An Interview With Lucy Gogoliuk

Lucy Gogoliuk is interested in the physical process of painting and drawing: mark-making, colour, and surface. Her work is rooted in observation of the immediate environment, which she fuses with imaginative and sensual elements, and her own evolving archive of formal influences to create a personal artistic language. Gogoliuk takes the beautiful and bizarre minutiae of everyday life as a starting point for work that foregrounds memory, perception and visual language. 

Can you tell us a little bit about you?

My name is Lucy Gogoliuk, and I am an artist from Edinburgh. I hold a joint master's degree in history of art and fine art from Edinburgh University. Presently, I am enrolled in the Drawing Year program at the Royal Drawing School in London. My artistic creations are firmly rooted in observation from life but are integrated with imaginative components inspired by the paintings I study and various other forms of iconography I encounter.

What is your artistic process and how has it evolved since you began painting?

My artistic approach begins with a foundation in observation from life, followed by a transformative element. Throughout my journey as a painter, I have cultivated an artistic language that encompasses specific principles related to colour theory, form, colour, line, and composition. Recently, I have been crafting heartfelt expressions in the form of love letters dedicated to individuals in my life. I have discovered that having a person I deeply care for in mind while creating an image greatly enriches my artistic output. It allows me to infuse a sense of authenticity into my art, as I am crafting it with genuine affection for someone I cherish, rather than solely focusing on the end result.

Have you recently been exploring any new themes within your work?

The new themes I have been exploring are love. By creating works imagining that I am writing a love letter to someone in my life ~ someone who has made a lot of sacrifices for me or I have made a lot of sacrifices for ~ I find that I allow the emotional pull to take me to interesting places in my work.

What's your thought process behind selecting a specific subject for your work?

I often choose my subjects based on a strong attraction to a particular topic or idea I've been eager to explore. My subjects tend to be deeply personal, often encompassing objects or individuals in my immediate surroundings whom I hold dear.

Is there one piece or project you are especially proud of?

I'm incredibly proud of a piece I created for my parents, which will be showcased in the end-of-year exhibition at Christie's. What makes this piece particularly special to me is that when my mother saw it, she shared a dream she had when she was my age. In her dream, she saw the exact painting I had created, and she was inspired to write a poem about it. The magic doesn't end there, as another person I hold dear has also mentioned that they've seen this image before. This sense of serendipity and connection surrounding the artwork fills me with a profound sense of wonder and enchantment.

Your earliest memory of art?

One of my earliest memories of art is posing for my father's paintings. He would carefully arrange me in various positions, often having me hold objects like vases of flowers or adjusting my hand gestures for his compositions. We shared numerous painting lessons, and I fondly recall us creating watercolours together at our kitchen table.

Who or what is your biggest artistic inspiration?

My greatest artistic inspiration has always been my father, Gennadii Gogoliuk. He has been the driving force behind my desire to become an artist. He pursued his artistic journey at the Repin Academy when he was my age, receiving comprehensive training and amassing a wealth of knowledge in the traditional artistic processes. What sets him apart, though, is his unwavering belief in the importance of being an artist while forging one's own unique path in the world of art. One of the invaluable lessons he imparted to me is that art should always be created out of love, rather than solely for financial gain—a philosophy that deeply resonates with me. I owe an immense debt of gratitude to both my parents. My mother, an accomplished artist in her own right, introduced me to a plethora of artists whom I admire greatly, including the likes of Paul Klee, Paula Modersohn-Becker, and Sonia Delaunay. Their combined influence has shaped my artistic journey in profound ways.

Are there any particular artists that you are currently enjoying?

Andrew Cranston stands out for me due to his authentic and grounded approach to his craft. His mastery of color and light is truly captivating, and I find his work deeply inspiring. Additionally, my little sister, Liza, serves as a profound influence on me. Her unwavering dedication to daily drawing practice and the meticulous sketchbooks she creates resemble manuscripts and are a constant source of inspiration. I hold a deep affection for her and her artistic pursuits.

What is your favourite book or film and why?

One of my all-time favorite books is "The Summer Book" by Tove Jansson. This delightful tale revolves around the adventures of a young girl and her grandmother, who share their lives on a secluded island. The story is imbued with an abundance of love and enchanting moments, evoking a sense of magic that permeates every page.

Are you working on any projects you are particularly excited about?

I'm filled with anticipation as I embark on the continuation of my love letter project. With the selection process for Christie's already behind us, we're now preparing for our upcoming studio show. This upcoming exhibition has piqued my interest in diversifying my artistic endeavors by exploring various mediums, all infused with the theme of love, of course.

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