Fiódor Dostoievski. Crimen y castigo (2/5)

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TERCERA PARTE

I
“(...) me gusta que se equivoquen. En esto radica la superioridad del hombre sobre los demás organismos. Así llega uno a la verdad. Yo soy un hombre, y lo soy precisamente porque me equivoco. Nadie llega a una verdad sin haberse equivocado catorce veces, o ciento catorce, y esto es, acaso, un honor para el género humano. Pero no sabemos ser originales ni siquiera para equivocarnos. Un error original acaso valga más que una verdad insignificante. La verdad siempre se encuentra; en cambio, la vida puede enterrarse para siempre”

Sobre el hecho de que Pulqueria Alejandrovna era hermosa y parecía más joven de lo que era, se dice: “(...) como suele ocurrir a las mujeres que saben conservar hasta las proximidades de la vejez un alma pura, un espíritu lúcido y un corazón inocente y lleno de ternura. Digamos entre paréntesis que no hay otro medio de conservarse hermosa hasta una edad avanzada”


II

“(...) Rasumikhine contemplaba a Avdotia Romanovna con veneración y se sentía orgulloso ante la idea de acompañarla. Y pensaba que la reina que se arreglaba las medias en la prisión debía de tener más majestad en ese momento que cuando aparecía en espléndidas fiestas y magníficos desfiles”


III

Zosimof dice que nadie está completamente sano, sólo hay unos más enfermos que otros


V

Rasumikhine expone que para los socialistas el crimen es una protesta ante una organización social defectuosa. En definitiva, digo yo, que si esto es lo que llegó a los oídos de las personas en Rusia, no me extraña que el socialismo sea un caos en todos los lugares a donde llega, ya que no tiene base ni fundamento, y se ha ido propagando de cabeza en cabeza, de boca en boca, mutando y deformando las ideas básicas que se expusieron en el Manifiesto Comunista de Karl Marx

Respecto a lo anterior Rasumikhine combate la idea del crime como protesta de la siguiente manera: “(...) No tienen en cuenta la naturaleza: la eliminan, no existe para ellos. No ven una humanidad que se desarrolla mediante una progresión histórica y viva, para producir al fin una sociedad normal, sino que suponen un sistema social que surge de la cabeza de un matemático y que, en un abrir y cerrar de ojos, organiza la sociedad y la hace justa y perfecta antes de que se inicie ningún proceso histórico. De aquí su odio instintivo a la historia. Dicen de ella que es un amasijo de horrores y absurdos, que todo lo explica de una manera absurda. De aquí también su odio al proceso viviente de la existencia. No hay necesidad de un alma viviente, pues ésta tiene sus exigencias; no obedece ciegamente a la mecánica; es desconfiada y retrógrada. El alma que ellos quieren puede apestar, estar hecha de caucho; es un alma muerta y sin voluntad; una esclava que no se rebelará nunca. Y la consecuencia de ello es que toda la teoría consiste en una serie de ladrillos sobrepuestos; en el modo de disponer los corredores y las piezas de un falansterio. Este falansterio se puede construir, pero no la naturaleza humana, que quiere vivir, atravesar todo el proceso de la vida antes de irse al cementerio. La lógica no basta para permitir este salto por encima de la naturaleza. La lógica sólo prevé tres casos, cuando hay un millón. Reducir todo esto a la única cuestión de la comodidad es la solución más fácil que puede darse al problema. Una solución de claridad seductora y que hace innecesaria toda reflexión: he aquí lo esencial. ¡Todo el misterio de la vida expuesto en dos hojas impresas...!”

Sin embargo, a pesar de que el discurso de Rasumikhine es muy fuerte y bien dicho, se nota un enorme indeterminismo al grado de ser absoluto, cuando es bien cierto que el medio influye; pero decir que el crimen es un acto de protesta, cuando es una enfermedad, es erróneo. Decir que el proceso natural de la historia por evolucionar a una sociedad más justa se ve rota con las ideas de Karl Marx, es cierto, de igual manera decir que es absurdo que un hombre pueda saber más que la naturaleza, también es cierto, lo que dijo de que la lógica no comprende toda la realidad, también es cierto

La teoría de Raskolnikof es que existen hombres ordinario, y hombres extraordinarios. Los extraordinarios rompen las reglas pensando en un mejor futuro y un bienestar superior. Los ordinarios sólo siguen lo que han creado los extraordinarios. Debido a que son normas establecidas, es lógico pensar que un ser extraordinario está cometiendo un crimen al ir en contra de lo establecido; pero al final, lo que hace es por el bien de la humanidad


CUARTA PARTE

I

En esta parte me llama la atención el enorme gusto que tiene el autor de su país, y que lo pone en palabras de sus personajes, de que el extranjero será maravilloso; pero “se está mejor en casa”

