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Silvia Krupinska – a painter and sculptor from beneath the Tatra Mountains

Although Slovakia is a small country, in the production of talents it need not feel ashamed in front of anyone. Young talented and successful Slovaks can be found everywhere, not excepting the United Kingdom and London.

The name Silvia Krupinská may be unknown to an ordinary mortal, but in world artistic circles this young girl from beneath the Tatra Mountains has already found her place.

You were born in Poprad, which is where you discovered your love of art. What were your beginnings as an artist?
Well, everything began in my pre-school age. I was telling my parents that I wanted to be a painter. My first canvas was a bed sheet stretched over a cabinet door. I painted the sun and a rainbow on it. When I was 7 or so, my mother enrolled me in the Elementary School of Art. Among others, the academic painter Zuzana Dallošová-Strapková had been giving lessons to me for a long time. I am still thankful to her for all her effort and the inspiration she gave me. Do you know that feeling when you have an idol as a teenager? Well, she was my idol.

Why did you decide to go to London?
After the leaving examination from the college in Poprad, I lingered a little and decided not to study art at the university. I wanted to get to know the world. When I learnt that my ex-classmate was living in London, my decision came easily. Three months later, I arrived in London. I planned to learn English and return home in six months. Everything came out differently, however.

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After English you started improving your artistic skills. What did your further education look like?
When I settled in London, I started attending different drawing courses and one year later I enrolled in the Art and Portfolio Course in the Institute in Hampstead Garden Suburb. It was a great experience – I learnt something about stained-glass painting, photography, ceramics, modelling, jewellery, and many other things. I was surprised at how many things a student can learn in one year. Then, I enrolled in a one-year course at the Art and Design Foundation and the course (BA) Painting – Fine Art at the Chelsea College of Art and Design, University of Arts, London.

What is your career as an artist like in London?
I have a studio where I feel at home. I created an environment there where I feel good and it is also practical. Two years ago, I was devising sculptures and paintings in my home, in the middle of my living room. Now, I need not to fear that wooden sawdust will be everywhere and that I will spatter the floor with colours. It is a great feeling – to be free to let the colour drop.

It could be said that artists all around the world have a rough time. How are you doing?
It may be true that artists are not as rich as bankers or directors of companies, but money is not the most important thing.
I proceeded step by step. With each exhibition and art symposium, I learnt something new and it also helped me to be seen. I keep trying to work on a new project, to prepare a new exhibition, and every project, whether big or small, fills me with pleasure. I also try to work with other artists. In this way, I establish new professional contacts and friendships.

Is it difficult to win recognition in London or in the UK?
It is not easy, because there are many creative people. You also need luck. Of course, talent is crucial, but equally important is how you act and treat other people, whether you are friendly and responsive.

Can you earn your living by painting or do you have to seek financial support?
My father always says that everything is possible when you have a strong will. My aim is to devote myself fully to art as far as possible. Finance has always appeared as if by miracle, so I can’t complain. However, I have ambitious plans for the future and ambitious plans cost a lot of money – so I am always searching for finance and sponsors.

You started as a painter and now you are a sculptor. When did this shift occur?
It happened during my university studies in the second year. Although I studied painting, the disciplines were overlapping. I often painted directly on the walls and discovered that I liked to apply colour on the wall by hands, without a paintbrush. This direct contact was a turning point for me and brought me to sculptures.

You write in your portfolio that you are a painter and a sculptor. Which of these two activities do you currently prefer?
At present it is fifty-fifty and my thinking and feeling as an artist oscillates between these two dimensions. I can’t imagine that I would never paint again, or that I would never create a 3D object. Painting and sculpture are an inseparable part of my life.

Where do you draw inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from different sources, in particular from nature. The sea, lakes, marine animals on the sea surface, a chrysalis, various seeds, stones, shells, nuts… A closed thing that is opening, an object flying in the wind and floating in water – all of these things inspire me a lot.

What material do you use?
I use very different materials. I like modelling from simple material such as dough. However, I also use concrete, sawn timber, wood, iron, plaster, wire, synthetic and natural hair, stones, shells, exotic leaves from trees and flowers, cord – everything that comes to my hands at the right time. I like materials with varied texture and hardness.

Do you also create works per order?
Yes, and it is a great challenge. When the subject is determined, I am able to immerse myself in research, testing required materials and extending my theoretical knowledge. I like orders also because then I have to meet deadlines and I work better under pressure. On the other hand, when the deadline is not tight, I can abuse it as a true egoist – I’ll feed both the client and me.

Are you one of those artists who take pride in their roots and use traditional folklore elements in their works?
I have always taken pride in my roots. I was born in Czechoslovakia and often feel this dualism. However, I could not deny that I was born beneath the Tatra Mountains. This subject and the contours of Tatra Mountains are haunting me a little and are deep in my subconsciousness. Still in Slovakia, I visited the Martin Benka Museum in Martin. This visit inspired me a lot, and Slovak folklore elements looked abstract, especially in paintings that I produced as a student at the university.

Do you work exclusively in London, or have people in other countries also discovered your talent?
Almost every year, I present my works in Austria. Last time, I attended a group exhibition „Dream Europe – Real Europe“. Last year, I presented my works at the Venice Biennale in Italy, which I regard as my greatest success so far. I would like to present my works in Slovakia and Czech Republic, too.

Do you have any awards to be proud of?
I take pleasure in each positive reaction and invitation to an event. I have taken the greatest pleasure so far in my participation at a symposium held on the occasion of awarding the title „European Capital of Culture 2009“ to the city of Linz, Austria, organised by the EU – Art – Network. It was a touring exhibition and I visited many cities. One of them was Venice, and the Venice Biennale 2009.