Artist
From Western Bohemia, Czechia
Based in Netvořice, the Central Bohemia region, Czechia
Veronika Sekotová is a painter in heart and soul. Usually, she creates playful and colorful abstract paintings but she regularly experiments with other media and styles. Her relationship with art is emotional, it's mostly a form of escapism and self-expression for her. She likes to explore hidden meanings and symbols.
A: Please, tell us a bit more about yourself. What brought you to art?
V: My name is Veronika Sekotová, I enjoy art as an observer and try to create it as well. It's both my greatest hobby and my job. My favorite style is abstract painting but I do sometimes dip into realism, too. It's an exercise and the foundation of fine art in my opinion.
As a child, I used to take art classes at the folk art school where I had a great teacher. She'd play Vivaldi's Four Seasons while we painted. Those years were unforgettable and I believe they influenced me the most on my journey with art. Later, I studied art at a secondary art school. I was lucky to have great teachers there as well.
A: What inspires you the most?
V: Anything that captures my attention. It can be a feeling, an event, a person, or dry leaves on the forest path.
A: Do you have any specific rituals while working (creating)?
V: I can't think of any bad habits but I like to burn scented candles while I paint. I like it when their scent blends with the scent of paint and paint thinner.
A: What would you recommend to someone new to art (an artist or just an admirer), what to begin with?
V: The most important thing is that they find joy and happiness in it. Then to be humble and patient, get inspired by anything and everything, and try to find their own path.
A: What are you interested in when looking at a work of art?
V: Feelings and current headspace, overall impression, and how it affects the audience.
A: Your favorite Czech artists?
V: We have plenty of great artists, I'd have to name a whole bunch to represent each category. In painting, which is the category closest to my heart, I am impressed by Lubomír Typlt's canvases. If I had to pick artwork for my home, I'd choose Sandra Carvajal Starling's - she may not be based in the Czech Republic but she was born in Prague and I mention her because her works are enchanting. I also love the incredible precision of Martina Krupičková and my whole life, I've admired Petr Sís - as an artist and as a person.
A: What piece of art do you think embodies the Czech national spirit and culture? Why?
V: I immediately thought of The Slav Epic by Alphonse Mucha.
A: The perfect way to start any conversation about art is: ..?
V: Positively. In my opinion, the best way to start a conversation is in various focused groups on social media, and of course at exhibitions, workshops, etc.
A: Where can we meet you?
V: I spend most of my time at home because I work in my attic studio where I feel great. I can drop into the nearby forest whenever I want and appreciate the beauty of nature, which inspires me greatly.
A: Is there any quote or idea that has guided you in your work and/or life?
V: Yes, there is. „I shut my eyes in order to see." The author is Paul Gauguin.
Thank you!
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