Zhana Viel is an artist who spent her youth exploring nature
and freely discovering the great outdoors. As a teenager, she studied photography
and design with the American photographer Giovanni who catalyzed her outgoing
passion for art-making. She has numerous private collections in Europe, the United States and Australia. Viel's artworks have been used on the covers of books, CD albums and Vernon Proms Classical music festival visuals. At the present moment, she lives and works
in London, UK.

WonderStreet Interview with Zhana Viel:

Tell us a little bit about yourself: What got you interested in art? Have you taken any art classes?

I have been into art ever since I can remember. I've never taken art classes, I believe every artist should be his own teacher.

You mentioned on your profile that your art is inspired mainly by classical music. Has this always been the case?

I like watching classical music concerts. I am fascinated by the unique facial expressions musicians have while they are performing. Before classical music and painting, I was into art photography.

What has been your most touching or amazing moment you've experienced as an artist?

Every time people buy my art is an amazing and touching moment for me.

What other artists have been inspirational to you in your work?

Rembrandt. For his time he was a genius!

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

Bronze. I have always been interested in sculpting.

How do you know when a work is finished?

I don't know. I like to leave my artworks unfinished.

Interview with Artellite

1) Which art movement do you consider most influential on your practice?

I am generally interested in surrealism and minimalism. I am also influenced by the Dutch Golden Age.

2) Where do you go and when to make your best art?

I'm working in my studio. After 4 p.m. is my favourite time to create. I'm just naturally inspired by evening time.

3) How do you describe your 'creative process'?

My creative process is a dance between my unconscious and conscious thoughts. I use a limited colour palette to produce my portraits, which are dominated by dark pastel tones and cloudy highlights. In my portraits, I try to emphasise the subjects' faces and hands; the clothing and environment are unimportant, blending into a plain background.

4) Which artist, living or deceased, is the greatest inspiration to you?

Rembrandt's use of Chiaroscuro, the natural mixing of light and shade to produce a dramatic effect, has always intrigued me. In addition, the self-portraits he painted during his life have often inspired me.

5) If you weren't an artist, what would you do?

I enjoy helping people so I believe I would have been a psychologist or perhaps a teacher.

6) What do you listen to for inspiration?

Classical music, particularly large-scale symphonies from the nineteenth century. This music was almost meant to put you in a state of flow.

7) If you could own one artwork, and money was no object, which piece would you acquire?

Rembrandt's ‘Self-Portrait with Velvet Beret’

8) If your dream museum or collection owner came calling, which would it be?

Not quite a museum or collection owner but I indeed had a dream about an English actor (Tom Wilkinson) wanting to buy one of my paintings.

9) What is your key piece of advice for artists embarking on fine art or creative degree today?

Don’t be afraid to try something new and be your own teacher

10) What is your favourite book of all time (fiction or non-fiction)?

‘The Last Poem’ by Rabindranath Tagore

11) If you could hang or place your artwork in one non-traditional art setting, where would that be?

I see one of my paintings enlarged and stretched out as a zeppelin balloon.

12) What was the biggest lesson your university course or time studying taught you?

To have a limitless mind!

13) And finally, if we were to fast forward 10 years, where would we find you?

Having my painting ‘The Man Without a Hat’ on the international space station he-he.

Artworks by Zhana Viel

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Groen Fluit by Zhana Viel

Acrylic painting

Ludius by Zhana Viel

Oil painting