Ina Cierniak
A few weeks ago, on a gorgeous summer day, we sat down with artist Ina Cierniak, whose expressive abstract paintings and lineart we’ve been admiring for quite a while now. While talking art and family under the old apple tree in her garden, we quickly learned that she’s not only a remarkably gifted creative but a wonderfully open and warm person as well.
KINDA: Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your career?
........... Ina: »After receiving my degree in fashion design, I had an intensive time as a fashion stylist at MTV Germany in Munich. About two years later, I decided to become a make-up artist. After 15 successful years in this profession, the Corona pandemic struck, and this was the moment I decided to dedicate myself to art exclusively. Although I have to say that creativity has always been an important part of my life, professionally and personally.«
KINDA: When did you discover painting for yourself?
........... Ina: »My creative career began at the age of 14 when I started to spray graffiti. I followed this passion intensively for ten years and painted »Hall of Fames« (legal walls) from New York to Sydney. Street art still influences and inspires me today. Partly I still use spray cans and markers for my paintings. My brush letterings are definitely influenced by this time and so are the lineart pictures. Creating a lineart drawing in one continuous line without interruption, that’s what I learned back then. I also trained my sense for complementing colours, layering, the creation of depth, and spontaneity.«
KINDA: Was it difficult to decide for your art?
........... Ina: »Let me put it this way: it was a process. Since becoming a mother almost 6 years ago, I knew I wanted to do something that would completely fulfill me and be compatible with the family. Two years ago, the need to follow my dream became stronger and once I finally dared to take up the paintbrush again, there was no turning back. Due to the Corona crisis, I did not work as a make-up artist for two months and was able to support myself financially through my art. It was a time when, without all the usual distractions, I was able to come to myself in peace and quiet, and I realized that I am so fulfilled and happy in my studio that I want to do this full-time. Oddly enough, this confusing and challenging time helped me making the decision to go into art. Nevertheless, it was not easy and it remains an exciting path. LOVE YOUR PROCESS!«
KINDA: Family life and art, how do you reconcile that?
.......... Ina: »My husband travels a lot for work and is at home for a few days in between. Those are my days in the studio. And somehow we also manage to spend time together as a family. I organize myself with a weekly and a meal planner, which helps me keep track of the constantly changing working hours and appointments. If I don't take care of this in a disciplined way, the week ends up in total, unproductive chaos.«
KINDA: How do you manage to find and integrate the leisure for art in your everyday life?
........... Ina: »Leisure - what’s that?! No, seriously. As a mom, I had to get used to working to the point as far as my art is concerned. When I have half an hour to paint, I use it. With not much time to get into the mood, what helps me is my environment. The move to a quiet neighbourhood in the north of Hamburg was an important step. Here I am surrounded by nature. And so I consciously try to find my leisure during the day again and again. On the way to kindergarten, looking at the flowers in my garden, or just looking up to the sky. It’s the small moments that give me leisure.«
KINDA: Where do you find inspiration?
........... Ina: »Everything that surrounds me inspires me. Most of all the ever-changing nature. Nothing stands still. Everything is in motion. So much power, sensuality, and beauty are in it. Having a small garden with an abundance of beautiful flowers, I try to consciously ground myself with them and find my inspiration several times a week. Petals and cloud variations. I also follow many interior designers on Instagram and love watching their choices of colors and shapes. The 50s, 60s, and 70s are my favourite decades when it comes to design and architecture.«
KINDA: Do you sometimes paint together with your child? If so, what is different from when you work alone?
........... Ina: »I love to watch my child painting. I especially love ‘doodles’ (I never call it like that except here, so everyone knows what I mean): this childlike way of being free. Completely in the here and now. And easy to do. You have to work on it for a long time as an adult to be able to do it again so uninhibitedly. Once we had canvases on the table, and I briefly left the room. Coming back, I saw the whole table, floor, and canvases doused with watery blue-black paint and asked: ‘Oh, sh**, did you drop your water glass?’ The answer drove tears into my eyes with emotion: ‘No, Mama. I paint like you!’«
KINDA: What do you want to give your child?
........... Ina: »Giving him roots and wings is one of my main goals. It is important for me to set an example of what feels right for me. I prefer to have a close relationship with my child than just providing him simply with a ‘correct’ upbringing. He should see that it is important to follow one’s heart and believe in one’s dreams. To be free, happy, and empathic.«
KINDA: Thank you very much for sharing your story and all the best for your journey!
written by
ALEXANDRA KLEVER
photography by
ALINA SCHESSLER