Lines of Inspiration with Liubov Edwards

December 9, 2024

Liubov Edward's artistic journey began with childhood curiosity, fuelled by a playful exploration of materials rather than their traditional use. Now a master at capturing people in motion, Liubov's art bursts with energy and vibrant colour. Drawing inspiration from urban landscapes, music, and unexpected hobbies, their work embodies a dynamic and ever-evolving creative spirit.

When did you first know you were interested in creating art?

As a child, I preferred playing with coloured pencils rather than using them as drawing materials. Later, I began using pencils and watercolours to add my own “artistic touch” to other people's artwork; children's books, magazines, and school study materials were affected the most. Once my Mom took me to a music class as she wanted me to sing in a choir, but there was an art school next door, so I managed to convince her to change the initial plan; that was the starting point of my artistic journey.

Were there any pivotal moments during your education that significantly changed the way you view or create art?

When I was a student at the St. Petersburg Academy of Art and Design, I had to attend many hours of academic drawing and painting classes, and the parts of these classes I dreaded the most were live model and plein-air (outdoor) sketching. My hands felt very stiff, and my sketches reflected that. I felt ecstatic when the years of study were over and I could finally bury my brushes and pencils and focus on my career as a graphic designer. Who would have known that the covid pandemic would make me exhume my artist tools and start using them again? It also encouraged me to open my Instagram account, and that led me to the discovery of a new world full of amazing people and creative challenges.

Who or what are your biggest artistic inspirations, and how do they influence your practice?

Japanese calligraphy inspires me a lot. I studied it for a while, and it really helped me loosen up and develop fluidity of line. I adore Toulouse-Lautrec's use of colour, shape, and line in his sketches and poster work; I admire David Hockney's ability to reinvent himself so many times throughout his artistic career. And of course, I can learn something new every day from the many amazing artists I follow on Instagram.

What are your go-to mediums, and does the emotion you're trying to convey dictate the ones you choose?

Gouache is my favourite medium because it's so versatile and satisfying to use. My other favourite is water-soluble blocks; they bring interesting and unpredictable texture to any illustration. When I go sketching, I always carry a brush pen with dark blue ink, a few coloured pencils, and a couple of watercolour markers. I believe that limiting mediums and colours allows me to focus on what I am drawing and how I feel about it, rather than spending time deciding on the best medium.

What’s your favourite subject to illustrate, and why do you feel drawn to it?

Drawing people in different situations and environments is what I enjoy doing the most. I like drawing sporting events, musical concerts, and people dancing - basically anything involving people in motion because it gives me energy, which I translate into my illustrations. I am also attracted to bright colours, especially reds and oranges, so if there is a builder wearing a bright orange safety helmet or a bunch of carrots sticking out of somebody’s bag, I am there and ready to sketch.

Where in the world do you find the most inspiration for your illustrations, and what is it about that place that fuels your creativity?

I love urban scenes, and I’m especially drawn to big cities and their overwhelming atmosphere where so many exciting things are happening every minute. New places and the whole travelling experience motivate and fill me with positive and creative energy.

How do your inspirations evolve over time, and do you see any patterns in the art, books, or music that guide your creative journey?

I would say that I employ music to guide and aid in my creative process; for example, silence followed by Mozart is great for brainstorming, whereas Baroque or Led Zeppelin are ideal for an energy boost. I can't say whether the fiction books I enjoy reading have a direct impact on my creative journey, but I'd like to believe they do. I enjoy reading memoirs and letters written by famous artists such as Van Gogh, Paul Klee, and René Magritte to learn about their creative process and pick up some tips and ideas.

Outside of illustration, what other passions or hobbies do you have that might surprise people, and do they ever find their way into your work?

I really like visiting graveyards and cemeteries and reading the epitaphs and names of the deceased.

Tell us about some of your favourite projects, and what made them special for you?

That would be the series of illustrations for a short story, "Mechanical Justice," by A. Kuprin, which I did as a personal project, and the fact that it was selected as a finalist for the Bologna Children's Book Fair made me really proud.