@aiste_stancikaite

Instagram: @aiste_stancikaite Website: www.stancikaite.com  

1. What's your story? Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Vilnius, Lithuania, where I also studied at The Academy of Art. After graduating I spent a lot of time traveling and living in different countries - that's when I took up photography as it was a much easier media to work with whilst not being properly settled anywhere. A couple of years ago I finally got back to drawing and have been freelancing as an illustrator since then. I've been based in the UK for the past 4 years but I'm packing up my studio and moving it to Berlin in a couple of weeks!

2. Tell us about your aesthetic.

I try to simplify the decorative nature of illustration to make the finished piece more effective in its own right. I also like the idea of bringing the physicality of drawing and manual skill into the current digital art culture, and my work often pairs detailed pencil drawing with abstract uses of other traditional or digital mediums. In my opinion, both methods match in terms of precision and detail, as well as oppose each other in visual execution. I personally find the match quite intricate and intriguing.

3. What is your favourite medium and why?

I have tried a lot of different drawing mediums in the past but I'm most comfortable using a pencil. I love the simplicity of drawing with pencil on paper. I’m also a bit of a perfectionist, so drawing with pencil suits me best – I feel I can be in full control of it.

4. What is your artistic process like?

I draw quite a lot of inspiration from photography, so when I'm starting on new work, I research around the topic looking for some reference images that are directly or sometimes obscurely linked to the idea and feeling that I have in my head. When I can see the image coming together, I start drawing. After I have the main element of the illustration done, I scan it and start work on the background - sometimes I paint it, sometimes it's a photograph or I draw it digitally. At the end I put all the different elements together in Photoshop to create a finished image. It's not the quickest process but I like working slowly if I have the choice.

5. Who and/or what inspires your work?

I'm very much inspired by photography and fine arts, as well as contemporary design, cinema, architecture, human anatomy and interesting light. If I had to name some people, I admire the work of Rachel Whitehead, Anthony Gormley, Viviane Sassen - the list goes on!

6. What role does art play in your life? How does it change the way you view the world?

Art makes me more aware in all respects. My own work enables me to communicate my way of thinking and seeing without having to use language which I find quite liberating.

7. Where did you study?

I studied at Vilnius Academy of Arts in Lithuania.

8. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Doing the same thing but better, and hopefully in a big bright studio, where I can also start painting again.

9. What about in ten?

I have no idea and it's exciting. It's hard enough to think five years ahead!

10. What do you hope to achieve with your art?

I hope my work can shift people's perspective on illustration and make them notice something new.

11. Now, tell us a little more about you as a person: what is your favourite food?

Sushi.

12. Favourite book?

It used to be Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut. I think it probably still is.

13. Favourite genre of music?

I like quite a wide selection of music, with no favourites in particular. When I'm drawing, I like to listen to various podcasts, including music, storytelling or interviews - so that sorts the playlist for me.

14. What are your hobbies?

My job is my main hobby - when I'm not working on commissions, I'm normally working on personal projects. Also photography, cycling and traveling.

15. If you weren't an artist, what would you be?

Photographer for National Geographic.

Curated by @ievarag, Ballpitmag curator for Lithuania