
Some of my favourite art work is complicated. It has layers, texture and other things to see in the image beyond the creation that first presents itself. As I was peeking around Etsy, I found Lousine Hogtanian at Ballet Art and I was entranced.
The LAYERS! Painting, drawing AND printing all in one art piece. Does it get any better? I hope you check out her shop for other images to see what I mean. I have to say that the Red Butterfly is the image that drew me in As always all images are used here by express permission of the artist.
Here’s our little chat:
LAG: Tell us a bit about yourself? (things like: when you started creating art, your favorite things to paint, and why you choose to work with mixed media would be good!).
LH: I’m a trained Architect graduated from Yeravan School of Architecture. I always painted and sketched, but never thought of selling them. Mixed media came spontaneously, from architecture… I always liked trying different media, it helps me to think better.
Drawing is a thinking process. I think when I draw. Oftentimes my hand tells me what to do. I think it’s not about what to draw, but it’s more about how do you see them and what do you think about them.
LAG: How do you create your art?
LH: I work with layers and each layer carries its own thought. The idea of overlapping thoughts and techniques come from my architectural background ( I still practice with my husband). Each layer is an afterthought that lays over previous thought/sketch just like in architecture laying the sketch paper over the sketch and keep going until there’s no where to go. Conventional techniques are also used… the most important thing is not to be locked with single technique…
How do you combine drawing, printing and painting to create your finished works?
LH: I love browsing in art stores and dig in materials. It’s refreshing and brings lots of ideas. Even the sound of the material touching the paper makes a difference for me. The initial sketch is done on a paper I select and work. Then I print and work over with different media.
Would you say that you are an artist who plans out your art or do you enter your studio and see where the day takes you?
LH: Planning is something I try not to do… we try not to do that in architecture too… the adventure is what makes art and architecture exciting
What piece or series of works has drawn the most response from your clients and fans?
LH: Ballet, and animals particularly butterflies
Do you have a favorite piece of art?
LH:It’s difficult to say, because the value for me is not in the final product, it’s in the “journey”, in the process and “places” it takes me… each work has to open a door otherwise it’s a dead end.
LAG: Do you have a blog or website where people can see more of your work?
LH:No I don’t, but I’m thinking about it.
LAG: What advice would you give potential Etsy customers?
LH:I don’t know about the advice, but I’ll encourage them to support Etsy.
LAG: What about thoughts for artists thinking about getting involved with Etsy?
LH:One must concentrate on once art not on Etsy, and that’s the beauty of Etsy, it wants you to be yourself and unique.
LAG: Any final thoughts?
LH:Thanks, Etsy- for the opportunity
Thanks Lousine, for taking a few minutes out of your day to tell us more about your art! Enjoy your journey!