“I decided to consciously enter this profession in 2016, when I realized that I could no longer run from myself, rather than towards myself.”
Lena Gamova: A Symphony of Diverse Talents
Lena Gamova, an artist of eclectic pursuits, hails from the cultural hub of St. Petersburg, Russia. Her multifaceted career spans illustration, photography, design, art criticism, marketing, and programming. This unique blend of skills, encapsulating both the technical and creative realms, imbues her work with a distinct perspective. Gamova identifies herself as “98% acrylic, watercolor, oil, tempera, and pastel,” while the remaining 2% encompasses her expertise in email marketing, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and art history. This fusion of disciplines not only informs her artistic creations but also shapes her approach to art as an expansive and interdisciplinary practice.
Despite holding a degree in computer engineering and pursuing another in art history, Gamova’s artistic journey is largely self-taught. From a young age, she has been immersed in drawing and writing, driven by an innate desire to create and explore. Her life, marked by its complexities and challenges, inspires her to bring light into the world through her art. She chooses to infuse her work with positivity and joy, preferring to create in a good mood and eschewing expressions of pain or anguish. This philosophy underscores her commitment to sharing beauty and optimism with her audience.
Lena Gamova: An Organic Journey into Art
Gamova’s decision to embrace art as a profession crystallized in 2016, a pivotal moment when she felt a profound internal calling. A significant catalyst in her journey was a close friend who managed an art supply store. This fortuitous connection provided Gamova with invaluable knowledge about tools and materials, setting the stage for her initial foray into painting. Her artistic style defies easy categorization, residing at the intersection of figurative painting and abstraction. This exploration of space and form allows her to continuously innovate, blending elements from various artistic movements to forge a unique visual language.
Her workspace is a testament to her dedication and versatility. It brims with around 300 brushes, multiple work tables, and a plethora of easels, accommodating her diverse array of mediums including tempera, acrylic, oil, watercolor, and pastel. Acrylic, however, dominates her oeuvre. Gamova’s ability to work in a multitasking mode, honed from her youth, enables her to channel her thoughts and emotions into her art seamlessly, free from distractions. This approach allows her to create with intensity and immediacy, capturing the essence of her creative impulses.
Inspirations and Influences: From Vrubel to Picasso
Mikhail Vrubel’s works serve as a profound source of inspiration for Gamova. A spontaneous trip to Moscow in 2011 led her to the Tretyakov Gallery, where she encountered Vrubel’s masterpieces. The encounter was transformative, particularly in the hall dedicated to Vrubel, where his dynamic use of color and form left an indelible mark on Gamova. This moment of artistic epiphany ignited her resolve to pursue art with renewed fervor. Vrubel’s influence is evident in her own exploration of symbolism and expression, as she strives to imbue her work with similar depth and intensity.
Another pivotal influence on Gamova’s artistic journey is Pablo Picasso, particularly his painting “The Dream.” This iconic work, created during Picasso’s Surrealist period, combines realistic and fantastical elements, embodying themes of mysticism, dreams, and the subconscious. The vivid imagery and emotional resonance of “The Dream” deeply moved Gamova when she first encountered it in the 2010s. This painting’s exploration of love, femininity, and the inner world mirrors Gamova’s own artistic pursuits, as she seeks to navigate and portray the complexities of human experience through her art.
Lena Gamova: Future Visions and Artistic Aspirations
Gamova’s exploration of various mediums reflects her commitment to quality and innovation in her work. Although she currently favors acrylics, her heart leans towards oil paints, renowned for their rich texture and longevity. She exclusively uses professional-grade paints, such as those from Sennelier, which are known for their durability and vibrant hues. This meticulous attention to material quality underscores her dedication to creating lasting, impactful art.
Looking ahead, Gamova envisions expanding her artistic repertoire through ambitious projects that delve into themes of body positivity and the celebration of diverse forms. Two of her current projects, “City in Dance” and “Femininity,” already explore intricate aspects of human expression and movement. In future endeavors, she aims to depict curvy women with a positive and empowering narrative, challenging societal norms and embracing inclusivity. This forward-thinking approach aligns with her broader mission to illuminate the world with beauty, joy, and a profound appreciation for the diverse spectrum of human experience.
Lena Gamova’s artistry is a vibrant confluence of technical skill, profound inspiration, and a relentless pursuit of beauty and truth. Through her diverse talents and unwavering commitment to her craft, she continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, offering a unique lens through which to view the world.
