The Eastern Daily Press has teamed up with the Urban Art Store to award one NUA student the chance to display their work at the upcoming Under the Stalls art show. Here we take a closer look at one of the finalists, Vanessa Haritonova.
"I would describe my work as very experimental, I'm still evolving and trying to determine where my work stands. I feel like it changes by whatever I'm inspired by at the moment, however I'd like to think it follows quite a positive theme."
"I used to predominantly only depict people , but I've now been drawn to weird and wonderful aspects, I find that personal stories, my childhood and different cultures tip-toe into my work. As well as floral designs from my love for the environment."
"I first wanted to pursue art seriously at 13 , I remember drawing in lockdown and something just clicked. I thought if I want to take my hobby and turn it into a career, then I actually need to "be good", I started practising anatomy for the first time the next day."
"About my workAnything and everything, however right now , I'm addicted to screenprinting and watercolour, I get into a meditative state when screen printing, it's so rewarding being able to see the layers come together at the end. Watercolour can be used in conjunction with other mediums like pencils and oil pastels to create beautiful effects."
"I'm so proud of my chicken house screenprint, I think it deserves some love."
"This is definitely mostly subconscious for me. My day-to-day life, movies I've watched and upbringing play a role within my creative output and visual language. For example, I'm from Latvia and used to spend every summer there as a child, I remember playing outside in nature, swimming, cycling, eating a LOT and the colour green. This could explain why I feel drawn to more organic/floral aspects.
"About my journey since starting university, I have felt more creative freedom than ever before, my work has grown tremendously in this short time. My biggest challenge was deciphering what the tutors wanted from me in the academic sense. How was I going to be marked, did I need to do certain things?. After I realised they are looking for what is authentic to what I wish to create, the rest came naturally.
"Studying environmental science A-level brought my love for learning and art together. Sparking my passion for the natural world and climate change, in cooperation with graphic A-level introducing me to digital for the first time, the knowledge gained throughout A-levels has put me into a much better position during my degree, focusing even more on experimentation and letting go of perfectionism.
"This would be my first opportunity showcasing my art to the public, increasing my confidence and possibly networking with other artists, connecting myself to the local creative community, whilst being the first step towards my future career."
"I'm most excited about the environment full of creatives, I can imagine the busy energy and chaos. I'd also love to see everyone else's amazing work and feel a sense of belonging.
"I'd love for them to engage and ask questions about my work, so I can happily tell them all about it. It would be surreal to witness people interacting and showing interest.
"I believe it would give us an important platform to engage with customers, building a reputation and getting our name out there, without industry connections. In addition to vital experience with how to market ourselves as a business and build the start of a loyal audience.
"Looking ahead I hope to have my own website and confidence to sell my work online, I keep procrastinating , so I hope I reach a better understanding of my creative identity. I'd love industry connections and projects on the go.
"I never bothered with keeping to a specific style, I always felt evolving and experimentation was the way to go. And that my natural flare would pull through in whatever I do."
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