5th August 2024
Interview with Ilona Bidzane-Ekmane
Hear from art by JIE aka Ilona Bidzane-Ekmane on her journey to become a professional artist and what has inspired her artistic journey.
Ilona Bidzane-Ekmane (art by JIE) born in Riga, Latvia, who made the UK her cherished home since 2009. As a self-taught artist, Ilona embraces the spirit of experimentation with textures and colours. The transformative power of texture fascinates her, infusing her paintings with life and imparting a captivating, almost three-dimensional effect. Consequently, the majority of her artworks boast a textured quality.
Despite always harbouring an artistic inclination, Ilona never had the opportunity to fully express or pursue her passion until a few years ago when she decided to let it consume her, hoping it would alleviate her ongoing anxiety and depression. Since that pivotal moment, Ilona has become an unstoppable creative force. Each artwork she produces is unique and never meticulously planned. Rather, it serves as an expression of her emotions, her affection for the people and things that surround her, as well as a reflection of her past and present experiences.
What inspired you to pick up a brush and start painting?
I always had a special place in my heart for creativity and always admired people who were able to express themselves through art. I guess the inspiration was always there just not enough time to do something about it. Then I reached a point in my life where it was "now or never". I'm glad I did though as art helped me deal with my inner difficulties and taught me to overcome my fears of being seen. Art has a great ability to let me be myself. It's beautiful and exciting, it inspires me every time I hold a brush or see an empty canvas.
When did your love of art start? Did you always want to be an artist?
I always admired people who created art and if I'm being completely honest, I never saw myself being one. I guess being scared of creating something of my own and showing it to the world terrified me as I didn't want to be judged or criticised. That fear slowly went away the older I got and I'm extremely grateful it did as I can finally do what really makes me happy.
What would be your advice for new artists just starting up?
Create what feels close to your heart, never give up just keep doing what you love. Don't get discouraged by some negative opinions whether it's someone on social media or one of your friends. Not everyone will like your work and that's ok. You will most certainly find your people who will see the art that you create as something special and beautiful. Making mistakes is completely normal and not liking some of your artworks is normal as well. Reach out to other artists for some tips and don't be afraid to get inspired from other artist works. Don't rush your process, do it for yourself.
What is the best tip you were told early in your career?
My husband told me once, and still reminds me sometimes: "Don't paint to sell, enjoy the process and do it for yourself, create what makes you happy."
How has social media helped your career?
Social media is great for exposure, I'm quite old-fashioned and don't really know how to work it, but it did connect me with some lovely people from all over the world who have the same level of love for art as I do.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Mostly I get inspired by nature and the things that surround me. I am a very emotional person and my emotions play a big part in my creative process. I would be lying if I said I don't get inspiration from other artists.... of course, I do, there are so many wonderful artists out there who inspire me daily without even knowing it.
What is your favourite Daler-Rowney product and why?
My all time favourite product is FW acrylic inks, they are so easy to work with, the colours are so vibrant and deep as well as they look amazing on canvas. I love how they make my art pop. Hands down, best product ever.
What is a technique that you haven't tried yet that you would love to try & why?
I love to experiment with different mediums and I always try and add them in my artwork. My recent one is Epoxy resin and I must admit it's starting to be one of my latest favourite products. I'm adding it to a lot of my new artwork. I just like how it works together with my style.
Explore Ilona's work further here.
