Anastasija Kulda

What do you want to call your series of artworks, and why?

– The paper artwork series is called Impressions. They are impressions of my everyday life and little moments that I experience. In the process of creating, I follow the series of impressions left on the next page in my sketchbook, after the drawing is done. I follow those impressions to create the next abstract drawing. And so on... That’s why these impressions are always unexpected. I let go of any judgment and allow them to guide me and discover new shapes in the process. The canvas artwork series are called Assembly, as they are an assembly of shapes and colours that are put together and coloured one by one. I don’t usually plan the painting and the colours I will use. I start drawing line after line, shape after shape, and colour them in one by one as I go. I trust my intuition and make decisions as I go.

What inspired you to create the artworks you have made for The Ode To?

– Everyday life. Little moments that made an impression on me. I’m truly inspired by my surroundings, beautiful objects like ceramics, furniture, and architecture. I allow these impressions and objects to come to mind and I translate them into abstract drawings, allowing myself to create intuitively.

What other artists do you admire?

– There are many, but if I must choose one, I'll say Imi Knoebel. The balance created by shapes and colours in his work is astonishing and an infinite source of inspiration.

Can you tell us about your background and how you came to be an artist?

– I’m an artist, graphic designer and creative director, based in London. After graduating from Central Saint Martins, I have worked at leading design and media agencies for over 10 years. Recently I've joined the University of the Arts London as a Visiting Practitioner because I wanted to share my experience with the students and give them real life insight from the creative industry. Since becoming a mother, I felt the need for a more artistic expression. But my professional, judgmental mind has been blocking me from going down that path. So, I started practicing intuitive drawing, trusting the wisdom of the body, and letting go of a judgmental mind. I continue to allow this conversation between mind and body to unfold in my artworks.

How would you describe your art and aesthetics in three words?

– Intuitive, abstract, balanced.

What we love about Anastasija Kulda:

The colourful, abstract art of Anastasija Kulda simply speaks right to our hearts.