Dice Svidrigailof: “(...) Admito que las apariciones sólo las vean los enfermos; pero esto sólo demuestra que hay que estar enfermo para verlas, no que las apariciones no existan (...) Las apariciones son algo así como fragmentos de otros mundos..., sus ambiciones” (El discurso sigue así: El hombre sano no tiene necesidad de verlas, ya que tiene que cumplir una función en este mundo y no debe distraerse; pero en la enfermedad, su cuerpo se altera del orden normal y de su misión terrenal, y se le abren otras realidades)


III

“(...) El encanto de una esposa adorable, culta y virtuosa al mismo tiempo podía adornar su vida maravillosamente, atraerle simpatías, crearle una especie de aureola...” (Como lo hace la mía conmigo)

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Fiódor Dostoievski. Crimen y castigo (1/5)

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Antes de empezar quiero agradecer a VenomViper de la comunidad del Club de Lectura de Amino por su mensaje y motivación para seguir adelante con este blog. Estos años venideros se los dedico a él

CRIMEN Y CASTIGO
FIÓDOR DOSTOIEVSKI

PRIMERA PARTE

I

Sobre la habitación de Raskolnikof>> “(...) más que una habitación, parecía una alacena”

Pensamiento de Raskolnikof>> “(...) Sí, el hombre lo tiene todo al alcance de la mano, y, como buen holgazán, deja que todo pase ante sus mismas narices... Esto es ya un axioma... Es chocante que lo que más temor inspira a los hombres sea aquello que les aparta de sus costumbres. Sí, eso es lo que más los altera... ¡Pero esto ya es demasiado divagar! Mientras divago, no hago nada”
  V

Este sueño que tiene Raskolnikof, en el cual se azota hasta la muerte de una manera muy sádica a un pobre caballo, haría helar a la sangre a aquellos afectados por la enfermedad del siglo, la cual es la censura sin sentido de todo aquello que no comprenden. Tuve la desgracia de ver que alguien publicó en una red social muy famosa de mi época, una propuesta para que retiraran del mundo a unos libros de chistes machistas, sin percatarse que también existe la versión para chistes feministas. La censura de aquello que no nos gusta lleva a la gente a una cacería de brujas que acabará con la cultura y la libertad de las personas. Aquello que no te gusta, no lo hagas o no lo aceptes en tu entorno, ni lo promuevas; pero aquello que puede ser inocente, como por ejemplo, decirle a un negro que es negro, se ha vuelto ya prohibido a pesar de ser una verdad. Esta enfermedad del siglo llevará a muchos problemas de intolerancia, faltas de respeto, odios y conflictos, más que a la tolerancia, el respeto, la hermandad y la paz, precisamente porque es el método que se ha empleado en las épocas obscuras, tanto del cristianimo como del islam. Ya me imagino a miles de personas censurando todo el subcapítulo quinto sólo porque les ofende el maltrato dado al animal. Mi pobre Z.U.L.E.M.A. ya fue censurada, repudiada y prohibida incluso antes de ser oficialmente publicada. La maldad y las cosas feas existen. Es verdad y no hay que censurarlo. Hay que educar sobre las consecuencias de ello, cómo se origina y cómo detectarlo para no caer en ello. Prohibir y censurar este tipo de expresiones sólo lleva a que la gente sea inocente e ignorante ante aquella verdad que tarde o temprano llegará a ella, y no sabrán qué hacer, ni cómo contrarrestarlo, ni cómo escapar


VI

El estudiante semiborracho hablando, con el oficial, sobre eliminar a alguien tan mezquino como Alena a favor de hacer un bien con el dinero de ella>> “(...) ¿no crees que el crimen, el pequeño crimen, quedaría ampliamente compensado por los millares de buenas acciones del criminal? A cambio de una sola vida, miles de seres salvados de la corrupción”
El oficial le responde>> “(...) Pero la Naturaleza tiene sus derechos”
El estudiante replica>> “-¡Alto! A la Naturaleza se la corrige, se la dirige. De lo contrario, los prejuicios nos aplastarían. No tendríamos ni siquiera un solo gran hombre”
  SEGUNDA PARTE

