Katya Leonovich: A Fine Artist

Katya Leonovich: A Fine Artist

Katya Leonovich, originally a fashion designer, has since traded in the clothes for paintbrushes, specifically during the election season, a time of division in America. We talked to her to see why fine art is important, especially during times like these.

The Katya Leonovich Interview

What inspired you to transition from dressing iconic celebrities to creating fine art?

“Transitioning from high fashion to fine art felt like expanding the reach of my work. In fashion,
each piece belongs to one individual, creating a unique bond between the designer and wearer.
However, with fine art, I can connect with countless people, each bringing their interpretation
and energy to the piece. This broader exchange of emotion and energy is incredibly fulfilling,
allowing me to reach and resonate with more souls through my work.”

How have your experiences in fashion influenced your approach to fine art?

“Fashion and fine art are deeply intertwined for me, sharing similar foundations of texture, color,
shape, and form. Whether dressing a person or painting a canvas, I’m creating something that
exists beyond its physical form, evoking emotions and telling stories. In both mediums, I invent
colors, driven by imagination rather than convention. This approach is inspired in part by
Fauvism, where bold, expressive colors are used to convey feeling rather than realism. For
instance, I avoid realistic skin tones when painting, using colors that express the mood and
character of my subjects. This fusion of Fauvist color freedom and the fantasy I honed in fashion
allows me to bring an introspective creativity to each piece.”

How can political commentary in art be impactful, especially after an election like this
one?

“Politics permeate our daily lives, influencing the decisions we make and how we interact with
each other, not just through government but in personal, everyday choices. Art allows us to
express the emotional journey and communal release of experiences, like the intense emotions
of a recent election. Through art, we can channel this collective experience, creating a universal
language on the canvas that invites people to engage, feel, and reflect on the impact of these
events.”

Do you believe artists have a responsibility to their audience?

“Yes, I believe true art carries a responsibility to the audience. Artists have a mission, a vision
they want to share with others. We create and showcase our work not just for ourselves but to
resonate with and impact others. Real art comes from this place of connection, where the artist
opens a doorway to the viewer’s emotions and thoughts.”

In what ways has fine art influenced your life?

“Fine art has taught me to see the truth within people. When I paint a portrait, I feel I’m revealing
more than just the physical likeness; I’m capturing a person’s inner story. Sometimes, their body
language conveys more than their words could. This ability to connect with the deeper layers of
people has given me a profound sense of understanding and appreciation for human nature.”

What can commentary art achieve, both socially and personally?

“Art can convey stories, whether literal or abstract, sparking dialogue between the artist and the
viewer. This conversation can be one of agreement, challenge, or even self-discovery. For me,
the greatest achievement of commentary art is to foster this dialogue, creating a space where
social and personal exploration occurs, both for the artist and the audience.”

Do you think art has the power to create political change?

“Absolutely. I remember a moment when a young girl at one of my exhibitions told me my
paintings helped her feel like a better person. She may have been carrying anger or frustration,
yet the experience of art brought her to a place of reflection and peace. Art holds that
transformative power, influencing people’s feelings and attitudes, and over time, that can inspire
change on a larger, even political, scale.”

Who in the fine art community inspires you and deserves more attention?

“I can’t point to one person. I think that authentic art should be celebrated compared to
plagiarism that I see a lot. Unfortunately.”

Post a Comment