Ivan is a Toronto-based artist whose artistic journey began in childhood, leading him to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Illustration and Design at Canada's largest art university, OCADU. He developed his style by creating experimental pieces that were psychedelic, surrealistic, dream-like, vibrant, and dark. Ivan's academic studies encouraged him to develop his own artistic vision and articulate his craft in a way that communicates with his audience. Ivan's mission has always been to fully dedicate himself to the process of creating engaging and thought-provoking pieces of art that would inspire and challenge his viewer's perspectives. He believes his journey as an artist is a lifelong one with many avenues yet to explore and that an artist should have a broad, expansive vision of the world in order to create and appeal to others on a deeper level. Ivan enjoys a wide variety of music, cinema, anime, and literature ranging from the classics to more modern to experimental to mainstream to independent. The world has an abundance of things to explore and it is this curiosity in the world that fuels him and nourishes his creativity.
We recently caught up with Ivan after High Art 2023 to learn more about his most recent inspirations:
Where do you find your creative inspiration?
I find my creative inspiration through cinema, literature, and the depths of my own experiences and imagination.
Why do you do what you do?
Art has always felt like my life purpose.
What art/artist do you most identify with?
I most identify with the cinematic artistry of directors like David Lynch and the raw, emotional depth of musicians like Tom Waits.
What themes do you pursue the most?
Dreams and nightmares
What role does an artist have in society?
An artist's role in society is to inspire and provoke, to bring beauty, question, and confront the norms.
What is your artistic outlook on life?
Endless diversity, forms and shapes
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Take more initiative
Do you listen to music while you are creating? If yes, share the song and artist that you listen to while creating art.
Massive Attack- Black Milk
Moby- Inside
The Cinematic Orchestra- To Build a Home
What's the best thing about being an artist?
You never bored
What is your dream project?
To make a music album
Support Ivan by shopping his collection here.