IV
En la charla entre Zosimof y Rasumikhine mientras cuidaban de Raskolnikof enfermo, dice Zosimof a Rasumikhine
“-No exageres: yo daría dos bledos por ti”
Le contesta Rasumikhine
“-Pues a mí me parece que tú no vales más de uno”
  V
“(...) Hasta ahora se nos ha dicho: <<Ama a tu prójimo.>> Pues bien, si pongo este precepto en práctica, ¿qué resultará? –Piotr Petrovitch hablaba precipitadamente-. Pues resultará que dividiré mi capa en dos mitades, daré una mitad a mi prójimo y los dos nos quedaremos medio desnudos. Un proverbio ruso dice que el que persigue varias liebres a la vez no caza ninguna. La ciencia me ordena amar a mi propia persona más que a nada en el mundo, ya que aquí abajo todo descansa en el interés personal.” (Revisar el especial del Gen Egoísta de Richard Dawkins) “Si te amas a ti mismo, harás buenos negocios y conservarás tu capa entera. La economía política añade que cuanto más se elevan las fortunas privadas en una sociedad o, dicho en otros términos, más capas enteras se ven, más sólida es su base y mejor su organización. Por lo tanto, trabajando para mí solo, trabajo, en realidad, para todo el mundo, pues contribuyo a que mi prójimo reciba algo más que la mitad de mi capa, y no por un acto de generosidad individual y privada, sino a consecuencia del progreso general” (En teoría es correcto; pero para eso se necesitan dos cosas: Un sistema económico que no haga depender el valor monetario de un medio finito, ya que así, entre más dinero tenga una persona, menos dinero tendrán los demás ya que no se pueden generar más monedas o billetes porque se devalúa el sistema económico. La otra cosa es un gobierno que tenga una planeación a futuro sobre el desarrollo de su país, ya que un crecimiento grande puede ser desproporcionado y caótico, llevando más a una decadencia prematura que al progreso general)

La plática fue siguiendo y llegaron al punto en que el desarrollo con miras sólo egoístas puede llevar a producir un crimen, ya que la moral y la empatía se relajan y las leyes pierden su valor intrínseco. Dice Rasumikhine>> “(...) El hombre se acostumbra a vivir sin esfuerzo, a andar por el camino llano, a que le pongan la comida en la boca. Hoy cada uno se muestra como realmente es” (Esta frase me gustó, porque se puede usar perfectamente para quienes creen que el apoyo social es dar por el hecho de dar, con esto realmente se generan parásitos en lugar de rehabilitar)
VI

“<<¿Dónde he leído yo –pensaba Raskolnikof al alejarse- que un condenado a muerte decía, una hora antes de la ejecución de la sentencia, que antes de morir preferiría pasar la vida en una cumbre, en una roca escarpada donde tuviera el espacio justo para colocar los pies, una roca rodeada de precipicios o perdida en medio del océano sin fin, en una perpetua soledad, aunque esta vida durara mil años o fuera eterna? Vivir, vivir sea como fuere. El caso es vivir... –y añadió al cabo de un momento-: El hombre es cobarde, y cobarde el que le reprocha esta cobardía.>>”

Sobre si los falsificadores de billetes son unos bandidos, Raskolnikof dice que “(...) son criaturas, chiquillos inconscientes, no verdaderos bandidos”, porque están desorganizados, y acaban dependiendo de todos para que nada se eche a perder, y al final, el miedo de que alguno de los demás hable
VII

Raskolnikof medita: “(...) hay que tener fuerzas, fuerzas... Sin fuerzas no puede uno hacer nada. Y estas fuerzas hay que conseguirlas por la fuerza. Esto es lo que no saben” (¡Vaya paradoja! Muchos dirán que es un sofisma; pero no, realmente tiene toda la razón. Es atracción. Si vas caminando lentamente, y con desgano, la caminata se te hará eterna y difícil de transitar. Si vas con impulso, energía y ánimo de llegar, se te hará corta. La misma adrenalina del impulso te da la fuerza y la energía para seguir. No da pie a la flojera y logras tu objetivo en lugar de gastar tu energía en buscar el modo de quejarte y no lograrlo. Esta es la paradoja, para tener que tener energía, debes emplear energía)

“(...) no hay mejor maestro que la experiencia”

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To the grille, Skirill Kirill!

Skirill Kirill is a russian metalhead and a graphical artist. Personally I’m in love with his aesthetic, that sends us to a doomed world of darkness, where any Silent Hill resident would feel like at home. His work with the contorted bodies of death-like beings is really awesome. He doesn’t limit his creative power to the dark style, he is also so magnificent in what he does, that he can draw almost anything, from animals with perfect proportions, to, to, well… Santa Claus… Yes, he also has his funny, sweet and colorful side.

Asura: Thank you for your time. It’s really a honor to have such a great artist with us. Could you please share with us your beginnings? Any influence?
Skirill: Nothing special, it came to me in childhood. In one moment I just found that I like drawings and can’t stop till now. Also when I was a child I used to like read the books with many illustrations, I was really inspired by them. There were many well illustrated books in my childhood.

