Art Blog

10 Questions with Elizaveta Rukavishnikova

Elizaveta Rukavishnikova is an artist who was born and raised in Moscow, Russia and is now practising in Johannesburg, South Africa. Her works range from long scrolls, installations, video works as well as conventional drawing and painting on satellite dishes.

"To be an artist is a life long journey for me; it is a calling and a key pointer of the human experience. My process of creating an artwork involves mental traveling. In the ritual of art making. I go through trance like state perceiving and transcribing my experiences," says Rukavishnikova. "This is my attempt at finding meaning in our human existence and new ways of our communication with each other. These journeys manifest in various ways and formats." We asked her 10 questions to find out more about her process, inspiration and being a fine artist.

If not art, what would you do?

I was born wanting to be a fine artist. However, I have always been fascinated with classic ballet dancers, musicians.

Where does your inspiration come from?

I do not believe in inspiration. I think it's a very "lazy" idea. If you are seating and waiting for inspiration you can end up doing nothing.

What's your secret obsession?

I keep secrets safe.

Do you have a creative muse?

No, I don't really.

Which creative medium would you love to pursue but haven't yet?

I would love to do more video work and sculpture.

Favorite time of the day?

Night.

What is your most important artist tool? Is there something you can't live without in your studio?

I can live with anything, at the same time I love my colors, paints are something that I prefer to have all the time.

Favourite or most inspirational place in South Africa?

Here I have a very difficult choice between Nugget Square in Johannesburg and Cape of Good Hope in Cape Town.

What, in your opinion, is the hardest step in creating an artwork?

To make art and be an artist is hard work generally, but making an artwork comes naturally to me so I can't exactly say. I think the hardest is to start.

What's the best creative advice you've ever received?

To work from any condition you are in.

For more inforimation, follow Elizaveta Rukavishnikova on Instagram.