“Through working with art, I dreamed my most beautiful dreams and ideas. Even those that seem impossible.”
Nurtured by Creativity
Growing up in an environment steeped in artistic influences, Baiba Abelite’s path to becoming an artist seems almost preordained. From a young age, she was immersed in the world of fantastical tales and imaginative narratives, which kindled her creative spirit. Her father, Visvaldis Asaris, a renowned Latvian artist specializing in poster art, design, and environmental art, served as a profound influence on her. Witnessing his dedication and passion, Baiba felt a growing pull towards the arts. She realized early on that through art, she could dream and manifest her most exquisite ideas, even those that seemed unattainable.
Baiba’s journey into the world of art was a conscious decision, driven by an intrinsic desire to explore and understand the world around her through a creative lens. Her educational background in interior design at Riga College of Architecture and Design laid the groundwork for her artistic endeavors. However, a pivotal moment came when she deeply contemplated what medium would allow her to express herself most fully. This introspection led her to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2019 and a Master of Arts in Painting in 2021 at the Art Academy of Latvia. These academic pursuits provided her with the opportunity to work alongside prominent figures in the art world, yet it was her father’s foundational influence that remained paramount.
The artistic journey of Baiba Abelite is characterized by her relentless pursuit of new experiences and knowledge. While she draws inspiration from various sources, including her father, she firmly believes in charting her own path. This determination to explore uncharted territories and make independent decisions is evident in her approach to art. She listens, observes, and learns from her surroundings but ultimately crafts her unique artistic narrative.
Baiba Abelite: The Urban Alchemist
Baiba Abelite’s artistic style is a vibrant reflection of the human-made environment. She passionately explores the interplay between urban landscapes and human experiences, creating a dialogue between art and the environment. Her works are not confined to traditional canvases; instead, she employs metal as her primary medium. This unconventional choice stems from her desire to break away from the ordinary and constantly seek new experiences. Metal, with its diverse textures and forms, offers her a dynamic canvas to explore themes of urbanization, technology, and the emotional intricacies of modern life.
In her art, Baiba delves into the complex relationships within social and urban environments. Her pieces often depict the impact of urbanization and technological advancements on people and nature, capturing the emotional void that urban alienation can create. She uses a variety of materials and techniques, integrating technologies to enhance the messages she wishes to convey. Her works invite viewers to engage with the urban landscape, prompting them to imagine and explore beyond the visible.
Nature, too, plays a significant role in Baiba’s art. Despite her departure from traditional canvases, her love for flowers and natural elements persists. She skillfully transfers these motifs onto metal, creating a unique blend of the natural and industrial worlds. This juxtaposition reflects her belief in transformation as a fundamental principle of life. Through her art, Baiba illustrates her personal and artistic metamorphosis, showcasing how her interests, materials, and techniques evolve over time.
Crafting Her Creative Sanctuary
Baiba Abelite’s workspace is a vital element of her creative process. Situated in the industrial environment of Provodniks in Riga, her studio embodies the raw, urban aesthetic that influences her art. This historical site, once a bustling factory, has been revitalized as a creative hub for artists and manufacturers. Within this urban enclave, Baiba finds the perfect setting to create her transformative pieces. Her studio is a blend of creative chaos, filled with metal sheets, paint cans, brushes, and other materials that fuel her artistic endeavors.
Despite the industrial surroundings, Baiba incorporates elements of nature into her workspace. Fresh flowers and plants, candles, and incense create a harmonious balance between the urban and the natural, providing her with a sense of peace and tranquility. This environment, though seemingly chaotic, offers her the clarity and focus needed to bring her artistic visions to life. She finds solace in the juxtaposition of the gritty, industrial setting and the serene, natural elements, allowing her to immerse herself fully in her creative process.
Outside the studio, Baiba’s connection to nature remains strong. Long walks in the forest or along the beach are essential to her well-being and creative process. These moments of meditation and reflection help her manage distractions and maintain a clear mind. This balance between the urban and the natural, the chaotic and the serene, is central to Baiba’s artistic philosophy and practice.
Baiba Abelite: Embracing Transformation
Transformation is a recurring theme in Baiba Abelite’s work, both as a concept and a process. Her piece “Contemporary Transformation” stands as a testament to this theme. Created during the global upheaval of 2021, this large-scale artwork comprises five metal sheets, each intricately painted and engraved. This work not only represents a significant technical achievement but also encapsulates Baiba’s reflections on the changing world. Through a combination of traditional painting, metalwork, and digital technology, she explores the intersection of the physical and the digital, prompting viewers to contemplate the future of art in the digital age.
The creation of “Contemporary Transformation” was a challenging yet rewarding process for Baiba. It required her to translate her conceptual ideas into a tangible, large-scale format, blending painting with digital applications. This work symbolizes a momentary capture of the continuous flow of energy and transformation that defines her artistic journey. It is a snapshot of her thoughts, emotions, and experiences at a specific point in time, reflecting her personal growth and the broader changes occurring in the world.
Baiba’s fascination with transformation extends beyond individual artworks. She views each piece as part of a larger narrative of change and evolution. Her choice of metal as a medium reflects this philosophy, as it allows for a dynamic interplay of light, texture, and perspective. This material’s inherent qualities enable her to capture the power and energy of industrial objects and urban landscapes, while also accommodating her love for natural motifs like flowers. Baiba’s art is a continuous exploration of transformation, both in her personal journey and in the world around her.
