Interview with Nina Tokhtaman Valetova for Emboss Magazine

How would you describe your style? How has it evolved during your career?

I like to create my artworks in different styles because an idea can sometimes be expressed better in one style than another. Usually I work with oil paint, though I have created roughly 20 acrylic paintings. From time to time, I create processed digital images from photographs of my paintings. When I am looking for a new subject, my own personal stories usually provide the key to a strong new concept. I feel that the individuality of an artist (intellect, emotional state) always manifest in a work - it is almost impossible to hide one's inner world while working creatively.

What themes do you explore in your work?

My paintings explore relationships between ancient cultures, mythologies, fantasy, metaphysics and philosophy. I avoid doing paintings about political issues, and prefer broader themes that are independent from a particular situation.

What inspires and motivates you as an artist? Do other artists influence your work?

I studied Art History for 10 years and had the opportunity to explore the styles of many different artists. Some of them definitely have impacted my way of self-expression: Malevich, Klee, Miro, Dali, de Chirico and many others.

What is the best part about being an artist and/or working within the arts?

I feel best if my intentions and goals in the paintings are embodied as I pictured beforehand. Often the creative process allows me to escape from the real world into another world - a world of fantasy, and a completely different condition of meditation. I feel a freedom that I do not have in the real world.

In your opinion, what is the most important issue facing the arts today?

I think a big problem for artists is a lack of sufficient support structures, whether through art galleries, sponsors, or the government. The Artist alone must resolve many issues surrounding the financing of art projects, exhibitions, and publications - Maybe the artist should be better called "Superman."