An Interview with Rudolf Sokolovski

by Alyssa Laube 

About: Rudolf Sokolovski is a talented sculptor whose work is influenced by linear expressionism, the female form, and those he admires. Rudolf specializes in portraying the subjects of his portraits as a fusion of their physicality and spirituality, striking a fragile balance between the two and making his work impactful and unique. To learn more about Rudolf and his work, visit:

http://www.modernsculpture.ca/

 

Q: You define your art as “Tectonics and Linear Expressionism”. Can you explain what this means in simpler terms, and how your work fits into this genre?

 A: Linear Expressionism refers to rhythmic lines and the flow of forms to express emotion. I believe the father of this style is a French artist by the name of Jean Claude. Some of my pieces do have clear linear elements, but to say all my compositions fall under this style would be inaccurate. In any case, the type of style my artwork falls under is not important to me. What is important is that I am able to express my energy and feelings in my compositions.

Q: When you create a portrait, would you say that it’s more a product of the subject physically, or personally?

A: I like sculpting interesting faces, ones that have character. The physical structure of a face helps make an interesting portrait but ultimately it’s the personality that drives character.

Creating true portraits is an intimate affair, and also a very difficult one to do correctly. Sculpting a portrait that looks like the person is not hard, but capturing the person’s true essence is very hard to do. I’ve destroyed a number of finished portraits because I didn’t think the composition portrayed the person in the right way.

Q: Has your work helped you to understand people better, or in a new way?

A: I tend to look at people somewhat differently. My mind is always studying structure, movement, and gesture when I look at and talk to people, and this helps me in creating my art. I don’t know if it has helped me understand people better, as half the time I’m trying to understand myself, but I pay a lot of attention to body language because I find it’s a truer form of expression than speaking.

Q: In your “About” page, you mentioned that you’ve been inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and Che Guevara. Who do you look up to the most in your current life and why?

A: The people that inspire me have lived a pure life and worked to achieve greatness in their own right, be it composers, athletes, or artists. My father, Valeri, inspires me greatly. He is truly one of the great masters, and I’m very excited that we will be exhibiting together.

Q: Is your interest in Gandhi and Che a reflection of your spiritual and political beliefs?

A: Gandhi and Che are both remarkable individuals. They are such polar opposites in their personality and means, but ultimately they are both a symbol of freedom. My whole life I’ve been searching for the meaning of freedom. It’s something in my blood; something that has been passed down to me.

Q: Can you explain what you mean when you speak of the power of women, and what it means to you both personally and artistically?

A: Some will say that we live in a man’s world. But whether or not you want to admit it, the fact of the matter is that women are the driving force of evolution. It is a Yin-Yang relationship, two moving parts. Take women out of the equation and life becomes meaningless.

We are part biological and part spiritual beings. Aesthetically, the beauty of the female form is unparalleled; the gentleness of every bend and curve, the gracefulness of her flow. Human beings are visual creatures.