The journey through life brings us to unexpected halts where we find ourselves at new junctures that are overwhelming. It is in those uncertain moments we pause and reflect, and little do we realize that in the darkness we have created light which ignites the soul and awakens our deepest dreams, plans and ideas. Rudy Von Kronstadt is one such talented Romanian artist who created magic from absolutely nothing. He is a visual explorer who is not limited to one form of art or medium. In this interview, Rudy speaks of his love for art, his passions, and plans for the future. Let us find out more about his adventures through art!
How long have you been painting and who are your greatest influencers?
I have been painting since I was 15 years old. I am now 37, so I have been creating art for the past 21 years. My family moved cities when I was young, and I had to leave my friends behind. We had quite a large apartment, and as I had no acquaintances, I began to paint to let out my boredom and fill my loneliness. The canvas was the blank walls. It was then that I realized I could draw and create. My mother is a painter and my grandfather made sculptures, so I believe I have inherited some of their genes.
Did you have a formal education in art and painting, or are you self-taught?
I am a mix of both. I self-taught myself for about 10 years and have a formal education of 5 years from Slovenia and Bucharest.
Do you have a particular style? How did you become so passionate about this style?
I have 4 to 5 different styles of painting — abstract, concrete, and archetypal expressionism, to name a few. I will elaborate on one of my styles, which is archetypal expressionism. It’s a paradigm developed by the painter and writer Constantin Severin, a well-known Romanian artist. Archetypal expressionism refers to a kind of art situated between abstract and realist art. It is the art of symbols, folk art, cave-inspired painting, and shamanic art. I prefer not to be identified by any single style of art.
What are your other passions besides art? How have they contributed to you becoming the artist you are today?
I am an avid reader. My passions include psychology, paganism, and alchemy, among others. I also watch movies. I must note that I do not have hobbies — I only have passions! All these elements have helped me to become who I am today. I recreate what I read and watch through art so that I can better understand what I’ve learned. Some people do art to understand the world, some to express a thought or a message. It is a beautiful medium of expression.
Could you walk us through your process? How much time do you spend preparing versus painting? Is preparation an important part of your process?
Well, if we take abstract art, it is very spontaneous. If I am engaged in a different style such as expressionism, then I have to prepare the medium and the paint, etc. If it is an installation, then I need to prepare the required apparatus. So yes, depending on the style, preparation is vital. I paint at a stretch for about 12 hours until all my ideas are brought to life. Then I might be silent for about 2 months, during which I replenish my mind. It is an amazing journey.
Are you engaged in new artistic adventures? How is artistic exploration important to you as an artist and to your process?
Yes, I am always looking for new adventures. After the Christmas holidays, I will be trying out shamanic sculptures. It’s absolutely important to try out different styles of art as I learn and develop my skills. I am able to create two different paintings using two styles in a day, which I believe is a skill one must learn. I need to be psychologically prepared to shift from one form to another.
Was there a particular moment when you realized your skills had evolved into being exceptionally good? What did you do to make that leap?
Once I graduated college after studying art for almost 7 years, I realized that painting, understanding techniques, and choosing colors became easier. I gradually developed on those to become what I am today. I think formal education helped me build myself.
How do you push yourself? Do you set goals for yourself? If so, what are they? Do you think setting goals is important for an artist’s journey?
For me, I always think I am going to end up great. That is my goal, and all that I work on now is to reach that. Without one, I would have no purpose for waking up in the morning. I know I am talented, and it is my choice whether I let it be or make something out of what I possess. I strive to perfect my styles so that my art will be visible in the art market, displayed at galleries and museums. I think one cannot be a professional artist without goals!
How is your experience working with Aartzy? Do you think it is a useful platform for artists?
Janaka, the Director, is a good friend. He is very accommodating and helpful. My paintings have been on the Aartzy platform since April, and I believe it gives artists like me great exposure. I look forward to a more fruitful future for both myself and Aartzy.
Rudy’s exclusive collection can be found at https://www.aartzy.com/artist/rudy-von-kronstadt.
