Monika Sanft

Painting and Photography

Studio 430, 1000 Parker Street, Vancouver

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/sanft.art

I have been formalizing my art studies since 2000, pursuing my interest in both classical drawing and painting, mixed media, printmaking and photography.

While I love painting realism, such as structured landscapes, urbanscapes and still life, I look forward to times in the studio, in between my realism pieces, when I paint more abstractly, more freely. My inspirations come from nature and urban settings, and my love of lines and the use of colour. One style informs the other. I love the layering of different mediums, the squishing of paints and blending of colours, and the use of different brushes and tools. I really don’t know how each series will turn out. This is the exciting part about abstracts. I have a sense of the colours and processes I want to use, but mostly it is a back and forth conversation with the piece. Sometimes the piece is difficult and challenging; sometimes the conversation is smooth and effortless. Mark making is expressive. Each layer and mark is a reaction to the previous one. The music I play, when I paint also affects the energy that is transmitted into the painting. It sets the stage and inspires. In the end, one needs to walk away and revisit the piece the next day with fresh eyes and look at the overall composition. What emotion does the piece evoke? Is it lacking? Is it balanced? Where does one’s eye wander? Is there an entry and an exit point? What else is needed? And, so you continue the dance, until both the painting and you are satisfied with the outcome.