Interview of Ieva Ragauskaite by Sophie Pellegrini // I still tend to leave surrealistic and magic hints in my works but now I create more conscious art
Interview of Ieva Ragauskaite by Sophie Pellegrini
Hi Ieva! Tell us a bit about yourself!
I am Ieva, a 22-year-old illustrator from Lithuania. I usually draw portraits of girls because girls rule the world.
How did you get started in the visual arts?
Actually I don’t know haha. A lot of artists say they started from a young age and I remember myself drawing a lot when I was kid but I never had a secret talent with art. It all really began in my teenage years when I went to art school and I got hooked. I realized it was the only thing I really wanted to do since at school I was pretty terrible with all “real” subjects like math or chemistry, so there was no other way out – I thought I might as well just be an artist.
How would you describe your illustration aesthetic?
For a while I used to say that my illustrations are surrealistic, kind of magical portraits of women, but now I see my style shifting and changing. I still tend to leave surrealistic and magic hints in my works but now I create more conscious art – I really think about the message, themes, and statements I want to send. I am a huge classic graphics nerd and it will forever be my number one influence, so I try to mix classic graphic elements with colorful spots.
Tell us a bit about your work process.
For some time now, I draw only digital portraits and I can’t get enough of it. It’s so comfortable and efficient. But for a very long time I usually started my works on paper (with pen and acrylic paint usually) and then transferred them into digital.
Are there any particular artists that influence your work?
Well I do look up to a lot of young female creatives in general. I’m in love with how they carry themselves, their vibe, and how empowering they are. I would say I look up to illustrators/creators like Sara Andreasson, Laura Callaghan, and Manjit Thapp (she’s my age and she’s so incredible, wow!).
What inspires you, in art and in life?
My art is extremely personal and self-reflecting, so a lot of inspiration comes from everyday situations, people I meet and love, from other art like cinema or photography, and of course from other artists as well. And my main inspiration in life will always be traveling. And cute puppies.
Do you have any projects currently in the works that you can tell us about?
Right now I’m not working on anything big. 2017 started in real slow-motion actually, but I’m fine with that. I’m working on one illustration for a magazine and to be honest it will be my first ever published editorial illustration in a “real” magazine. That’s really exciting because finally feels like I made it! Look mom, I’m a real illustrator!
Where do you hope to be in regards to your artistic practice in 10 years?
I do hope I will be an active creator just like I am right now. But to be honest, for me it’s a no brainer because, as every artist will understand, in a way art chooses you and you have to obey that. So in a sense, there is no turning back haha.
I’m not planning on anything big, like working with big brands or names; I would love that, but really life itself will work itself out.
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
Well I don’t have bucket list since I’ve been really happy and privileged by life to do and explore a lot of interesting places by such a young age. I did always want to climb a very high mountain and just spread my hands to the sides while listening to Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb”, and at the part of the song that goes “aaaaaaahhh”, just shout that part very loudly from mountain. So I guess I would want to go to Norway for that.
List 5 things that fascinate you.
Food and nature have never failed to impress me. I sometimes watch DIY videos and it really fascinates me how people come up with those ideas. Humans creativity in general is fascinating. Also human stupidity and arrogance have no ending, which is indeed fascinating and scary.
