SACIxSingulart residency

SINGULART has partnered with Studio Arts College International (SACI) to create a comprehensive international artist residency program. SACI’s mission is to provide a challenging, life-enhancing educational experience in the center of Florence, Italy offering courses in traditional and contemporary studio arts, design, conservation, and art history. SINGULART carefully selected the participating artists for a month-long residency, to create new work inspired by the historic city, stylistically and conceptually interpreting Florence in a contemporary way.

The third SINGULART artist to complete the SACI x SINGULART residency is Marita Liivak. During her stay, she created four paintings for her series Dreams, works exploring the human body and inspired by the local people’s culture.

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ABOUT “DREAMS"

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This series explores themes of fantasy, emotion, and the inevitability of personal struggles. Inspired by the local culture and pinkish-red peonies (the single plant the artist purchased for her studio to bring life to her workspace), the series consists of three paintings of different women. Liivak describes her residency experience as a journey of self-discovery and introspection. Balancing figuration and abstraction, she acknowledges the inevitable presence of shadows, grief, and sadness, yet embraces them as integral parts of the human experience. The series serves as a reminder of the inherent positivity found in confronting and overcoming personal struggles, showcasing the transformative power of art and self-expression.​

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We sat down with the talented artist to learn about his artistic journey and her experience during her residency in Florence.

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Let’s start with an introduction. Can you share your artistic background?

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I am a painter and illustrator. My preferred mode of expression tends to revolve around female figures and portraits. I approach my work with a strong sense of intuition. When I begin a new piece, I typically don’t have a specific idea in mind; instead, I rely on trusting the creative process. Through my subjects, I delve into various themes such as mental health and women’s body image, often drawing inspiration from my own experiences and observations.

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When and how did you know you wanted to become an artist?

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I’ve always had a sense that art was my thing, ever since I was a kid. It’s been a continuous journey of growth for me. When it came time for university, I figured I’d study painting, simply because it felt right. I didn’t have a clear plan or vision for my future, but I knew that I would find my way as an artist, one way or another.

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Did you encounter any resistance when deciding to pursue a career as an artist?

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Fortunately, for me, it was the opposite. My family, especially my mom, has always been incredibly supportive. While there were moments during school when I considered pursuing other career paths, I was always reminded and encouraged to follow my passion for art. So, despite any uncertainties, I knew deep down that being an artist was my calling, and that’s what I’ve pursued.

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During your studies, did you begin exclusively with painting, or did you venture into other mediums?

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Initially, I focused solely on drawing, and later on, I also began painting. While in school, particularly during university, we experimented with various mediums. However, none of them truly resonated with me, at least not the ones I explored.

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What are the major themes you explore with your work?

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One of the main themes I explore is acceptance, which encompasses various aspects like mental health and body image. This overarching theme ties everything together. I believe that by sharing my experiences and thoughts–which are part of the general human experience–I can help normalize the feelings of weirdness we sometimes encounter.

Dream no 2 (2024), Marita Liivak

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What inspires you to start working on a piece?

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My works typically begin with a feeling rather than any specific concept. I often find myself accompanied by music during my creative process, although recently, I’ve been exploring painting without it, which is a new experience for me. In the past, I would select music that resonated with my emotions, allowing it to inspire mental images that I then transferred onto the canvas.

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Are there any sources of inspiration outside the realm of visual arts that influence your work?

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Dance. My figures often exude a sense of movement, which may sometimes reflect a dance-like quality. While it’s not always overt, I believe there’s a connection because I’ve been dancing since I was eight years old.

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Why did you apply for this residency?

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Firstly I’ve always had faith in SINGULART, because it feels more personal, unlike some larger platforms where you sign up and feel lost in the crowd. I actually wanted to participate in a previous residency, but I had already booked another trip. This time, the timing aligned perfectly, so I sent out my application. 

Secondly, SACI and Italy have been on my radar for some time. The residency setup, offering an apartment and studio, was exactly what I was looking for. The duration of three weeks seemed ideal, providing enough time to work and settle in without being too long.

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What were your initial moments in Florence like? 

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Adjusting to Florence was relatively straightforward. Like any new place, it required a moment to get used to, but overall, it was quite easy. Florence’s beauty made the transition smoother, as there was something captivating to take in at every turn.

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What did a typical day look like for you?

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On days when the studio was open, my aim was to arrive around 12pm, which I usually managed successfully. I’d then paint until the daylight faded, typically around 5pm. After that, I’d either draw at home, dine out, or head to the gym to maintain some of my old routine, as physical exercise is essential for me to feel normal. Additionally, I’d search for models for my project. Arriving at the studio by noon was perhaps the most consistent aspect of my routine, as the rest of my days varied significantly. Some days, I’d decide not to paint and instead explore the city.

Dream no 3 (2024), Marita Liivak

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What was your process for selecting models for your paintings?

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I ended up finding a travelers group online. I posted there, stating that I’m an artist in Florence seeking models, and I received responses from some individuals there. Additionally, I encountered potential models during trips around the city. I’d strike up conversations with people, tell them about my work, and extend invitations to those interested.

I would invite them to the studio for a sketching session. During this session, we would experiment with various poses and create different sketches. I made sure to give each model a sketch to keep. The painting process occurred later, and some paintings are still in progress, as some models arrived on the last day of my stay in Florence.

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What are some of the differences between the final result of each painting?

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Essentially, each woman’s unique vibe is reflected in the painting. My style remains consistent across the series, as I strive for realism to facilitate a connection between the viewer and the subject. However, the main difference lies in capturing each woman’s individual essence.

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Are you accustomed to having people, other than your models, observe you working or visit your studio?

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Generally, it’s a solitary and somewhat intimidating space for me. This remained true during my time in Florence, as there weren’t frequent visitors coming in and out. However, the atmosphere in Florence was more social compared to my usual experience, because I was working more intensely with models, sometimes every other day.

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What are some things that you learned about yourself during this residency?

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I’ve learned that socially, I tend to withdraw, particularly when I’m following my own routine at home. It’s easy for me to become introspective. During the residency, I realized the importance of pushing myself to be more social. While not every interaction may be significant, there’s value in putting myself out there and connecting with others, as it opens up opportunities for meaningful interactions.

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Are you overall satisfied with the work that you produced during the residency?

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Yes, definitely. Even though three weeks may seem short, the experience had a profound impact on me. I felt deeply influenced by the atmosphere of Florence, the local art scene, and the social interactions. Every aspect of my time there left a lasting impression on me.

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By Natasha Ntone