Margarita Timofeeva

Year of birth: 1995
Your education: Art school First Moscow Educational Complex – Fashion Design
Describe your art in three words: Geometric, conceptual, aesthetic
Your discipline: Abstract artist, photo artist
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Your early involvement in various creative activities, from knitting to drawing and clay modeling, shows your broad artistic interests. How did these early experiences shape your current art practice?

I am sure that every single activity contributed to my creative practice in its own way. I attended all possible extra-curricular classes, every day after school and even on weekends. This gave me the opportunity to try and compare different art forms from an early age and find the one that suited me the best. To this day, I remember each of my teachers with warmth and gratitude. Thanks to this experience, I confidently take on new ideas.

You’ve mentioned that you used to have difficulty keeping up with school due to your many extracurricular activities. Do you think that same energy is now channeled into your artistic projects?

For my parents, grades at school were not the top priority. This is what helped me develop a desire to do what I love and gave me a certain sense of freedom. Some subjects were difficult for me, but the creative ones came easily. So, there was still a balance.

Margarita Timofeeva | Expression | 2024

Your education in fashion design seems to have influenced your creative journey. How do you incorporate the knowledge of design into your current works, especially in your abstract pieces?

Of course, education provides its benefits and experience. However, often in colleges and universities, we are taught according to certain templates and programs. I believe that design doesn’t fit into templates but should go beyond them. That is why I did not continue this direction after my studies. Perhaps, in the future, I will try my hand at design again.

What drives you to explore different mediums such as photography, clay sculpting, and painting? Do you feel that each medium allows you to express something different about yourself or the world around you?

I’m interested in trying something new. Perhaps this variety gives me energy. Even the most beloved activity can sometimes become boring. So, each new hobby keeps the old ones fresh. They complement each other. By changing activities, my outlook expands, more thoughts come, more ideas, and consequently, more motivation. As for comparing all these activities, I would say that I wouldn’t be able to express all my thoughts and views of the world in just painting. Often, interesting shots come from unexpected places. Recently, I started writing a book. I realized that even the activities mentioned above may not always express something important or explain an idea in such depth…

Margarita Timofeeva | My-Inner-Child | 2024

Could you tell us more about the competition photography you are involved in? How does it differ from your personal painting work, and what do you aim to communicate through your photographs?

My paintings are abstract. I don’t go on plein airs or make nature sketches. So, my alternative is the camera. I shoot on my phone, camera, and film. It’s important for me to see the beauty in the world, in the moment. I love travel photography and want to share it. That’s why I try not to miss various competitions and exhibitions.

You’ve shared that you dream of holding a personal exhibition at a well-known gallery. What do you hope to convey through your exhibition and how would you like your audience to feel?

Yes, I am actively working towards this goal. I hope that one day this will happen not only in painting but also in photography. I would like people to see a completely different approach to the works. They might see paintings that are unlike anything they’ve seen before. Works that might provoke new thoughts and ideas in them.

Your abstract works seem to evoke a lot of emotion. Can you walk us through your creative process when starting a new painting? How do you decide on the colors and the abstract forms?

I love experimenting, using bright colors and confident strokes. Perhaps this is something that is sometimes lacking in everyday life, so I bring it into my work. First, I decide on the size, using canvases from 80 cm. I choose the color palette, additional materials, and begin to create. I usually prepare ideas in advance, but sometimes they come during the process.