agata-ren-art.com
Artist Statement
“Everything seems to be connected on our planet earth. I'm interested in the
consequences of human behavior. How much responsibility do we have and what do
we owe to the planet if we are to be the most intelligent species? I’m
passionate about creating delightful artwork consisting of and featuring
endangered and recently extinct species while using old social publications
documenting peoples interests and having those temptations fade into the
background! My artwork reflects on our society. My mission is to bring about
awareness through my artwork.”
