Art2Arts Artist Anna Styrc

Anna, have you always wanted to be an artist?

I would rather say that I was always an artist. Growing up I was always more creative than my peers but I never saw that as a pathway to a career for me. I guess I had too many interests, including music, which I was considering as an option at one point in my life.
However, life circumstances brought something completely different to my doorstep. Now I do what I love and I am fortunate that it happens to bring me joy. I know that many people who own my art enjoy having a piece of my creation in their homes, and this is a very good feeling.

 

Art2Arts Artist Anna Styrc
Art2Arts Artist Anna Styrc

Your art can be described as abstract featuring highly textured landscapes; has this always been your style of choice and if so, why?

I started to paint in 2009. Before that I was drawing a lot, usually, illustrations for children’s stories… these have not moved from storage since they were finished. Perhaps I’m waiting for inspiration for the story.
I like to paint what I consider beautiful. I love to capture not only still form but also movement in my paintings. So, again the abstract or semi-abstract style is the best to perfectly picture what I have in mind. Abstract and impasto is the best style to express how I feel and to teleport these images from my mind to the canvas.
This kind of art is my passion because it gives me a lot of possibilities without boundaries. I don’t really like to be limited in the choices of the style of execution in my creation. My children always laugh when I start a small painting, which is very rare. They know that what comes next is hours of struggle, wrestling with the physical constrictions of a small canvas.
The way I paint comes naturally to me, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t work on it progressively. I always try to bring something new to each painting, to make it different and more interesting. So, despite the fact that I paint similar objects, mostly scenes with trees, I always want to create something unique.
I do not aim to paint traditional landscapes. This is because I think there are a lot of perfect contemporary artists who do that with great success. I really admire them.

 

Purple & Red by Anna Styrc
Purple & Red by Anna Styrc

How would you describe your creative process?

This depends on what I would like to achieve. My artworks are usually quite complex. I use different types of acrylic paint and mediums to get the result I am aiming for. I often use palette knives but also brushes as well as different tools to build the structure of painting right.
In the early years, I looked at a blank canvas with a vague idea of what I wanted and the finished work would seldom resemble this idea.
Recently, however, I have found the time to explore ideas before committing them to canvas. During the lockdowns in the last year, I was constantly finding inspiration and would paint late into the night for weeks.
I also re-work my ideas on the canvas. Sometimes, several iterations of a painting are hidden underneath one work. My family knows they can never get too attached to a painting since it might not be around for too long.

Where do you seek inspiration?

There is plenty of inspiration around me. Lots of trees… Trees have fascinated me since I can remember. They’re steadfast in a world that seems to be constantly evolving.
I use the elements of what I see, shape, colour, and movement. I often use the camera to collect moments that I can refer to later. No matter the weather, I always find something exciting, worth contemplating, and admiration.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Typically, I start my day with black coffee. This is an everyday ritual. I must have it. The rest of the day is usually carefully planned but I have learned to expect the unexpected.
I wouldn’t say that I have a typical day. I am always very busy but as long as I have my coffee I am okay. I prefer an element of surprise.

 

Anna Styrc's workplace
Anna Styrc’s workplace

Which artists, living or deceased most inspire/influence your work?

At the risk of sounding cliché, I adore Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Cezanne, and Renoir. Gustav Klimt is a particular influence in my paintings.

Do you like to listen to music when you create, if so what sort of music do you listen to?

Yes, I like to listen to good music. I often listen to classical pieces of Chopin, Paganini, and Beethoven. I often go back to listen to Jean-Michel Jarre’s music, which is not very popular now, but I really like some of his pieces. His music is like an expanse- open, energetic, and dreamy at the same moment.
Also, Ennio Morricone, who composed tracks for many great movies. Very special to me. I do like contemporary music as well and that list is long…

If you had one piece of advice for someone seeking a career in art what would it be?

I think you have to be born an artist. So, if someone feels the creative pull, follow it. Although, nothing comes without hard work and exploring, especially if the person seeking a career in art.

What does the future look like for you?

I always look into the future with hope and great expectations. I might not know what this will look like exactly but I know that it will all work out.

View Anna’s gallery.

Only Blue Sky by Anna Styrc
Only Blue Sky by Anna Styrc
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