«Consistent steps in life form ambitions on a subconscious level», — says Nazar Symotiuk, an artist from Ivano-Frankivsk

Nazar Symotiuk / Photo from his personal archive
Nazar Symotiuk was born on February 13, 1992, in the village of Buchachky, Sniatyn district, Ivano-Frankivsk region.
He received his education at the Kolomyia Pedagogical Professional College named after V. Stefanyk (2009–2012) and at the Lviv National Academy of Arts, Art Wood department (2012–2018), where he later studied and taught in postgraduate studies.
He works as a sculptor and painter. His works are kept in private collections in the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Japan, Italy, France, Brazil, and Taiwan. Participant of many exhibitions.
He prefers to work with wood and color and likes to combine various combinations and structures, using the geometry of simple forms and a clearly constructed mathematical structure. Precision and aesthetic perfection are an essential aspect of his work. He can call himself a bit of a pedant when it comes to organizing the creative process.
What is the first creative moment in your life that you remember?
It’s worth mentioning two geometric compositions made of ordinary matches and glued to thick cardboard together with the sulfur. It was a kind of abstract wooden assemblage. I recall a funny comment from my younger brother, who had the idea of burning the works after they were created, making a mini-performance like that.
What is your creative ambition?
First of all, to be myself and actively create, I have no specific goal to achieve global recognition or intergalactic success. Consistent life steps form ambitions on a subconscious level.

What stands in the way of realizing your creative ambitions?
There are no obstacles.
Most of not only my day but my whole life is spontaneous, despite all the deliberation. Every morning is like a new birth, and every day, you break into this dynamic world as if for the first time, experiencing all the challenges in a new way.

Which artists do you admire the most?
I can single out Mark Rothko, Gerhard Richter, Claude Monet, and Paul Cézanne.
Is there anyone in your life who constantly inspires you?
I am inspired directly by the creative process I am in. The end result is not so important.
Define a muse. Who is your muse?
I don’t know if there is such a thing as a muse. It’s something very strange. Working with material is an extremely powerful force that constantly pushes you forward.

How do you react when you face obstacles to success or the threat of failure?
On a subconscious level, I am sure that any obstacle is not really an obstacle but a sign that wants to convey some information to you that you have to decipher.
How do you react when you come across a superior mind or talent?
I usually behave extremely reserved when faced with a superior mind or talent. I like to listen to intelligent people.
How do you understand mastery?
It’s instant improvisation.
My biggest dream is to leave a lasting mark on the world.

Ukraine has changed over the past decade…
It’s hard to single out something specific because changes are happening all the time, but at the same time, in a global sense, they are not noticeable at all.
I want to change things in my hometown…
I would like to see more high-quality art and an interested attitude of the masses towards it.
Ivano-Frankivsk lacks a powerful museum of modern art. Changes are definitely happening, but there is still room for development.

A metaphor, a literary hero, an association for modern Ukraine…
Hryhoriy Mnohogrishnyi is a symbol of the long-suffering Ukrainian people, strong in spirit and will. And this example of invincibility is demonstrated today by each of our soldiers, making tremendous efforts against the eternal enemy. And in order for victory to be ours, we must all do our best, no matter where we are.
Is it possible to forgive the enemy?
It is possible to forgive the enemy. Our Christian faith calls for this. The very act of forgiveness, if it can be called that, is a completely different level of control over one’s own body, mind, and emotions. That is, to forgive, you need to make certain efforts, which, in turn, makes you even stronger.

The best advice you’ve ever received in your life…
Listen to others, but think with your own head and draw your own conclusion.
Is there a phrase that you use to guide you through life?
If you do something sincerely and efficiently, the result will come sooner or later