A: What’s the inspiration or your muse to create your work?
S: It can be almost everything: illustration, drawings, literature, ancient legends and religions, music, movies, just real things or events from my environment. In the most cases my inspiration depends from my mood. I found out that I work better when I’m in bad mood, doesn’t matter what exactly I draw. Well, I think it could be that drawing helps me to come back to normal condition, don’t know…

A: You wrote in your website you studied in Московский Государственный Университет Леса (МГУЛ). As a rule that I have found, or the University trigger your better inner, or destroys your illusions, how was it for you there, could you share with us your experience in the University? (but the most important, how do we pronounce it!!!??)
S: Ha ha) On what site do you read that? Just don’t remember when I wrote that, especially on Russian. In English it sounds like Moscow State University of forestry. I was graduated as engineer for standardization and certification, so as you see, my professional education doesn’t connect with art. Can’t say that it had any influence on me as an artist. I just had time to draw on some lections :). When I studied in the university I bought my first PC and discovered the Internet and artists forums. It gave me a lot of information and helps me with further progress.

A: How is the situation of the art in Russia? Do the people like it and support the artist or do they just ignore them? How do you feel about this situation?
S: Well, there are a lot of really cool artist in Russia, much better than me ;) People mostly like the art, there are a lot of exhibitions with many visitors. I think it’s all right.
I don’t have any statistics, but in my opinion it’s all right. The worst thing is that customers still don’t think that illustration costs real money. So there are a lot of offers to draw for small earnings. It’s sad. But in my opinion the situation is coming better.

A: In the art, the message that the people receive may not the same that the artist wants to share. Do you have a message or something special that you want to share to the world, and that nobody has seen yet?
S: Well, it depends what exactly I’m drawing. When it’s cartoon, I want that people have fun while they’re seeing it. When it’s some fanart, I want to show my vision of some sides of the subject, or new ideas for that. If we’re talking about my skeleton-like creatures, which became the most popular things in my drawings… I don’t want to show something special, just images I have. It’s not conceptual art… Sometime they show my mood or some situations in my life, or my meaning of some things.

A: Any artist or person that you admire or look up to?
S: It’s a really plenty of them :) But people who commented my works often said about H.R. Giger and Zdislaw Beksinski. I admire them too. Also I really like Russian painters of IXX-XX centuries.

A: Is this name, Skirill Kirill, your artist name or is it your real name?
S: My real name is Kirill Semenov. Skirill is just my nickname for deviantart forums. Actually for the Internet I use nickname ‘kirian’ (my friends call me that) but it’s not always possible, because I’m not the one who use it :) .

A: Personally, I like the meanings of the names, what does Skirill Kirill mean?
S: Nothing. It's just the first letter of my surname and my name. If we’re talking about my name meaning: it’s an ancient greek name which means ‘lord’ or something like that. But I’ve never meant about that.

A: It's hard to me quote the works that I like, because they are too many to tell, but do you have any favorite work?
S: Difficult to say… I think I could do the shortlist, but on next day I would think another way :) Some works I like for the strong emotional side, some for technical side. You know, I don’t have any special education and I don’t think that my technique is very good, so I really like when I do something wich look like a real thing. But unfortunately I don’t do something to improve it. Just don’t have a purpose… May be I’m too lazy…
Anyway, not long time ago I started to do the list of the results for past year, I think it’s closest thing to my shortlist.

A: Do you make art in other forms? Which?
S: Almost no. I work with digital, graphic or mix of them. I’m really bad in colours, so I prefer to do monochromatic works. I’d like to try make some sculpts of my creatures, but still haven’t. May be sometime :) .

A: Are you working for any company right now or are you freelancer?
S: I’m working in IT company wich makes soft and business solutions based on the Internet technologies. I’m the head of quality insurance service. When it’s possible I draw for money and I like it.

 A: What do you like most, being part of a company or a freelancer, why?
S: A part of company. It means stable earnings. I have family and child, so money is really important for me. While if I were freelancer I couldn’t say when I have offers and how much money they’ll give to me.

A: Where do the people can contact you, and in which languages?
S: On my facebook page, deviantart page or by email. I could speak Russian, and English (well, at least me and my customers from England and USA understand each others).

A: Any final message to the readers?
S: Thank you for your interest in my art and your comments. Actually it was pleasant surprise for me, that so many people started watch me on deviantart. I’m glad to speak with you and always try to answer on your comments. Thank you very much.

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To the grille, Satanen Perkele!

“Satanen Perkele” is a young female from Sweden. A female that has a big attraction and love to the darkness. She expresses her feelings in different ways with drawings, photography and sometimes with videos.

A Black Metal-head girl with a lot of art. She focuses on Nordic mythology, forests, abandoned houses, satanic symbols, facial paint and…Well, with a lot of things and a creative mind she is always up for something. I met her because of one of her cartoon characters named “Ragnar”, which is the main character from her funny Black Metal comic called “For You Satan!”

