Check out our interview with Model & Artist Vika Costa.
Vika’s work brings world of pop culture and fashion together in a provocative way. Her expiration is through two distinct themes—abstract shapes and bright colors, alternately evoking passionate emotions in fantasy-like, cartoonish figures by using flat, bright colors.
In artist’s words, “My work and inspiration to paint come to me when I am about to fall asleep, yet I am aware of being awake and fully aware of my thoughts during that magical moment when, everything gets louder and brighter”.
Vika sees drawing Iconic characters as reconciliation with those who have influenced our epoch and the way we look at fashion, culture and style today.
She began to explore the world beyond Russia at a young age while working as a fashion model.
Follow Vika @vika_costa
Hi Vika, please tell us a little about you?
I was born in Russia, was always interested in art and history, finished university of culture and art. Started to travel around the world at young age as professional fashion model for many years, this opportunity gave me a lot of knowledge about different cultures, very grateful for that! Moved to NYC 9 years ago, it was love at first sight! NY inspired me do star create my own art. When I was a kid I also went to music school, I can play piano and in 2020 I learned how to DJ.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Bright, Creative, Drama Queen lol ????
Name one your strengths?
Imagination and persistence
Best advice ever given?
“Never give advices.” Ironic but so true.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
My mother, who is my best friend and very creative person herself, she always believes in me, gives me strength to keep going.
My first teacher at art school where I studied, he was very supportive and impressed by my artistic vision, also big influence I get from movies like fight club, Harry Potter, Anna Karenina.
From music I like Tchaikovsky and Ludwig van Beethoven
Also rock music is one of my favorites are Rolling Stones, HIM, Metallica and Depeche Mode.
How and when did you start into art?
I was into art since I was a little girl, was drowning dolls, dresses, nature. Always liked bright colors and beautiful things. Went to art school, and later finished university of culture and art in Russia St.-Petersburg.
First big show I did about 6-7 years ago in NYC.
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
To Be even stronger, Don’t give up and believe in myself.
What is fun and rewarding about being an artist? And what is not?
Oh I love being an artist! I’ve met so many great and extraordinary people at art event and shows. It’s a beautiful word to work in.
When I create new painting, my mind goes to completely different planet, it’s sort of a meditation for me. I forget time and hole day passes like it was 1 hour.
What’s not fun? Well, probably that there are times when I don’t have an inspiration and it’s impossible to force yourself to get one, it happens naturally, but when its going to happen you never know.
What’s your best advice for the newer artists?
Listen only to your own intuition and imagination. Don’t listen to anybody’s advices about how and what you should paint.
Which artist do you admire the most, and why?
I have so many! I’ll give you few of them,I love Andy Worhol , he is like a father of pop art! Salvador Dali because he was absolute genius of surrealism and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
I have few amazing ideas, but I can’t reveal this information at this time.
What’s next for you?
Planing to do art show in January 2021, Working on new paintings.
Now talking about Instagram, can you share some tips for keeping your account interesting?
Sarcasm and heathy sense of humor is an order!
What is your favorite healthy food?
Love salads and steak, I know probably 15 different salad recipes, eggs Benedict and fresh cucumber.
And your favorite cheat food?
Hahah chips and popcorn!
What is your own definition of happiness?
Wow, love this question!
Happiness to me is to be around people who I love, be able do what I love to do, know that my family is safe and healthy.
What is your workout routine these days?
In any situation work on your but or paint!
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
Angelina Jolie as Maleficent.
Marilyn Monroe.
What does fashion mean to you?
It was my job for many years as a fashion model. Very tough job!
I was studying history of fashion for many years, it’s one of my passions, fashion is a reflection of epoch.
To me Fashion is the way to express your character and yourself through the way you dress.
Who are some of your favorite models and designers, and why?
Absolutely the 90s models! Cindy Crawford, Naomi, Claudia Schiffer, they were like goddess! Classic Beauty and glowing healthy bodies.
Top of my favorite designers are Alexander MCqueen, Karl Lagerfeld, Thom Browne and Balmain.
They think outside the box.
How would you explain your fashion style and what items in your closet can you not be Without?
Black leather jacket, high heels, jewelry.
I would say it’s a mix between elegance and rock&roll with a light touch of gothic notes.
Holiday destination?
Maybe Tulum?
What do you like to watch on Tv?
I don’t have TV, but if I want to watch a movie i use my protector, so much better , like movie theater.
Do you support any charity?
I’ve done collaboration art shows with charity companies in the past, few of them were with a friend of mine Georgie. She opened up her Georgie Badiel Foundation years ago for clean water for the people of Burkina Faso.
Percentage from art sales when to her charity and they were able to help ppl get access to clean water.
What did you take in school?
Knowledge of English language, communication skills, potential to analyse and understanding situations to make my own conclusions, think creatively.
3 things you can’t live without?
I have 4 lol, my cat Simba, Love, painting and music.
Drink: Red wine or sparkling water with lime.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Get a Cabin somewhere in a beautiful forest, Healthy breakfast in bed made by my man, read nice book, go for a long nice walk under the stars than cook nice dinner and relax with a glass of wine by fireplace.
Where can we follow you?
Facebook: Vika Costa, Vika Costa Art
Instagram: vika_costa
My website: VikaCostaart.com
