Tanya Solonyka

Interview with artist Tanya Solonyka —

1. Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Tanya Solonyka. I live in Toronto Canada and am a visual artist.

2. Why art?
When I am working on a new piece it is the only time my mind is completely quiet and uncluttered. It’s liberating, therapeutic and calming. It’s clarity.

3. What is your earliest memory of wanting to be an artist?
Initially it had always been more of a hobby for me. I went through a lot of life changes in the last 3 years. Suddenly my art began to grow and I realized finally that this is my life’s passion. It is only in the last couple years that I have really started pushing to turn it into a career.

4. What are your favorite subject(s) and media(s)?
I am fascinated by people and portraits. The human face, especially the eyes, are so subtle and yet so expressive at the same time. I like to be very tactile and involved when I work. I have found that charcoal and pastel allow me to pour more feeling into my art through touch.

5. How do you work and approach your subject?
My favorite place to draw is sprawled out on the floor! Having a cat, child, and dog can make this tricky sometimes! I tend to work very quickly. I find if I spend too much time over analyzing it starts to become contrived and looses the raw emotion that drove me to draw in the first place. Lately I have been trying to incorporate more of the body as well and will use photos for posture reference.

6. What are your favorite art work(s), artist(s)?
As far as classical artists go I love Rembrandt. The depth of his portraits are mesmerizing. I tend to draw most of my inspiration from photographers such as Haris Nukem,  and models such as Glass Olive.

7. What are the best responses you have had to your work?
Having people approach me to be a part of certain galleries, projects or shows has been very affirming and confidence boosting.

8. What do you like about your work?
That it’s always honest.

9. What advice would you give to other artists?
Keep going. Don’t over think. Be honest to yourself.

10. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

Art = day job. Period.

Tanya Solonyka

LINKS—

 
Website: www.tanyasolonyka.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/drunkinamidnightchoir
Instagram: www.instagram.com/drunkinamidnightchoir
Society6: www.society6.com/drunkinamidnightchoir
RAWartists: www.rawartists.org/drunkinamidnightchoir