First Impressions: Rebecca Yanovskaya
A delay to this artist’s first paid commission proved beneficial…
A delay to this artist’s first paid commission proved beneficial…
Where did you grow up and how has this influenced your art?
My childhood was spent mostly in Toronto, but two formative years were spent living in Italy, where I discovered my love of classical artwork and decorative arts. This influence can be seen in my fantasy work, and I often look to my picture books for inspiration.
Does one person stand out as being helpful during your early years?
In technical terms, my art tutor played a pivotal role by exposing me to the artist mediums, giving me a useful head start among my peers. More personally, the practical and emotional backing my mother gave me as a young artist was essential.
Tell us about your first commission
It seemed like a dream come true – a large private commission with subject matter that I was enthusiastic about. The project didn’t go forward, as often happens, and yet I’m glad it didn’t! It was too early and too big of a project to tackle so early on. Thanks to that delay, when I came back to the project I was able to meet my expectations.
What’s the last piece you finished, and how do the two differ?
My latest piece is aptly titled Small Wonder and it’s the very opposite of the first in many ways. Where the first was oversized, this one is smaller than my hand. Where the first had multiple figures and a chaotic environment, this is a single figure very much in control. They both represent opposite ends of my creative interests.
Where do you create your art?
I work the way I draw – all over the place. I love to have my work taped to a board and move all around with it: curled up on the couch, the dining table, an armchair, sometimes even the floor!
Is making a living as an artist all that you thought it would be?
I would say that it’s as expected, with both good and bad aspects magnified. I find new reasons to love it every day, but understand the drawbacks as well.
What advice would you give to your younger self to aid you on the way?
I would tell her not to obsess over the details and instead focus on being prolific! Had I focused more on completing pieces, then the details would have fallen into place.
What does the future hold for you?
The fun thing about freelancing is that I never know what new skill a client is going to ask of me, or what dream project will appear in my inbox! I’m looking forward to exploring my artistic evolution in my upcoming solo show at Haven Gallery, on New York’s Long Island in 2020.
Rebecca is one of the few ballpoint pen artists who’s working in fantastic realism. Epic scope and moody atmosphere define her style, with influences such as Neoclassicism, theatrical costuming, and decorative arts. Explore more of Rebecca’s work at www.rebeccayanovskaya.com.
The practical and emotional backing my mother gave me as a young artist was essential