Meet Svetlana Askenazy

We were lucky to catch up with Svetlana Askenazy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Svetlana, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

I would say that following my passion has been key to building my confidence and self-esteem. When you’re deeply invested in something you love, it’s different from just going through the motions of routine work. There’s this energy and drive that comes from within, and that’s been a huge confidence booster.

But to be honest, it’s always a bit of a balancing act. I think we all have moments where we question ourselves, wondering if we’re really giving it everything we’ve got. I’m always challenging myself to learn new skills and push my own limits, even when it feels tough. Some days I feel like I could’ve done better, and on others, I’m genuinely proud of how far I’ve come on my own.
As an artist, it’s the hard work and dedication that make those proud moments even more meaningful.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a self-taught artist, and art has always been a part of my life, even if I didn’t fully realize it at the time. Looking back, it’s easy to think about what I could’ve done differently, but in reality, we don’t always see the big picture while we’re in the moment.

My passion for art was always there, even though I took a different path initially. I ended up earning a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering Management, but my love for drawing and painting never went away. Over time, that passion grew stronger, and eventually, it erupted in a way I couldn’t control. I felt this urgent need to pour everything I had into my artwork and share it with the world.

Now, my focus is on learning different techniques and combining them in innovative ways to create captivating art. I love experimenting with various materials and textures to elevate my work. Each part of the creative process excites me. The planning phase is full of possibilities, the act of painting itself requires a lot of energy and dedication, and revealing the finished piece to the world is always thrilling, especially when I get to hear feedback from viewers.

Beyond the techniques and textures, there’s always a story or message behind my work. I’m deeply inspired by philosophy, and I enjoy weaving meaning into my pieces. Some of my artwork is more realistic, requiring many hours to capture intricate details, while other pieces are more abstract or conceptual, with layers of interpretation.

I consider myself an emerging artist, and I’m so proud to see my work being recognized and showcased in galleries and promoted through various media. It’s exciting to see my art reaching a wider audience, and I’m always looking for new opportunities to share my vision with the world.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I think the three things that have really shaped my journey are my deep need to create, the ability to keep learning, and my belief in myself

The need to create has been my biggest motivator. It’s that inner drive to express myself, to share something meaningful with the world. No matter what industry you’re in, when you’re passionate about what you do, it fuels everything.

Then, there’s the ability to keep learning. While my degree is in Civil Engineering Management, it taught me how to learn, solve problems, and think critically. In art, just like in any other field, you have to continuously expand your knowledge and try new things to grow. Learning new techniques, challenging myself creatively—this mindset of never stopping is what pushes me forward.

And lastly, believing in yourself is huge. There will always be setbacks or moments when you feel stuck, but having the confidence to push through those moments is what makes the difference. Even when you hit a wall, trusting that you can figure it out is what keeps you going.

For anyone just starting out, my advice would be to really connect with what drives you. Keep learning, keep experimenting, and don’t doubt yourself when things get tough. If you stick with it and believe in your own potential, you’ll find a way through.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

As an artist, I’m currently facing multiple challenges, much like many others in the creative field. One of the biggest obstacles is the current state of the art market, which is impacted by competition, economic uncertainty, and the high costs associated with galleries and exhibitions.

To overcome these challenges, I’m focused on building a strong online presence. I share my creative process through videos, allowing people to connect with the work in a deeper way. I’m also exploring multiple sales channels and engaging with the art community, whether that’s through participating in exhibitions, building relationships with curators, or collaborating with other artists.

By diversifying my approach and staying active in both digital and physical spaces, I’m working to navigate these challenges and create new opportunities for my art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://asklanaart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ask.lana.art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AskLanaArt
• Other: https://www.brush.bio/asklanaart