A Dive into the Creative Process of Valeriya Simantovskaya
How an architect-turned-artist redefined digital illustration with raw emotion
Valeryia Simantovskay is a painter and illustrator based in Yerevan, Armenia who for the past seven years, has placed their focus in digital illustration, using clean lines, geometric shapes and a clean color palette as defining features to their work.
As a child, Valeryia Simantovskaya could easily occupy themselves as long as there was a pencil and some paper nearby, always creating and experimenting with new and improvised materials. Early on, this interest in drawing turned into a passion for art, with Simantovaskaya soon knowing that their destined path in life was creative in some form. After having discussions with his parents, Simantovaskaya decided to go to university to study architecture, a decision made from practicality. However, as Simantovaskaya entered their third and final year at university, they ultimately realized the love for architecture wasn't as strong as their passion for art. Being that the course was nearly done, Simantovaskaya decided to complete the studies regardless but simultaneously tried their hand at illustration, a choice that would define their future career.
Although the architecture path wasn't right for Valeryia, the education they absorbed from this industry became useful to the defining characteristics of their illustration work, taking elements of this and applying them to their artistic style.
Geometric shapes, clear lines, a restrained palette of colors - all this, as I think, is inspired by my period of study at university.
Fashion, as an industry, has also been an inspiration for the artistic direction of Simantovskaya. Since they were young, they have watched fashion shows and looked at fashion magazines, taking a special interest in the models rather than the clothing that was being shown. Simanovskaya explains how the strange poses and the cold stern facial expressions of the fashion industry fascinate them and, over time, have become reflected in their work in forms of minimalist illustrations of featureless characters.
Aside from this, their artistic style is always evolving, changing and adapting to the influences around them. Whether this be observing contemporary artists and illustrators, looking at classic works of art and trying to think of it in a modern context or watching films and fashion shows, the endless stream of visual information is a vital part to the artist's creative process. Simantovskaya can be hit by Ideas anywhere, at any time and there are different ways an illustration can come about for them. Sometimes they will have a point of reference, however, on some rare occasions, ideas come to him as he's falling asleep, leading to sleepless nights of translating these seeds of ideas onto paper.
There were times when I went to bed, and suddenly an idea came to my mind.
Simantovskaya is attracted to mystery, preferring to allow the art to lead the journey and learning the meaning as it progresses. Despite this, there are themes that are repeatedly represented in their work. Although often unintentionally, one thing most of Simantovskaya's illustrations have in common is a focus on humans and their nature. Despite not always having a message or theme planned for a particular piece when starting, the artist's fascination with the societies and spaces that human beings find themselves placed in come through naturally in the illustrations upon completion.
What's next for Valeriya Simantovskaya?
Having taken a long break from painting on canvas and mainly working digitally, moving forward, Valeriya Simantovskaya is ready to enter a new stage in their professional career, shifting this focus back towards painting to find a physical shell for their ideas and images. Although acknowledging the convenience of digital art to their practice, allowing them to create from wherever they might themselves without the cost of materials, Simanovskaya also expresses a deep appreciation for the tactile connection when creating a physical painting.
There is something inexplicably magical and meditative about the painting process. The end result takes on its own unique form. There is a kind of tactile connection to the work.
Recently, they have restarted their experimentation with oil and acrylic paints, hopeful about the journey this will open up for their future artistic identity.
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