Victoria Obolensky, painter from the United Kingdom. Photo © Courtesy of the artist
Tell us what you do and your beginnings.
I attended Chelsea College of Art aged 23 as a mature student. I studied a foundation course, and I then went on to Camberwell College of Art to do a BA in Graphic design.
After I graduated I focused on photography. I’ve always been an artist though since as far back as I can remember. I dedicated myself to the practice full-time about 4 years ago.
I’m devoted to painting seascapes. I love water in all its forms. Water can be so emotive, calm one moment… roaring and dangerous the next. When I look at the ocean I feel that I’m home. I feel a sense of total calm and relief. I was brought up in Malta and we lived near the sea which I’m sure influenced me greatly.
What does your work aim to say?
We are all unique and individual. Just as I believe is our art. Ten people can paint the same apple and yet each painting will reflect that individual in some way. The clouds I paint are very emotive. I totally let go when I paint them.
Every painting I create is a subconscious reflection of where I am… sometimes there are storms and sometimes just light… very much a reflection of life’s ups and downs. I’ll always try to encapsulate the essence of whatever it is I’m painting.
Where do you find inspiration for your art?
The ocean, the clouds, and nature are my inspirations. I moved to Devon this summer and we live right by the coast now… a daily source of inspiration. When I resumed painting full time in 2020 during lockdown I used to listen to meditation music.
Now I tend to paint with no music or distractions. Very occasionally I’ll listen to Radio 4. This year I’ve been asked to paint more commissions than ever before… so that has been my main focus.
As I sell most of my work online through the website there hasn’t been a need to exhibit. That said I was invited last year to show a few paintings at The Mall galleries in aid of Art for Youth.
What are you working on in the future?
I have several commissions on the go for some high-profile collectors. I am also working with several international art galleries for solo shows in 2024.
Interview by Fabio Pariante, Twitter / Instagram / Website
