by Kat Ivanov

What inspires your art? 

I often find inspiration in natural stones, tropical fish, exotic frogs and oceanic photography.  Inspiration can also come from the most unexpected places, such as restaurant colour design, wardrobe outfits, costumes and social interactions.

Before starting a new art piece, I conduct a thorough research online and on Pinterest often relying on memories from past travels and encounters. To maintain artistic interest, and to keep myself exposed to a variety of artistic trades I frequent art galleries, museums and ballet performances.

What medium and technique do you use? 

I work primarily with Epoxy Resin by mixing the medium with a variety of resin pigments, acrylic paints, inks and colorants then pouring the resin onto a sturdy surface in multiple layers to create depth and contrast. In my art work, I often use additional materials to create a 3-D effect including swarovski crystals, quartz and glass crystals as well as artisan concrete. 

Walk us through your process of creating a piece?

 I always have multiple ideas and inspirations for my work. The most difficult decision is to choose what to create. The first step is to decide if the artwork will be abstract, inspired by natural stones or the ocean. The next decision is to choose the perfect color pallet. I often have an idea for one or two main colors for the art piece then I turn to Pinterest to find the best color combinations for these tones.

Once the idea and the colors have been selected, the next step is to decide on the shape and size of the artwork. I have multiple surface types to choose from - wooden art boards, MDF for custom shapes, or a silicone mold for pure resin pieces. Then I use my sketchbook to map out what the artwork will look like. Once all the planning is complete, the pouring and creating process begins.

These final steps of actually making the art come alive, are the most complex and intuitive in nature. I use the art plan as a rough guideline of what the final piece should look like, but the artistic process has a life of its own and details often change. 

Is there a specific piece that stands out to you? Why? 

Yes, probably the big freeform geode. The colors were inspired by a woman's outfit and I just fell in love with these tones. The muted blues, the dusty pink with a hint of gold. I also love the variety of different crystals with the gold details which makes this artwork unique. 

How did you start out as an artist? 

Growing up, I have immersed myself into various forms of arts. Hungry to try anything and everything: painting, dance, sculpture. I have even established a successful photography business.  But then life happened. And art became secondary. I graduated from university, got a 9 to 5 job that paid well and one that I truly enjoyed.

Only unforeseen circumstances at work made me question the path I was on. Frustrated, confused and lost, I once again turned to art. Handing in my resignation a little while later, I decided to go all in, head first- without hesitation. The rest is history.

Do you use bold colours for a specific reason? Why? 

I love to use a combination of bold and muted colors to create depth and contrast. It is the bold colors that catch the viewers attention and set the tone for the art piece, while the muted colors tell the remaining story and complete the artwork.