Artist in conversation: Anutka JPG

“ I like to balance on the edge of desire without slipping into vulgarity”

Introducing a gifted pin-up artist from the vibrant city of Yerevan, Armenia, whose work is a celebration of aesthetic beauty expressed through plastic lines. Immersed in the world of these lines, Anutka spends countless hours exploring her potential and breathing vitality and a subtle hint of sexuality into each piece.

Anutka’s artistic journey begins with a chaos of lines that organically evolve into structured forms, inspiring ideas and accentuating shapes. The use of bright, vivid colors and a modern twist effectively communicates her artistic vision, resulting in captivating and inspiring illustrations.

Anutka’ style is a unique fusion of traditional pin-up art with a contemporary sensibility. Driven by a desire to redefine pin-up art for a modern audience, her goal is to breathe new life into this classic genre, marrying classic motifs with modern elements in every project.

Each new endeavor presents an opportunity to push the boundaries of her style, driven by a relentless pursuit of artistic evolution and a desire to contribute a unique voice to the pin-up genre. Anutka’s work stands as a testament to this commitment, showcasing a distinctive blend of the old and new, the classic and the contemporary. Embrace the vibrant and dynamic world of their pin-up art, where every line tells a story and every color sings a song.

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What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?

As a child, I was deeply influenced by various fashion magazines and my mother's hobby of handicrafts. The sketches in magazines like Burda particularly fascinated me. This early exposure to design and my enjoyment in creating clothes for paper dolls played a pivotal role in shaping my artistic interests. My journey to develop my unique style involved experimenting with various styles. Crucially, Roy Lichtenstein's boldness in incorporating comic strips into paintings was a significant inspiration during my university years. The lively lines in Bilibin's work and the dynamic nature of Tom Purvis's art, which focuses on forms over lines, have also greatly influenced my approach to art. I endeavor to reflect this inspiration in my own work, focusing on dynamic and expressive lines.

In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?

I'm attracted to a blend of playfulness, languor, and allure in my drawings. I like to depict these moods because I personally enjoy being in such states.

                                                                                    Artworks created in collaboration with Lyuka Lissabon

How do you navigate the balance between artistic expression and the demands of commercial or commissioned work, if applicable?

For about a year, I've been receiving commissions that align with my artistic style, and the modifications requested by clients harmonize with my approach. These commissions not only fit my style but also offer opportunities for experimentation, contributing significantly to my evolution as an artist. My clients come to me for my vision and drawings, and often, they entrust me with creative decisions like choosing the outfit or pose. This level of trust and freedom in commissioned work is extremely gratifying and fuels my artistic growth.

As an illustrator in today's digital age, how do you leverage social media or online platforms to showcase your work and connect with your audience?

I primarily promote my art on Instagram, which is almost my sole platform for exposure. I also have a smaller, private community on Patreon, where my subscribers get early access to my work, and their feedback is crucial for me. I participate in 'Draw This In Your Style' challenges by artists I admire, which helps in mutual audience engagement.

Can you tell us about a project or illustration that you found particularly challenging or rewarding?

One of my most challenging yet rewarding projects is an unfinished comic based on a friend's story. This project pushed me out of my comfort zone, particularly because it required me to focus on a male main character. Drawing men has always been a challenge for me, as they rarely appear in my work. This project presented an opportunity for me to confront and work through this difficulty, broadening my skills and artistic range.

 How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?

I'm a workaholic; I draw most of the time I have. If I don't feel like drawing, I still draw; if I do feel like it, I draw. The thing is, once you find your style, it doesn't make you sick; you want to keep drawing. It's like enjoying a delicious pastry or walking through a beautiful city.

How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?

I'm deeply committed to my art, often finding myself drawing at every chance. Even on days when motivation is hard to find, I gravitate towards my Ipad. Finding my own style has been a game changer – it makes drawing feel less like work and more like a fulfilling pastime. It energizes me in a way similar to enjoying a leisurely stroll or a favorite treat. Drawing for me is not just an activity; it's a source of joy and continuous inspiration.

How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?

I'm still getting used to the idea of my first exhibition at The Holy Art Gallery. It feels a bit surreal, but I'm excited about the opportunity to share my work with a new audience. This exhibition is a big step for me, marking a new chapter in my artistic journey. It's a chance to celebrate the style I've developed and to see how it resonates with others. I'm looking forward to the experience, the feedback, and whatever new opportunities might come from this.

Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Currently, my main focus is shifting from my full-time job to dedicating myself entirely to art. This transition is more than a career change; it's about immersing myself fully in my passion. I envision this period as a time for deeper exploration, where I can experiment more freely and develop my style further. A major milestone I'm aiming for is holding a solo exhibition, which would be a true testament to my growth and dedication as an artist.

What role does emotion play in your creative process, and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your drawings?

I like when viewers enjoy what they see in my paintings. I like to balance on the edge of desire without slipping into vulgarity.