Artem Krepkiy interview
Artem’s work is most expressive, capturing great feeling and depth. One can experience the movement of his strokes; the process in which he paints that adds a whole other dimension to his illustrations that can’t possibly be described in words.
OPEN LAB: Can you tell us a little about your history and how your work has evolved?
Artem Krepkiy: My story is pretty simple. I enjoyed drawing just like most other kids. My mother offered me different activities to do: swimming, boxing, and some other things. I chose to draw. Then I entered the university. Graphic design was the closest option to what I actually wanted to do with my life. During my time at the University, my interest in drawing increased, mostly because of a friend I met there. She has become, let’s say, one of the key people in my life.
OL: How do you decide how to illustrate a text? Do you prefer this as opposed to coming up with concepts without the direction of another artist? If so, why?
AK: I need to say that I don`t really read the articles that I’m illustrating. The headline is enough for me. Sometimes some work I have previously finished for myself will suit something new I am illustrating. It is important to maintain at least some connection between the text and the picture.
OL: Your drawings seem so free flowing and carefree, yet the gesture is nailed. How are you achieving this?
AK: It is a matter of technique. Then my mood, and something what I am thinking of. It happens that sometimes I feel interest in something light but get something opposite. And that’s not bad, either
OL: I see a polarity of lightheartedness mixed with the grotesque in many of your images. Is there a meaning behind this?
AK: Frankly speaking, I often think more about the technique. I think of how looks and how it should look. In general, I think that it is a matter of my surroundings. I draw what I see and about things I see
OL: Can you share what you are working on at the moment?
AK: Sure. Drawing sexy guys :)
OL: How would you describe your work to someone without any art knowledge?
AK: I think it would be easier to draw that. But to some I would explain that like, “Two opposites and something that connects them.”
OL: Do you work with any other mediums?
AK: Except for drawing, I like to make photos just like almost everyone else. But I can’t say that it is something very “other”. Very often I use those shots for my drawing. I receive forms that I need with cutting, collaging, stretching.
OL: What does your workspace look like?
AK: Mostly - a terrible mess. I cannot clean it until I finish what I am doing.
OL: In “Young Gods” what is the reasoning behind it, does this come from a particular experience in your life?
AK: These works were made for a contest that didn’t happen. The main topic of that contest was focused at a unique social phenomenon – cheap skating. The people I was meeting during that period of my life inspired me.
OL: Other than your art illustrations have you thought about breaking out into another career field?
AK: I did. I feel bored to do the same all the time but that doesn’t touch drawing. I would go for music, probably, as I love it. I really enjoy it, listening, analyzing, disjointing. And I really envy people with good voice, who can sing. I wish I could wake up one day and sing! But right now I beat the big orchestral drum..
OL: Living in the Ukraine, how has your environment sculpted the way you work and produce your projects today?
AK: I am a 100% product of my surroundings
OL: Other than your current location where could you see yourself residing?
AK: I`ve never been anywhere except for Ukraine and Russia. I would like to live in more tolerant and freer from prejudice society.
OL: Have you thought about having your work featured in galleries?
AK: Mostly my drawings are close to sketches. I would like my works and the place they are shown to be harmonically interacting.
OL: What is your typical daily routine, what do you do in your spare time?
AK: I really love the city I live in. I ride my bicycle, meet very strange people, sometimes drink or smoke. I finished the university this year. In general I must say that I am a night owl - it`s really difficult for me to work during the daytime. Closer to the evening, I pull myself together and get down to business. Actually it is really difficult to talk about any daily routine in my case. Very often I think that it would be great, but I simply can’t manage to organize that.
OL: What do you want to achieve in say the next 5 years span?
AK: I don’t spend time thinking about the future as I try to work on myself right now and on the moment I am in now.
Interview by Ely Turrietta
