Artist
From Opava, Czechia
Based in Prague, Czechia
We interviewed remarkable Lucie who is one of the most visible personalities of the new generation of Czech artists. Her works are characterized by lively colors and intertwined lines which seem to freely follow her stream of consciousness, in short - it's something you just can't miss!
Photo credit: Natálie Bartošová
A: Please, tell us a bit more about yourself. What brought you to art?
L: I began painting in childhood. I wasn't an extra-gifted child, though. I was led to diligence and ambition. I was influenced greatly by my high school teacher who told me the most important thing is to paint from the heart and the self and not just mirror what others do or say. That time of my life I spent up in the attic drawing acts. There was this chiaroscuro lighting up there and I was fascinated by how it landed on the figure. In fact, it was working with the figure and psychological portraits that helped me get into the Academy of Fine Arts. I finished my studies in 2009 under Michael Rittenstein.
My main focus is paintings now, but I like to find different outlets for my creativity as well. I create murals, tapestries, and with the MPKJVLJS we create furniture for collectors which has seen success here in Czechia as well as abroad, from Milan to Hollywood.
A: What inspires you the most?
L: Everyday life usually. But to be able to keep looking at things from different perspectives, I like to travel as well. I escape into nature which helps me harmonize. Its colors never cease to amaze me; the sky at different times of the day, water and the ocean, and the emotions I am experiencing at the moment.
The inspiration comes from the environment I find myself in, from the landscape, the city skyline, the mental landscape. Lately, I've been drawing inspiration from the work process itself. The more I paint the more new ideas come to me. The process keeps itself going. That's how you create the best painting possible.
A: Do you have any specific rituals while working (creating)?
L: I start painting first thing in the morning when the world is quiet and my mind is still a blank slate. When the daylight enters my studio and lands on the paintings, I feel it gives them life force.
A: What would you recommend to someone new to art (an artist or just an admirer), what to begin with?
L: That depends on what level they want to work - whether you want to be a professional or only treat art as a hobby.
If it's the former, I'd recommend starting from scratch. That means learning about composition, the figure, physicality. The sooner you learn the basics, the sooner you find your own style and narrative. First, you learn the tools of expression and then you become free.
If you only want to paint for relaxation, then you need to make sure you can feel good and focus well while painting. Then you develop a reflex, and joy from the work. I find watercolor useful for this. Its palette is vast and it's a little difficult to work with (although you can always fix that using some water), which makes for a playful environment for a laic.
Photo credit: Jan Faukner
A: Your top 3 adjectives related to art?
L: Authentic, powerful, beautiful.
A: Your favorite Czech artists?
L: Most of all, I love Kupka and Šíma. Their works are powerful, they have a special aura, mysticism. Once I walked into a room full of party people, and yet I was drawn to this little picture in the corner. I didn't get it but once I got close enough, I could see it was an original by Šíma. His paintings are so powerful that you just can't miss them.
There's a quality about those two that extends outside of our visible world, they absorb the painter's aura, exude mystery, pulsating energies, sensitive and colourful composition. Their works are unmistakable.
A: What piece of art do you think embodies the Czech national spirit and culture? Why?
L: Krištof Kintera's System without Spirit, 2015.
A: The perfect phrase to start any conversation about art is: ..?
L: I connect with others through art by sharing my paintings with the public, whether through social media, galleries, or public spaces. Art needs an audience. Once a painting is seen and consumed, it brings forth dialogue between the artist and the observer. An artwork communicates through colours. Colours elicit emotions. And emotions start a dialogue.
A: Where can we meet you?
L: I create in my studio in Vinohrady, Prague. You can meet me in nearby cafes having my morning coffee or when doing sports. I love dance parties, but there aren't many happening these days. :-( I like to wander on ocean shores, other bodies of water, or in the mountains.
A: Please, share your favorite quote (not necessarily related to art)
L: Fear eats the soul.
Thank you!
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