Asura: Thank you for your time. It’s really a honor to have such a great artist with us. Could you please share with us your beginnings? Any influence?


Satanen: Hello there and thank you for choosing me!
I feel deeply honoured to have been invited to this interview.


My biggest influence of my work beside Scandinavian mythology, Black Metal music and the occult has been myself. My real name is Cecilia and I was born here in Sweden 1991. I have had a hard life growing up on the isolated countryside, surrounded by nature and forests. During my whole childhood I was as good as constantly secluded from seeing other people. This made it hard for me to manage getting friends, so my best friends always used to be the paper and the pencil.
Ever since I was a small child I started to draw constantly. When I was a little older I spent 7 years in a local art class. When I was old enough for high school I spent 1 year in art class, quitted and went to another school where I spent 3 years in media, design and movie making.

A: What’s the inspiration or your muse to create your work?


S: Ancient myths, the occult and the unknown is a great inspiration for me.
I like to be creative and bring life into old myths and draw things that are not very common. I also like to inspire people with my work.


A: How is the situation of the art in Sweden? Do the people like it and support the artist or do they just ignore them? How do you feel about this situation?


S: Art in Sweden in general is quite popular. In each city you find artists of all kinds.
Mostly art is allowed to be shown in public as long it’s not too grotesque. But it all depends on the artists work, the Swedish artist “Lars Vilks” for example created a huge debate since his art got very provocative outside of Sweden.
As for myself I have been asked several times to be a part of artistic events and to show my art in public. So there are always people who are interested.


A: In the art, the message that the people receive may not the same that the artist wants to share. Do you have a message or something special that you want to share to the world, and that nobody has seen yet?


S: In mostly of my work I try to deliver a Scandinavian feeling. Myself I find it important because I want people to recognize my work by that raw atmosphere.
And I personally think I have succeeded quite well since there are many people on the web who recognize me and my art these days. Which I appreciate a lot!

A: Any artist or person that you admire or look up to?

S: It’s hard to say since there are many other great artists out there.
But I really like artist who have a dark touch in their artwork.


Above all your work, my favorite is your comic “For You Satan!”, but do you have any favorite work?


S: My favorite work for the moment is my medieval inspired demon drawings.
I really find them entertaining to draw and also the support from my followers has been very positive.

A: Do you make art in other forms besides photography, drawings and videos? Which? Do you dance and sing? (I want to see that in a video!)

S: Besides what’s already mentioned I also like to experiment with designing tattoos, 3D art and animation. And since I am not that girly, I never had much interest into dancing or singing. But I have a huge appetite for new challenges and artistic creativity.

A: Are you working for any company right now or are you freelancer?


S: Because of the severe job crisis I don’t have any job for the moment.
But whatever job there is available I’ll take it.

A: Could you share us a little bit about your personal spirituality? How did you find it, is it making you plenty?


S: I have always believed in the supernatural. And I have been a follower of the left hand path for many years now. Satanism holds lots of power and also contains great inspiration. (But I am not going to go much deeper into that subject).

A: I read somewhere that when the christians tried to convince your people, they used the system of the fear of hell, a place plenty of heat, and instead of becoming christians, the ancient people requested the ways to arrive there. Also, I find a lot of similarities between the ancient religion of the nordic people and the believes of the modern demonism and Satanism. Do you think that is the reason that the Satanism is very strong in your zone of the planet?


S: It’s hard to say. But for Scandinavian people a Hell with eternal heat is something wonderful, since Scandinavia are mostly lacking from sunlight and heat.
During the Viking age the people believed in a place called HEL which was the actual Hell in Norse mythology. But as an opposite from the burning Hell, HEL was a dark and freezing place. Because that was the most horrible thing a Scandinavian person ever could imagine. To forever suffer in a dark and cold place.


I think that the connection you see between Norse mythology and Satanism is much about Scandinavian pride and Patriotism. After all, the Norse belief got as good as extinct because of the church.


A: There are also a lot of christians, catholics, and protestants, how is the situation of the religion where you live?

S: Majority of the Swedish people are actually atheists. Like me I grow up in a atheist family. But if you wish to believe in something or to be connected to a religion you have the right to do that.

A: I think that the five Scandinavian countries (Iceland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark) have too much in common and that they could join forces to become a superpower (I have also suggested you that “For You Satan!” should have a member of each country). They are in the top 10 of the best of everything. Do you think that is possible?


S: Yes, At least Sweden, Norway and Denmark have very much in common. Even our languages are quite similar which makes it easy for us to understand each other.
We are a little like brothers and sisters.
Since my first “For You Satan” comic strip (that was made back in 2008) I say it is not too late to eventually include more characters in the future. But for the moment I already have 3 characters that represent Sweden, Finland and Norway.


