INTERVIEW WITH DARIA NAZAROVA
Chameleon: Can you tell me a little about yourself and your journey as an artist?
My name is Daria Nazarova. I’m currently a senior in Architecture at Norwich University. Originally from Russia, my journey as a future architect began with my passion for art. You might notice an artistic approach in my architectural designs and presentations, which stems from my background.
I spent nine years immersed in the world of art, attending three different art/design schools in Russia. My journey started in a design school in the small city of Sarov, where I learned the fundamentals of composition and design, which inspired me to pursue further studies in art. Later on, while I was at gymnasium, I attended art school every day after classes, focusing on still life compositions, academic drawings of plaster heads and column capitals, and various other techniques.
From a young age, I found inspiration in the world of art. However, it was during my high school years that my passion for architecture truly took a firm hold of me. Architecture, to me, represents the perfect harmony between technicality and artistic expression. As I delved deeper into the subject, I fell in love with physics and construction aspects that underpin every architectural marvel. To prepare for my architecture major, I enrolled in an Architecture Academic Course at the University of Architecture Building and Civil Engineering (NNGASU) in Nizhny Novgorod. It’s been a challenging journey, filled with valuable experiences that have shaped my perspective.
Now, as I study to become an architect, I find that my background in academic drawing greatly enhances my architectural vision. I firmly believe that nothing is more important for a person than a good education, and I am committed to pursuing my passion for architecture as a means to affect change in the world. This field is not just a career path but a lifelong calling for me.
Chameleon: What first drew you to art, and when did you realize it was something you wanted to pursue seriously?
As I mentioned, I am an artist, but I am also pursuing a degree in Architecture. A pivotal moment in my development occurred when I studied in Berlin during my second year. Berlin is a city that captivated me and provided endless inspiration for my projects. The vibrant architecture and dynamic urban spaces sparked my imagination and deepened my desire to explore urban design.
Chameleon: Can you walk me through your creative process? How do you approach a new project from start to finish?
In both art and architecture, my creative process begins with looking for precedents and inspiration. Sometimes, inspiration strikes during my daily walks, as I admire the beauty of nature, or even, unexpectedly, while I’m buying groceries at Walmart. It really depends; inspiration can come from the most surprising places.
Once I feel that spark, my sketchbook and black ink come into play. I sketch whatever comes to mind, adhering to my main rule: never sketch only what you think will work. I’ll even sketch crazy ideas, and then I decide which drawings are worth developing further.
I particularly love drawing outside, or “en plein air.” It’s incredibly rewarding to capture whatever I see in front of me, whether it’s a building or a natural landscape. While I appreciate still drawings, sometimes you just crave the freedom that comes with sketching in the moment. This process helps me explore my ideas fully before narrowing them down as I move forward with a project.
Chameleon: How do you decide what medium or technique to use for each piece?
My love is dedicated to black ink; I believe it can express anything through its line flow and thickness. However, when I’m drawing landscapes outside, for instance, I often feel that I could capture the scene better in watercolor or that a still drawing might be more expressive in pencil. It all comes down to my inner feelings as an artist at that moment. I choose the medium that resonates most with my emotional response to the subject, allowing me to convey my vision effectively.
Chameleon: What emotions or ideas do you hope people take away from your work?
It really depends on the piece of work and the mood I’m trying to portray. If it’s an architectural drawing, I focus on capturing the building’s essence and composition. For a still life drawing, I aim to showcase the materiality and the mood of the objects, along with their composition.
Ultimately, it’s not about what I want to say; it’s about what the subject I’m drawing wants to communicate to me. My goal is to capture that essence, allowing viewers to connect with the work on a deeper level.
Chameleon: If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring artists, what would it be?
If I could give one piece of advice to aspiring artists, it would be to never be scared and to sketch everything that comes to mind — just go for it! Don’t let the blank sheet of paper intimidate you. Start with a simple line and let your creativity flow from there. Embrace the process and remember that every sketch is an opportunity to explore and develop your ideas.
