Brigita Lastauskaite

Artist Interview

What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?

I work with acrylic & oil paints on canvas and paper. I also sometimes use oil pastels & colour pencils and other mixed media tools.

How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?

My work is process-based and I aim to preserve traces of the multiple layers, as nature embeds itself in every pebble, rock, shell or tree trunk. Each painting conveys a different mood or state of being, as if viewing the landscape through my subjective filter of the moment. I like mixing abstraction with hints of more recognisable nature forms and shapes, but aim to leave enough room for the poetry, mystery and open interpretation, which is what nature is for me. My painting process is very spontaneous, impulsive and raw. I like to create quickly without thinking or editing too much. I like the words by artist Ross Larry: “I try to paint faster than I think. I am quite impatient, I paint fast”. I resonate with this approach and allow my spontaneity & intuition to flow fast. My paintings are visceral and relate to inward feelings rather than to intellect. My favourite paintings of mine are those that are a surprise to me. I always experience a sense of wonder when the painting is finished. It feels that it happened through me, rather than being “made” by me. My paintings could be considered abstract gestural landscapes. I work in acrylic and sometimes add some oil stick, crayons or pencils. Each painting has many layers which create rich, organic patterns & shapes, dancing and interacting together.

Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?

I work at the artists 106 Studios in St.Kilda. There is a beautiful natural light there and a supportive art community.