A: At this moment you are young enough to have goals, and big enough to achieve them. What are your goals at this moment?

S: Majority of my life have been focused on drawing.
And I wish to continue with my art and my “For You Satan” comic as long as there are people who support and like what I do.


A: Where can people contact you, and in which languages?

S: If someone wishes to contact me they can write to me in English, Swedish, Danish or Norwegian. Usually you find me on Deviantart, Youtube and Facebook. Later on I am planning to create a website, but for urgent contact I also have an email. (Deleted to avoid spam, but it is available in her Deviantart profile).

A: Any final message to the readers?

S: I am not a person who asks for much. But to all the people who feel like contacting me, read my comic or view any of my art are welcome. And I want to thank everyone out there who believe in me and supports me.

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To the grille, Tatiana Vetrova!

Tatiana Vetrova is russian girl with a lot of talent inside of her. She has made art in 2D, 3D, photography, but we can’t say she is a limited mind artist with only one theme in many way of expression. Her drawings go from naive, cute characters, to beautiful, sensual characters, and some times we find monsters and future beings. In the photography, we find some of those elements, but it is mainly focused on female models. Her art is colorful, brightly, with excellent manage of darkness and shadows, bodies perfectly formed and a bipolarity with perfect junction of good/evil, heaven/hell, light/darkness to create a world where such differences doesn’t exist but are the same.

Asura: Thank you for your time. It’s really a honor to have such a great artist with us. Could you please share with us your beginnings? Any influence?

Tatiana: Hello, and thank you for attention to my person.
I decided to be an artist when I was 16, and it was very unexpected decision for everyone, even for myself. But it was kind of inner voice "I want to be able to draw pictures". I had no any idea what job will I have, what should I do later, I just suddenly realize that I want to be an artist. No one in my family shared this enthusiasm with me, so there was a lot of discussions, but no matter what, if I decide something - no one can stop me.
So I decided went to art college without any prepare trainings, and all I can say - it's kind of miracle they let me in (cause I was terrible as an artist, even didn't know how to hold pencil or how to use paints). Maybe it's a hand of fate. I'm sure it is, indeed.
So I was studying traditional arts, but later I realize that it's not what I want. That's why I was terrible student and can't say I learned a lot from there. I learned "how to learning", yep, but after graduation in 2008 I still was terrible artist. But I realized what exactly I want, that I love all those fantasy, dark and creepy pictures much more. And digital art of course. It may sounds funny, but till 2007 I even didn't know that mostly all pictures I like was created with computer and Photoshop. Honestly)
I've bought my first tablet (Genius, I still remember it, and oh god, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone) and start to study digital art.. and just art from zero again. And that was like long and hard way out of hell. And it still is.
about influence...
Fisrt name - is Brom. Gerald Brom. First time I saw his art when I was 13 or 14 years old, and oh god, he immediatly became my favorite artist, and even now he's my favorite so far. So I'm pretty sure you can find his influence in my works. As everyone I saw works of Boris Vallejo and his wife, Frazetta and other titans of fantasy art, but no one impressed me like Gerald Brom.
After that - all those movies I watched since I was a child. Like "The Crow", "Interview with the vampires", "Neverending story", Tim Burton's movies, movies based on Stephen King's books.. etc. See, I was weird child, I didn't watch girlish movies, I was a fan of Robocop and Terminator, and Universal Soldier and Back to the Future. Okay, I watched Disney animated movies too ))) And I do it now, be sure. But mostly I was raised with the fantastic, fantasy, dark and creepy things.
Later I had some influence from traditional artist, like Vrubel, El Greko, Semiradsky and Rembrandt.. and a lot of ohers of course. I still sure fine arts and all those artists incredibly awesome.

A: What’s the inspiration or your muse to create your work?

T: eeeh.. life? Actually I can't say "something" inspires me, cause art is a way of living for me. You don't need a muse to breath, sleep or something. Yes, sure, sometimes I feel something like "special mood", after watching good art/movies/photos, when I think "gosh, I wanna do something like that, it's awesome" (but it's often about fanarts). Like after playing "Batman Arkham Origins" game I finally found a time to draw Joker fanart, cause I'm really impress of this character in this game series. Or after artist's meeting and workshops you're full of energy and just need to draw something right now or your mind just will blow out, you know that feeling? But it's not like I need inspiration all the time.
I really don't understand people who need to be inspired to draw something. Come on, if the process (and result) of creation doesn't inspire you enough already, maybe you should find something else to do.


A: How is the situation of the art in Russia? Do the people like it and support the artist or do they just ignore them? How do you feel about this situation?


