Interview With Winning Artist Gaya Lastovjak
Congratulations to Gaya Lastovjak for earning her place as the 2nd Place Winner of the Boynes Artist Award 12th Edition!
Who are you?
Thank you very much for inviting me to participate in this wonderful interview, this is a great honor for me.
My name is Gaya Lastovjak. I was born in 1987 in Lithuania but spent most of my life in Poland. Currently, I work and live in Krakow. I consider myself as a contemporary figurative artist, because I do not limit myself to a specific field of art, such as painting, sculpture or happenings, they are all important to me and they are all connected by one subject – human.
Most often, however, I focus on creating three-dimensional paintings using my own technique, combining paper mache, canvas, and oil paint, supplemented from time to time with new elements such as rope, moss or metal mesh, which enrich the meaning of the works. The departure from the traditional range of colors in favor of white allows for perfect accentuation of light and shade, which changes with the time of day. My works balance between painting and sculpture, giving both disciplines a new dimension.
Although I hold a master's degree in art history, I have based my artistic development on self-directed learning complemented by intensive searches for my own artistic language, inspired by observing everything created by human beings.
“Complexity”
Paper Mache, Oil on Canvas
By Gaya Lastovjak
What inspired you to utilize mixed media as a medium?
When I was young, I was interested in various artistic techniques, but I was most fascinated by sculpture as a way of shaping form, and painting, because I really enjoy holding a brush and applying paint to the canvas. Once I took an art class that used papier mache. I really liked the material. It occurred to me then that paper sculptures could also be easily shaped and painted. So I decided to combine both disciplines and artistic techniques into one. Mixed media also offers a wide range of possibilities when it comes to easily introducing new, interesting materials, which allows me to develop my artistic skills.
“Nonconformity”
Paper Mache, Rope, Oil on Canvas
By Gaya Lastovjak
How would you describe your work?
In my works, most often I raise issues related to human emotions and behavior or current events in the world. I am interested in philosophical anthropology because its basic question is who is man and what is his existential structure. That is, who we are and what is our place in the surrounding world. I am also interested in psychology because it focuses on the study of the human psyche. In my art, I address topics related to the good and bad sides of human nature, its emotions, experiences, and perception of the world. Currently, I am focusing on observing people's complexity, their emotional diversity, mood changes, and adaptation to specific life situations. My paintings are very diverse in terms of both form and subject matter. Most are figurative works, but there are also geometric or minimalist paintings. I try to simplify the form to strengthen its message, make the artwork more legible but also pleasing to the eye. I also want to convey my view of the world to the viewers and make the work of art not only a decoration, but that it also has a voice in conveying important content.
“Balance”
Paper Mache, Magazine, Rope, Oil on Canvas
By Gaya Lastovjak
Can you discuss the inspiration and thought process behind your winning work?
The work "Isolation" was inspired by the observation of human behavior. It aims to raise the issue of an increasingly dismissive approach to the other people. Hence the form of the painting resembling prison bars, symbolizing isolation from the rest of the world. Covered eyes and mouth as a barrier showing unwillingness to participate in any direct visual or verbal presence. This problem is becoming more and more visible, especially among young people who isolate themselves from reality and are more willing to choose the virtual world.
“Isolation”
Paper Mache, Rope, Oil on Canvas
By Gaya Lastovjak
Can you walk us through the technical steps of creating your winning painting?
To create this work, I used plaster casts of various body parts. Using these, I created positives of the paper mache forms and assembled them into a single piece. This time, I decided to also place the rope on the canvas, thus achieving the effect of prison bars. The silhouette also has longitudinal stripes cut out. This was a demanding process, as I cut the stripes with a thin paper knife, and paper mache is very hard once dried. I only applied a glaze to part of the silhouette to reveal the newspapers underneath. Finally, the entire work was covered with a thick layer of oil paint, as is the case with all my works.
What do you hope to communicate to an audience with your work?
The goal of my art is not only to create something visually attractive but also to convey an important message. Through specific content, I want to draw the viewers attention to the world around them, to stop, look at themselves and consider what kind of person they are.
Can you talk about your biggest learning experience during the process of creating your work?
