Artist
From Bystřice nad Pernštejnem (Vysočina region), Czechia
Based in Prague, Czechia
We talked with wonderful Karolína Rossi about her journey with art, the Czech Art scene, favorite masters, ways to make creative talks, places, where you can meet her, and much more
A: Please, tell us a bit more about yourself. What brought you to art?
K: My name is Karolína Rossí. I studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague, at Vladimír Kokolia's graphic design studio. Ironically, I found my way to art through my grammar school Art teacher. I come from a family of painters and have been surrounded by art my whole life, so it became my normal and for some time I didn't pay it any extra attention...
A: What inspires you the most?
K: Currently Inayat Khan's book Universal Sufism.
A: Do you have any specific rituals while working (creating)?
K: I have several, yet the most important one remains this moment of halt. Pure focus before I begin my work. I "sit" with my ideas before I start realizing them.
A: What would you recommend to someone new to art (an artist or just an admirer), what to begin with?
K: If it were me, I'd probably find what I like and explore it in depth. Once I'd have established myself a little, I'd try new things. Take my time with it and retain some continuity, otherwise, you just end up doing everything at once.
A: Your top 3 adjectives or phrases related to art?
K: I can't say. It depends on whether I'm describing my work or someone else's or if the artwork speaks to me or not. My words would change depending on the situation and my feelings.
A: Your favorite Czech artists?
K: Two sculptors come to mind, Anna Hulačová and Tereza Štetinová. There are more great names but these two women create works that speak to me not only through their visual elements but their stories as well.
A: What piece of art do you think embodies the Czech national spirit and culture? Why?
K: I don't know how to answer this question, I've never looked at art from this perspective.
A: The perfect way to start any conversation about art is: ..?
K: don't know how I usually start conversations about art, but it's generally about ongoing exhibitions, specific artworks, or people. When it comes to connecting with others through art, I think the channel I use the most is social media. We live at a time where the majority of communication happens through those.
A: Where can we meet you?
K: Most often in my studio, although I sometimes work at home, too. When I need to think or plan, I like to go outside. Walking sets my thoughts into motion.
A: Please, share your favorite quote or idea (not necessarily related to art):
K: My motto is quite cliché: "here and now". I use it all the time when working in my studio.
Thank you!