T: Such a difficult question. Everything is complicated here. All I can say about Russians -we're great in having seed of creation and beauty inside, and we're great in killing it.
Education: our education is great if you want to be traditional realistic painter, if you love fine arts. But it's utterly useles in 21th century, cause no one teach you how to work in modern industries, like game industry or movies. If you want to work as concept artist - go and be self taught. But if you want to paint landscapes or people portraits from life - our education is the best. It gives you everything about painting techniques, but nothing about creativity. Here is some schools in Russia, where people can teach digital painting and concept-art, but it's only in Moscow. Two schools in one city. Do you realize how big is Russia and how ridiculous this situation?
Work... it's complicated too. We have great opportunities and and bad situation at the same time. Sorry, my English isn't enough to explain i,hat so I just shut up.
But actually it's not that bad here. Just...Russia is a country of contrasts, in every areas of living-working-behaving. Everything is great and worse here at the same time.

A: In the art, the message that the people receive may not the same that the artist wants to share. Do you have a message or something special that you want to share to the world, and that nobody has seen yet?


T: I can't say I have a message for people. I'm not in that philosophical stuff, I just sharing my vision of beauty. I love to draw what I draw, love to create characters and think about their personalities... if you don't like this world, draw your own :) and that's exactly what I do - trying to create my own world. And if people see some message there, even if I didn't put it in - I'm fine with that. I'm honored that people like my work, that's all

A: Any artist or person that you admire or look up to?


T: Admire... a lot. Not only artist, but mostly them of course. I admire Gerald Brom, he's my favorite so far. Sergey "Peleng" Kolesov and Max Kostenko - unbelievably talended persons, I'm proud of they're Russians. Paul Richards - wish I could have his way of thinking and desighning. Virginie Ropars - incredibly skilled doll artist.
Eeeh I think a list of people I admire will be too long to write it here. I can say I admire professionals in all areas of expertise - 2D and 3D artists, photographers, actors and musicians. Just be amazing - and I will admire you, haha.
And gosh, I admire Loki (as Tom Hiddleston) from those Marvel movies. Not kidding. I know I sound like a silly 15 year old girl))))


A: From your works, my favourites are “Arachnophobia”, “Soul Eater”, “Watcher” and “Pestilence”, but do you have any favorite work?


T: Every new work for about a week. Haha, after that I can't love it anymore, I need to move on. "Arachnophobia" was a good work, creepy enough to make me proud of it for some time, but come on, it's 4 years old, my skills now much better, and I can't look at old works without crying with bloody tears. Maybe I should repaint and refine some of them.
I still like "War" and "Golden Dust", it's all about emotions I tried to put in, and I succeed. And "Banhammer girl", just because I love this character and her hammer.

A: Do you make art in other forms? Which?


T: eeeeem you mean sculpture, music or something? Nope. I used to be a musician long long time ago, violin and vocals. Even graduated child music school (that was terrible expirience). But not anymore, and I don't regret anything.
Now I have photography as a hobby, but I can't say it's "art". It's... fun. And singing sometimes (mostly in bathroom))). It's fun too. But nothing serious.
Anyway it's all about a time. It's never enough. I'm spending too much time painting pictures, and a lot of time watching movies and reading, so I'm not really able to do anything else.


A: Are you working for any company right now or are you freelancer?


T: Both. I work as full-time 2D-artist in "Sperasoft" (russian outsource company) and take some freelance job sometimes. Not all the time, it's exhaustive. But often. For example - I work with Paizo Publishing and draw characters for them sometimes (they cool guys I'm happy to work with). Sometimes I even do take commissions from DeviantArt members, lol.

A: What do you like most, being part of a company or a freelancer, why?


T: I like the way I living right now. I'm a part of company, where I have experience to work with different projects and different people. And I'm not sitting in 4 same walls all the time.
And I have freelance, where I can choose what I want to do, and... ok I'm just workaholic.

A: I saw you make also videos, as tutorials, do you want to become teacher?


T: Not really, if you mean "teaching all the time". Being a full-time teacher is kind of nightmare, I'm sure. You must be very special person for teaching people every day.
I had some workshops, and it's fine, I like it. Cause it's part-time thing, good way to analyze what you can and what you have to say to others. I'm thinking about short course of digital painting or character concept art. But only after my job. Cause I'm an artist in a first place.
So it's all kind of future plans that may never come reality. Can't say now.
It's easy to record video, nothing about teaching, the hardest part is not to forget to push that "record" button, so if people think it's useful for them, I can record it more often.

A: I also found that you have a lot of dolls, do you make them or do you collect them? What can you tell me about them?


T: Just collecting. I love to collect beautiful things - artbooks, action figures, dolls etc.
I can't say anything special about that. Just stuff i like to watch on. I'm some kind of geek, so... I would buy much more stuff if I were able to find a place for it in my small apartments.

