Artist’s Voice: Ilya Schar
NY ARTS
Captions for Schar images: Ilya Schar, Red Angel 2000, 24 x 24 inches
With his intricate gem paintings, Ilya Schar explores the nature of form and representation. His works are a gesture of the artist?s self-definition inscribed in semi-precious stones and gems. Conventionally noted as paintings, these compositions reflect his heartfelt sentiments for each subject he represents?whether it is a delicately rendered, flock of colorful birds, or a gracefully composed, shimmering natural scene of winter?s first frost. Schar?s appropriation of materials traditionally used by jewelers and artisans forces the viewer to reinterpret the meaning of fine art.
NY ARTS: Why do you make art?
Ilya Schar: It is my passion, my desire. I can’t exist without making art.
NY ARTS: How would you describe what it is that you do?
IS: Many years ago I started to experiment in working with minerals. I wanted to look inside stone. I noticed that the colors on the outside were different from the colors inside. I wanted to use this color and I wanted to show to the world that paintings can be created not only using oil and paint, but with the stones that Nature gives us. I discovered that the stones changed color when crushed or broken into various sizes. I decided to use only color provided by gems and minerals as my medium. Not a single stroke of paint is used in my three-dimensional works. For this reason the colors will never fade or change, making these paintings last for eternity.
NY ARTS: What kind of music do you listen to while you work? How does it influence your work?
IS: I sometimes listen to classical music while I work. But the sound of the
stones breaking or moving influences me above all.
NY ARTS: If you could own any single piece of art, what would you choose and why?
IS: I would choose Vrubel?s Demon from 1890. I think Vrubel was a genius.
NY ARTS: Do you believe that art has a social function?
IS: Yes, but mostly for one who understands Art.
NY ARTS: Has there ever been a particular space that inspired your work? Where do you work best?
IS: There were many places that have inspired my work, but the best space for me to work is in my studio. Even when some place inspires me, I need time to absorb it and only then do I go back to my studio and work
NY ARTS: Donald Kuspit recently titled his book, Art is Dead. What is your response to the statement?
IS: I did not read this book. If you are asking me if I think Art is dead, I would respond that Art is not dead! Art is endless. It is like Air, Earth, Fire, Water… As long people will be on this planet so long will Art be alive because a Human being has to express himself.
NY ARTS: Who are some of the artists that inform/inspire your work?
IS: Benvenuto Cellini, A. Kuindgi, M. Vrubel, Gustav Klimt, Claud Monet?
NY ARTS: Please complete the statement: I am most ______ when I am_____.
IS: I am most satisfied when I am surrounded by people I can talk to.
NY ARTS: What is your definition of happiness?
IS: Happiness?it is just a sudden moment of brightness, or illumination. It comes when I suddenly find what I was looking for in my creative work. After that, everything returns to the usual routine.
NY ARTS: What is your favorite souvenir that you?ve ever brought back from a trip?
IS: I always take stones and minerals as souvenirs.
