Inside the Studio
Irina Rosenfeldt
What themes do you pursue?
Elements from nature not shown as such, but as wide open symbolism; they become a pure energy source of color. No matter the emotion, the work shows a mild erotism and a search on the spiritual level because the feeling is digging for a deeper idea related to understanding and building myself.
How many years as an artist?
It’s been thirteen since I made the decision to study art, ten since I began working on a daily basis, and five months since I’ve truly considered myself an artist. This occurred when I put together my first solo exhibition and I could see the effect my work had on people: joy, happiness, vitality, a stimulating cheerful vibration. The colors and open, genuine love energy originating from my work generated a transformation in people.
What was the best advice given to you as an artist?
One day the phone rang and it was my friend who asked me what I was doing. “I’m struggling with a painting,” I answered. He said, “The painting better win.”
The whole point is that the work of art is never a question of whether I like it or not. If I can listen to the dialogue between colors, shapes and my own reactions, then the feedback will improve the creation.
The second great piece of advice came from Robert Fripp, who once said at a seminar, “If you are doing nothing, do nothing. But while you are doing nothing, do practice.” He triggered the discipline mind-set in me.
Where is your studio?
Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Art school or self-taught?
Although I have never been to art school, I had great teachers who generously taught me everything related to formal studies (drawing, structuring, shading, perspectives, physics of color, etc.). I have dedicated several years to understand the mathematics of the human body and everything in it. Everything is possible. It’s only a matter of discipline, focus, interest and time.
Prefer to work with music or in silence?
Always music. I paint on big sizes and my approach is very gestural, yet my work is not abstract. The music invites movement and it defines the area of coverage on the canvas. I can be both highly energetic and very quietly concentrated.
What’s around the corner from your place?
Survival kit: grocery, pharmacy, patisserie, and beauty salon.
Where can we find you outside the studio?
At the university, picking up my son at school, and in my mate’s arms.
Favorite contemporary artist?
Ross Blecknell, Louise Bourgeois, Beatriz Milhazes.
If you couldn’t be an artist, what would you do?
I can only talk about facts, reality and behavior, and I like the kind of life I am creating. Being an artist is constituent of my very own essence.
Day job?
Artist, psychology student and mother of 2.
What do you collect?
Experiences: the best earned income.
Use anything other than paint?
Glitter!!!!!! and glossy varnish.
Is painting dead?
Am I? Is Saatchi Online?
Seriously, at a personal level it is part of a search; it’s one possible approach, probably the easiest to understand and digest.
Monet or Manet?
Monet, for obvious reasons (flowers, romanticism and colors!).