A: I saw that your photographies are mainly of female models, it would be interesting to see your art and aesthetic with males, like the work you did with the photography “Nesterov”, what do you say about it? (As a man, it is really a mystery how you women look us, hehehe) And also, why do you think women are the main target for such works?


T: Everything is easy. First - women likes to have their photos while they young and beautiful, likes dressed in fancy clothes, etc. That's why they ask to photoshoot them. And I do it.
You know, here in Saint Petersburg I have some very talented friends "TornHem Studio", they are alternative fashion designers, and I often work with them as a photographer. And of course most of it's clients are women. So - no mysteries.
And women looks cool. You can't argue with that.
Second - about that "Nesterov" photo, it was so spontaneous. We were shooting clothes collection with my friends, and he just came to studio to visit us. And I said "okay, while I wait for next girl be ready, I can shoot you a bit, but your t-shirt looks awful so get it off". That's how it all happened.
No mysteries again. I feel you may be a bit dissapointed.

I don't know, I just have no a lot of male friends who would like to have fancy photos. And no clients. Maybe males don't need it. Who knows? Me not.
So.. if I can't photoshoot guys, I can draw them instead. And I do.


A: It’s very interesting to see the erotical art of a woman, because it is really different from men. The men needs to have naked girls, huges butt and boobs, tiny skirts, but I personally like a lot your sexy art, because you focus on the female strength and inner-self of the women that can catch any guy they want without being just physical. How do you feel about the fact that you need to fulfill the men expectation of the sensuality in order to be recognized and known?


T: I never call my art "sexy". I think the only one "sexy" work I have is "Golden Dust" (cause I hope everybody understand what that horny girl feels, if you realize what I'm talking about).
I don't need " to fulfill the men expectation" blah blah blah. I don't need and don't owe anything to anyone. I don't care about men expectations, you may call me egoistic, but I do what I like. I. Not "that guys from internet". I don't care they want to see boobs on my artworks. And maybe if I was more careful with expectations of other people, I would be much more popular. But I'm pretty sure that artist must do what he love, not what other people want to see (I'm not saying about job, only personal works. Work for money it's... work for money, you know).
It's impossible to try satisfied everyone's expectations and wishes, cause people very different. It's pointless. So why should I waste my time catching this illusory chance of popularity? I'd prefer to draw another one picture from my head. And I believe someone will like my work even if there is no boobs at all. Even if it will be just one person - I'll thank this person sincerely.
About my characters - yes, it's strong girls and guys, cause I truly respect strong people. My characters can make decisions, takes responsibility, and know what they want. I don't like moral weakness, and inner beauty have always been more important to me then the outer shell. I draw characters I would like to be, perhaps.

A: I found a photography of yourself “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”. Do you feel that way, do you have something hiding inside of you that wants to go out and be free?


T: Haha it was just a good name for that photo. It wasn't my idea or something, just posing for my good friend, while she was practicing.
Anyway I'm sure everyone has dark and light sides. Someone fighting dark side, someone enjoing it. I'm the one who enjoy, indeed.

A: In one of your videos, I hear metal music. What music is your favorite?


T: You don't believe, but... it's metal music)))) Mostly kind of gothic metal and gothic rock, but not only. Classic music too, I love beautiful vocals.
Hmmm I can list what in my player right now
Korn, Charon, Within Temptation, Oomph (ooh I adore them), Disturbed, Panic At The Disco, Fall Out Boy, Five Finger Death Punch, Game of Thrones OST, Nightwish, Florence and The Machine, Hurts, Marilyn Manson, Two Steps From Hell, Cradle of Filth, In Extremo (and some others, tired of listing, lol)
this is music I love, yep. Some of these bands I listen for a 10-15 years, since I was a teenager.

A: Where do the people can contact you, and in which languages?


T: Russian and English. My English far from perfect, so if people want to contact me, they must be ready for that, hahaha. But some people on Facebook write me in Spanish or Italian, and every time I answer in English "hey guys, I don't speak it, english please" (it's really annoying, you know)

And where... Oh, tons of places. My website http://tatianavetrova.com/
my CGHub account http://northernchild.cghub.com/
accounts in social webs like Facebook http://www.facebook.com/darthvetrova
DeviantArt http://vetrova.deviantart.com
... eeeem let me think...even through my Youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/Symphologic. See, if you want to find a way to contact me - it's really easy.

A: Any final message to the readers?


T: Practice makes perfect.
You should understand, that you must work very hard, if you want to be great artist. And becoming good artist takes a lot of time. A lot. So don't be dissapointed if you don't see level-up after 3 months of painting. Wait for three years. Everything depends only of you.
Be strong, guys, cause being an artist is not easy way to live. But it's gorgeous way.

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