Ilze Helgeland — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

May 5

May 5 Ilze Helgeland

Biography

Ilze Helgeland is originally from Latvia. Her childhood memories of The Republic of Latvia gaining back its independence has had a profound influence on her development as an artist. Ilze has graduated from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco in 2018, and her current focus is to show how different colour schemes, and the simplicity of the shapes can affect the story, the energy, and the mood of the subject.

Artist Statement

Time is elusive and as time passes it seems that technology also becomes a contemporary element of our lives. Only 100 or even 50 years ago, people were excited about technology that for the new generation already seems ancient. Only few decades ago the technology of the time was a part of peoples’ homes and lives, and symbols of status and luxury, now the old items are disappearing into the junkyards for eternity
What I intend to do with my series of paintings “Tech- Nostalgia” is to bring these earlier appreciated items back to life on the canvas. My intention is to make them visible again, and give them the honour in retrospect. At the same time I am trying to tell the story of time that is slipping away and how these technical objects are gradually disappearing from our apprehension. They are in a way becoming abstracts. I use transparent colour schemes and abstract geometric shapes. In some of my paintings, I let the humans tell their story. It adds a Nostalgic element and the story becomes complete.

What first prompted you to think of becoming an artist?

Storytelling is the keyword for me as I develop as an artist. From an early age, I have been passionate about all forms of storytelling. I have studied and practised acting, worked as a TV correspondent early in my career, then worked as an international freelance journalist. I have had wonderful experiences from Africa (Angola), South America (Brazil and Venezuela), United States, and various European countries. During these times, with languages sometimes being a limitation in communication, I have come to realise that I thrive when I can communicate through images and artistic storytelling. I decided to study Fine Arts at the Academy of Arts, University of San Francisco. That is where I found my real calling. All pieces fell into place during my studies.

What kind of an artist do you ultimately see yourself?

I would say that my art is contemporary romantic. I am still loyal to the academic techniques in art, but I am open to new artistic techniques and possibilities. I am in a constant search for new compositions and challenges. The process of finding the balance between shapes, lines, and free space on the canvas, truly fascinates me.. I like to challenge the viewer as well, leaving some space for them to use their imagination and complete the subject. Art can never be boring, it has to stimulate the imagination and feelings around it.

What are you hoping to communicate to the viewer through your work?

In my current work, I like to emphasize two things; the importance of technology development and the associations of the subject. The most important thing for me is to bring out the feeling and sensation of the object. That is why I crop and exaggerate the size of the objects I paint. There are so many things we do not notice in our everyday life. With my paintings, I want to stop time for a moment, stop and disappear in memories. With my work, I would like to draw attention to some of the old technology, and the significant role it has played in helping us develop throughout history.

Can you explain the process of creating your work?

An exact photographic image is not important to me. No one remembers an image exactly. That can also be noticed in my art. I manipulate the objects and images because we all remember things differently. The memories slowly abstract from the past and live their own life. Instead I give the viewer an up-close exciting adventure, monochrome colour games and collages. How much detail we remember is up to to everyone's perception. Perhaps the most important thing is the emotions that arise when we remember moments and experiences associated with certain times and people.

What is your favourite part of the creative process?

The only time when I really enjoy working is when I paint. Through the other processes I have to discipline myself (that is part of an artist's professional life): prepare the fabrics, plan drawings, and most importantly, be truly honest to myself. I ask questions like: Why is this important to me? Is it essential to visualize these specific thoughts? What can I tell the viewer? It is a demanding process. However, it is a rewarding feeling because the final painting tells an honest story.

Can you give us an insight into current projects and inspiration, or what we can look forward to from you in the near future?

I am still working on the topic of technological nostalgia. The more I paint, the more ideas I get. In my art, I feel like I am standing on a bridge over a fast-flowing river. I am in an interesting position: I follow the creative development of current technology while at the same time, I carry many vivid memories that I would like to visualize on a canvas. I'm not too fond of routines and consistency for too long. So I know that my paintings will slightly start changing as well. Even though my current work involves more objects, I still love painting people, and I know they will come back onto my canvas in one way or the other. They will never disappear from my art completely.

Website https://www.ilzehelgeland.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ilzehelgeland/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ilzesart