We had the privilege of meeting Estelle, whose life feels straight out of a movie, shaped by the transformative power of art. After leading a complex and nomadic existence, Estelle now channels her rich experiences into her artwork during what she calls her more mature years. This talented artist brings her soul to the canvas, and we were fortunate to connect with her for an interview where she shared her inspiring journey and reflections.
Here's our full Q&A with Estelle Cress:
Could you introduce yourself a little to us?
I was born in the small town Bakhmut, Ukraine, which no longer exists, and raised on a Soviet military base in the Caucasus Mountains. I left home in my mid-teens and navigated the tumultuous landscape of Eastern Europe, bearing witness to historic events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Arriving solo in Los Angeles, California in 1994, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, immersing myself in academia at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), ultimately graduating with honors in politics.
Afterwards, I worked long hours in the business field. I didn’t turn to art till later in my life, and only after leaving the big city and moving to Florida.
What is the type of your art?
I am fascinated with realism and surrealism. My best works are yet to come. I am haunted by my visions and I am excited to bring them to life on canvas. Although I am concentrating on portraits at the moment, there is always an element or two that makes it look surreal, like slightly disproportionate eyes, for example. I love big eyes!
When did your interest in art begin?
It was always in the back of my mind. I have travelled to many countries to visit the museums and galleries. Just in Louvre alone, I spent five days, during my summer in Paris. I started to paint when I turned 50 and finally got out of the rat race. Dealing with personal turmoil, such as the destruction of my country, wars, losing loved ones in wars, losing homes, losing it all, immigrating, learning languages, grieving, rebuilding myself
from the scratch several times, all that took priority. The art was always in me and I knew that I was talented.
Where are you originally from and what are the influences of the
region where you live or were born on your art?
I am from the USSR, a place that is no longer exists. My formative years were profoundly influenced by my surroundings. My childhood was steeped in history, literature and a deep appreciation for nature. The Orthodox churches of Ukraine, the abandoned castles nestled in the majestic Caucasus Mountains and breathtaking landscapes etched an indelible mark on my artistic soul.
What does your creative process look like?
I will break this question into a two-part answer. Right now, it is definitely far from where I wanted to be. I am in transition, setting everything up to become a full-time visual artist.
At this moment, I have set up a little corner where I can escape daily life.
My table faces an open window with a view of beautiful greens and always-blooming flowers. I breathe the fresh air deeply, smell the fragrant scent of flowers and listen to the slow, tranquil and often classical music that is plays softly in the background. Most evenings, my time to create is set from about 7pm till 9pm. I like to complete my artwork in one take. Often, I find myself with paint brush, unwilling to leave my artwork, but the clock is showing 1am and I have to get up at 5am. The emotional connection, the feeling that I get from creating the artwork, is out of this world and it’s
addicting.
How do you decide when a piece is finished?
Since I am a realist, my piece is finished when it's looks complete and resembles a real person, an object or a scene.
How do your personal experiences shape your art?
The harsh realities of conflict and displacement during the recent Ukraine-Russia war stirred something profound within my soul, leading me to find solace and purpose in the creation of art. Drawing and painting became not only a means of self-expression but also a powerful tool for advocating for humanity amidst the chaos of political turmoil.
What message or emotion do you hope to convey through your
art?
Through every brushstroke, I endeavor to convey my emotions, shed light on the plight of others and champion the universal values of humanity. With my creativity and meticulous attention to detail, I craft works that not only captivate the eye but also resonate deeply with audiences, fostering a heightened sense of empathy and connection. With a mission to infuse the world with humanity through my art, my goal is to continues to make a profound impact, one artwork at a time.
You like to do portraits, what do you think is the most difficult part of painting a portrait?
I experience no difficulties whatsoever when I paint a portrait. I can paint one with my eyes closed. It is not because I am concentrating on the actual techniques or visual details. I'm painting it with my soul.
Is it more enjoyable to create a color palette or is it more
enjoyable to use the power of black and white?
While black and white is timeless and nostalgic and very easy to draw, I do enjoy the color palette.
What do you like to paint besides people? And why?
I can paint pretty much anything. I’d say cats. I am obsessed with cats!
What do you like to do in your daily life other than painting?
I drink a lot of Turkish coffee! I am always on the go. I am constantly planting or propagating something, either contributing to my organic food forest or simply decorative plants. I take care of my chickens, quails and cats. There is nothing better in this world as to have fresh, raw quail eggs for breakfast. I love nature and do my best to capture the beautiful moments with my phone camera. I do my best to go to the beach, or the local springs where I heal and recharge my batteries. I proudly own a kayak! I love taking it on the water, following the stream, coming close to
the gators!
What is your least favorite type of art?
A lot of abstract, and on top of that, I dislike when one just throws paint on canvas and the entire work in finished within one hour.
Do you think it's possible to be an artist without education? What
have you done to improve yourself?
It is absolutely possible to be an artist without education. One may not know the techniques or follow any rules, yet she or he creates the magic. When one is born with a talent, it all comes into being intuitively. Although, I am very talented, I have a long way to go. I do my best to draw or paint every single day.
Where do you see your art in the future?
Only time will tell. For now, I will produce some home decor, but it will not be my concentration and would be done solely for the purpose of sharpening my skills. In the future, I see myself producing artworks that would move one’s emotions and touch souls. I do not care if my paintings are sold, but that they will be seen by many. I will be creating my art not for the money, but to feed my soul.
Can you describe your art in one sentence?
“Real art is not created with a paintbrush, techniques or education. The real art is the cry of the soul.” - Estelle Cress
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