ARTIST INTERVIEW: Skaiste Semenike.
Artist Skaiste Semenike in Paris, France.
Les Couleurs Miami Beach had the pleasure of interviewing Skaiste Semenike, a prominent painter hailing from Lithuania. The interview was conducted by Liudvikas Jakavicius, our editor for "Trending in Lithuania".
Born on January 5, 1981, Skaiste Semenike has had a passion for creating unique art that not only surprises but also brings joy to people's faces since her teenage years. Her art is a reflection of her free-spirited and fun personality, as it is colorful, playful, and often laced with a touch of sarcasm. In this exclusive interview with Les Couleurs Miami Beach Magazine, we get a glimpse into the world of this Lithuanian artist from Vilnius who generously donated one of her magnificent works for the first-ever "Les Couleurs Charity" Christmas Gala in Lithuania in 2022.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Hello Skaiste. Thank you for your time in agreeing to give us this interview. My very first question which is quite easy is - where are you from?
SKAISTE SEMENIKE: I was born in 1981 in Klaipeda, but now I reside in Vilnius.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Are you a full-time artist?
SKAISTE SEMENIKE: Certainly, I work as a full-time painter, and my livelihood solely relies on my art. While some months are more prosperous than others, I am grateful that I can sustain myself through my work as an artist.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: When did you first start painting?
SKAISTE SEMENIKE: I have been painting for as long as I can remember, dating back to my childhood years, although my mother insists that I started painting when I was just three years old. My interest in art never wavered, and I pursued by studying art at the best art school in Klaipeda, namely Klaipedos Adomo Brako Dailes Mokykla. The school boasted highly skilled and accomplished teachers, some of whom were renowned Lithuanian artists. I studied there until I graduated, gaining knowledge in art history, drawing, colors, graphics, and more. I focused all my energy on painting, despite my mother's initial wish for me to become a professional dancer like Skaistutė Idzelevičienė, after whom I was named. My mother even took me to dance classes, hoping to steer me in that direction, but I was resolute in my desire to pursue painting. My parents were incredibly supportive of my decision, and they never forced me into anything that didn't align with my aspirations.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: When have you done your first painting?
SKAISTE SEMENIKE: When I went to the art school at around 12 years old, although the exact date escapes me at the moment. As a professional artist, I have been actively painting and selling my work for the past six or seven years. I still hold on to the very first painting I ever made as a professional artist, which serves as a cherished memento and is not available for sale. While I have sold hundreds of copies of my work as prints, the original piece holds sentimental value that cannot be replaced.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Which artistic style has influenced your work?
SKAISTE SEMENIKE: I find inspiration in a variety of styles and I don't limit myself to any particular one. Some days I may feel like creating something in a postmodern or abstract style, while other times I may feel drawn to different aesthetics. I'm a free spirit and I follow my own intuition when it comes to my art. If you look at my paintings, you'll notice that they can be quite different from each other. I've been developing my style over the years and it's constantly evolving.
While I don't have a specific style that I always stick to, one thing that stands out in my work is my love for psychedelic imagery. I find it exciting and fun to incorporate bold colors and whimsical shapes into my paintings. When I'm creating, I talk to my paintings and share my energy with them. People have told me that they can feel this energy when they view my art, and that means a lot to me.
Ultimately, my goal is to create paintings that bring joy and happiness to others. I don't make sad paintings, as I believe that art should be colorful, joyful, and lighthearted. I enjoy being funny and sarcastic in my work, and I don't feel bound by any rules or conventions. Tomorrow, I might decide to create sculptures or try a new medium altogether. For me, it's all about following my mood and spreading positive energy through my art.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Who are your biggest artistic influences?
SKAISTE SEMENIKE: When it comes to Lithuanian artists, Sarunas Sauka is someone I really admire. His postmodern paintings are fascinating and thought-provoking. They speak to me on a deep level and I find myself getting lost in them.
Moving beyond the Baltic region, one artist who stands out to me is the Latvian-American Mark Rothko. His use of color in abstract paintings is absolutely stunning, and I'm drawn to the emotional depth that his work conveys.
Among non-Baltic international artists, Jean-Michel Basquiat is a major inspiration to me. While I don't copy his style, I find his work to be incredibly powerful and he continues to inspire me every day.
Lastly, I have a great admiration for Picasso both as an artist and a personality. However, my love for art extends beyond just a few artists. I find myself appreciating the work of many different artists with unique styles and perspectives.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Of all the exhibitions you've participated in, which ones are you most proud to have been a part of?
SKAISTE SEMENIKE: My first solo exhibition is the one I am most proud of. Initially, I was apprehensive about the turnout, but to my surprise, around 300 to 350 people showed up. The feeling was indescribable, and it made me realize that my unique style of art is appreciated by others. The adrenaline rush from the exhibition is something that I will never forget.
However, I am proud of all my exhibitions because I am passionate about sharing my art with others. While I do not create art for financial gain, it requires resources. Therefore, every painting I sell goes towards investing in more art, including high-quality canvases, paints, and promotion.
My ultimate goal is to share my art with people worldwide and make a difference in how people perceive art, especially in Lithuania. I want to change the mindset of the average Lithuanian and encourage them to appreciate and understand the importance of art. Although I am not focused on becoming world-famous, I am determined to make a change in people's perceptions of art.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: How long did it take for you to develop your unique artistic style?
SKAISTE SEMENIKE: I believe that developing my own style was a continuous process of experimentation and exploration. I don't think there was a specific moment when I decided that this is my style. It was more like a natural progression of my interests, inspirations, and experiences. I love the energy and emotion that my paintings evoke in me and others. When I look at my paintings, I smile and sometimes even talk to them. I love the uniqueness of each character and the different messages they convey. My paintings are all about encouraging people to live in the present and to seize the moment. I am particularly drawn to psychedelic and abstract styles, and I am constantly working to improve my techniques and expand my creative horizons.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: How would you describe the moment that brought you the most happiness in your artistic career?
SKAISTE SEMENIKE: My happiest moment in art was when I received an invitation to exhibit my paintings in a gallery in New York. I was so thrilled that I stopped my car and started shouting in excitement when I saw the email. I even played Alicia Keys and Jay-Z's song "Empire State of Mind" on Spotify and sang along while crying tears of joy. It had always been my dream to exhibit my paintings in New York, so I felt like my dream had come true.
Even though it was just two paintings, the owner of the gallery loved them, and that was enough for me to feel incredibly happy and proud. This moment will always stay with me because of the overwhelming emotions I felt, and I will never forget the feeling of achieving a long-held dream. Although I have had other great experiences with galleries in Paris and elsewhere, this one will always be special to me.
LIUDVIKAS JAKAVICIUS: Thank you so much for your time and also for the donation you have made to Les Couleurs Charity.