A story came to mind. In 2021, I filled out another of the many artist applications I found online, and a few weeks later, I received a response that my work had been selected to participate in the Florence Biennale, one of the largest art events in Europe and the world. However, several conditions must be met. I met all of them, but the last one remained – a high fee. During the pandemic, without a steady income, I couldn't afford the additional cost, so I decided to look for sponsors. I found an index of large companies, checked them one by one, checked their capital levels, etc. The biennale organizers sent me the relevant documentation, which outlined benefits for sponsors, advertising, inclusion of their logos, and so on. So I started researching and writing, each application tailored to a specific company. It took me over two months. I wrote to over 150 companies and received about eight responses, all rejections. One was even rude. I didn't get it. A few months later, television reported a Polish artist's work that had won a gold medal at the Florence Biennale (the one I was supposed to attend). Something stabbed me in the heart, some incomprehensible emotion reignited my will to fight. At the beginning of 2022, as soon as applications were open, I sent my work again with a note that I wanted to cover the cost of participation myself. I had been saving everything from my earnings and from painting sales. They accepted me a second time. I felt immense joy, I was happy. The kind organizers divided the fee into three monthly installments, and it worked out. My work was included in the exhibition of my dreams. I described this story as an experience that taught me that you have to believe in yourself, and if you don't succeed now, you will succeed another time. It was also the most pivotal moment in my understanding of how the art world works. Until then, I'd had a fairytale image of it. I thought my own style and talent would be enough for everyone to invite me to exhibitions, and collectors would buy my paintings before I finished them. But it doesn't work that way. The art world is very different from art itself, and the sensitive soul of an artist can't always cope with such disappointment. I learned not to wait for someone to notice me and support me, but to rely on myself and my hard work.
“Trapped”
Paper Mache, Metal Net, Oil on Canvas
By Gaya Lastovjak
Can you discuss your biggest success since starting your artistic journey?
I've had many successes over the past four years. Participation in many wonderful exhibitions and biennials, international publications, art awards, for which I'm very grateful. However, I consider my greatest success to be my personal growth, the development of my artistic language. The fact that people like my art, that it resonates with them.
Can you give us the best piece of advice you have ever heard/received?
My parents and my late grandmother taught me perseverance from a young age. In my life, I have experienced many failures, but somehow did not give up. At times, I had to take a break, but then I regained strength, worked through the failures in my mind, analyzed my mistakes, and tried again and again until I succeeded. So the best advice I have ever been given in life is "don’t give up".
“Game”
Paper Mache, Oil, Canvas & Different Materials
By Gaya Lastovjak
As a winner, do you have any advice for artists who want to apply for awards, competitions, residencies, etc.?
In fact, I do. I'm a prime example. This year, I received seven rejections in a row from important open calls for me. I've applied to Boynes competitions several times since 2021. My previous applications were rejected. But on my third attempt, I succeeded and made it onto the awards podium! This fantastic success was a huge boost to my morale and proved that parental advice works. Those who don't try won't be disappointed, nor will they experience the overwhelming joy of winning. Regardless of how many losses I've had, I still believe it's worth trying.
So believe, don’t give up, keep trying.
“Connivance”
Paper Mache, Oil on Canvas
By Gaya Lastovjak
What projects are you working on currently? Can you discuss them?
I'm currently working with a new material, epoxy resin, which gives me great joy and a very satisfying effect. I'm also creating a large-scale piece using hair. I realize the creative process may take many months, but I'm optimistic. Smaller-scale paintings with a minimalist / geometric character are also being created in parallel. In short, a lot is happening.
What is your dream project or piece that you hope to accomplish?
I submitted my work, titled "Game," to the open call for educational projects under the "Community of Experience: A Program for the Development of Art Education" program at the Krakow’s Museum of Contemporary Art. In this project, I would like to engage viewers in creating collaborative work. Such initiatives bring people together, and I would like to participate in similar events in the future. My dream is to engage in direct dialogue with the audience and work with major cultural institutions to foster shared development in culture and art.
“Dreams Cratcher”
Paper Mache, Rope, Oil on Canvas
By Gaya Lastovjak
Lastly, I like to ask everyone what advice they would give to their fellow artists, what is your advice?
When it comes to mixed media, I definitely recommend experimenting with different materials, textures, and tools. It's impossible to give universal advice because every artist is different and has their own sensitivity. But additionally, I can give a very important piece of advice for creating with peace of mind - dear fellow artists, listen to your inner voice, devote a lot of energy to observing and absorb as much knowledge as you can. So that you are not afraid to experiment and determine the direction you want to go. Of course, the most important thing is to have a good plan and something important to convey. Be honest in your views, work hard and love what you do, and most importantly - don't compare yourselves to others. Every artist is unique in what they create, be authentic, let your art become your personal response to the world.
To view more of Gaya Lastovjak