This conversation opens the fourth interview in the series 'Defining Moments: The First Start or the Turning Moment'. Anda, a thoughtful visual artist based in Edinburgh, explores the fluid interplay between emotions and artistic expression, transforming personal journeys into evocative dialogues on canvas. Her artistic path began with childhood doodles that evolved into a passionate pursuit of drawing, leading her from formal art education in high school to graphic design studies and ultimately to fine art practice in the UK. Having exhibited in prestigious venues across London, Berlin, and Manhattan, Anda embraces the potential of art to resonate with society while continually discovering her authentic voice. Her recent works delicately balance oil pastels and graphite—contrasting mediums that create profound emotional conversations through vibrant color blocks and intricate lines. Influenced by the evolving nature of creativity and contemporary emerging artists who courageously bare their souls, Anda's practice celebrates the beauty of emotional fluidity and personal healing. Pieces like "The time is not smooth enough" capture moments of transformation, reminding us of life's unpredictability and the rewards of navigating creative challenges. As she frees herself from rigid expectations, Anda values the prose-poem-like quality of art born from quiet inner journeys, where joy and sorrow find their gentle equilibrium. This interview has been carefully edited to preserve Anda's reflective voice and genuine perspective. Now, in the artist's own words.
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Q. Thank you very much for taking the time to speak with us. I'd love to begin by hearing about you and your practice. How would you introduce yourself as an artist, and what work are you currently engaged with?
A. I’ve loved doodling during class since I was little and have attended various drawing workshops. I finally started receiving formal art training in high school. After majoring in graphic design at university, I realized I preferred fine art, so I went to study in the UK and eventually settled in Edinburgh after graduating. I’ve exhibited in London, Berlin, and Manhattan.
I believe being an artist comes with a huge potential to impact society, and I’m still exploring a direction that truly fits me. My recent works focus on the interaction between oil pastels and graphite—two very different mediums that feel like opposites finding each other. The collision of color blocks and lines creates an intense emotional dialogue. I’m hoping to produce some strong pieces.
MOTH DUST 2024
Q. Could you share what first set you on the path as an artist, or a decisive moment that drew you deeply into your practice? If an image or sensation returns when you think of that time, we would be grateful to hear about it.
A. Honestly, it was a pretty straightforward reason. Back in high school, I just wanted to see a big city and had zero interest in regular academic subjects—but I had always loved drawing. So even though it wasn’t the traditional path my parents imagined, I followed it anyway. Step by step, I realized how well this path suited me. Art took me far, to a completely different life. So it’s hard to pinpoint a single defining moment—I think it was more of a natural progression through continuous exploration.
Q. Have you ever experienced a slump or faced significant difficulties in your creative process? If so, how did you navigate and overcome that period? We are also curious to know if this process led to discovering your unique style or artistic direction, and whether you noticed any changes in your environment or in the reactions of those around you.
A. Oil painting was much harder than I expected—it clashed with my usual habits. I even lost my original style at one point because I was trying so hard to master oil painting. But after a long period of adjustment, I found a compromise.
My mindset deeply affects my artistic style. When I first started, I thought sorrow was the fuel for creativity. But I eventually realized (at least for me) that sadness made my work feel hollow—I couldn’t find an anchor. And when I’m really happy, I just want to enjoy life too much and don’t think about painting at all. So I need to immerse myself in a specific emotional space to really express what I feel. For me, a good piece is like a prose poem written after a quiet inner journey.
Q. The fears or difficulties encountered on one's journey are often deeply connected to the birth of a particular artwork. Could you tell us about a piece that was especially challenging to create, but through which you gained a significant realization or felt a great sense of reward? Please share the experience behind that work and what that moment means to you now.
A. Ah, I didn’t realize the last question would lead into this! Like I said, I think creating from a place of fear is almost a talent of schizophrenia—I am not able to do that. But the moment you’re able to create despite hardship, it usually means things are already getting better.
I do have a piece that I found especially challenging: The time is not smooth enough. I created it during a moment of personal healing. It captures a very positive period in my life, and every time I see it, I’m reminded of how unpredictable life can be. Life and living—it’s all so fluid.
The Time Is Not Smooth Enough 2023
Q. It seems that such an experience would have been a significant 'turning point' for you. Following that turning point, how did your artistic world and methodology change? Could you please elaborate on any specific ways your work has evolved since then?
A. After that piece, I began to free myself from rigid habits. I used to believe that a “mature” artist had to have a consistent style and system, but that idea started to feel limiting. Now, with each new work, I treat it like starting from scratch—digging up something new and merging it all together.
Q. Following that turning point, did the core message or values you wish to convey through your art also change? If so, what do you consider the most significant shift?
A. Because my style jumps around so much, I used to think I’d never have any
commercial value. Eventually, I came to understand that art is like a grand hall—it can be a dazzling business card or credit card for social circles. And I don’t reject that. Art always finds a way to surprise you—from every angle, and sometimes in unsettling ways.
Q. What is the significance of "that moment" which remains most precious to you today, and how does it continue to affect your future work and life? If you were to capture that moment in a single word or sentence, what would it be?
A. Looking back, ‘that moment’ felt like a drifting, rootless water plant thinking it had landed in a firm vine—only to realise it was just a piece of soon to be rotten wood.
I had to redefine a lot: my style, what art means to me. And now, I redefine that
moment as ‘SHIP’.
A Cell Made One Decision 2025
Q. Could you tell us about any individuals, artworks, or environments that have been influential in shaping your identity as an artist? We are also interested in learning how these influences are woven into your current work.
A. To be honest, I’m not great at keeping records. I’ve seen many stunning works that deeply resonated with me, but I didn’t remember the titles or artists. That said, I’ve been really inspired by many emerging artists—they’re so bold in laying themselves bare in their work. I hope people explore and pay attention to contemporary art more. I also hope I can sometimes capture emotions the way they do, even though my work isn’t entirely emotion-driven.
Q. What role does the audience play in your creative process? How does the act of sharing your work with others impact its meaning for you?
A. I see the audience as people who are communicating with me through my work. Every thought, doubt, confusion, or moment of admiration they experience while looking at my art creates a connection between us. I believe every viewer will have at least one thought that aligns with mine.
I’m not great at expressing my emotions physically, so my artwork becomes a
shortcut and support for that expression.
Q. Building on your past turning points, in what new directions do you hope your artistic world will evolve? What new ideas or uncharted territories are most exciting to you right now?
A. This is a hard one, because I can’t really predict what will inspire me in the future. For now, I really enjoy the place I’m in. But I do hope the future holds something beautiful.
Q. What message would you like to share with your future self, or with someone who is about to embark on their own artistic journey?
A. Every future artist has limitless possibilities. Determination is the first lesson. This goes for myself, too.
Q. Thank you so much for sharing such thoughtful insights with us today. As we conclude our conversation, is there anything else you would like to share that hasn't been covered by these questions? We would be grateful to hear any additional thoughts or reflections you might have.
A. Thank you to u1 Gallery for this beautiful interview. As a very feeling-driven artist, it’s a bit mentally taxing to speak so systematically and specifically about these things—but I really enjoyed the journey. I hope every viewer can feel a sense of vitality from my work, even if it’s not something grand.
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Artist : Anda
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