Yana M. Dimitrova

"Space Portrait (Oaxaca) 2015, oil on wood, 11 x 14 inches
How did you get into debt?
Student loans, credit cards

Landscape from Space" 2015, oil on linen, 40 x 70 inches
How does your economic reality effect your art?
If I look at this question from theoretical or conceptual point of view, my work has began to reflect these observations through its subject and mode of making. Frequently my practice is centered on themes of labour or labour relations, the process of "making it" as an artist among others.
From a practical point of view: it couldn't be harder to be an artist and be in debt. Somehow our social structures have made this seem a natural occurrence, but it is not OK and it does affect what you make, how you make it and when you make your works. I believe artists are cultural workers, but I as such, I feel our place in society is determined only through sales and not through cultural contribution that we offer all the time. And if my economic realities were different possibly, my practice would be much more risk taking, much more experimental, and vastly more advanced.

"Space portrait (Yambol 2)" 2015, oil on linen, 45 x 55 inches
Would your work look different if you weren't in debt?:
Absolutely! If I didn't have an extra payment to make each month of $700 , on top of house rent and studio rent, I would put less effort in looking into ways to find the money and actually use that time for my practice.

Portrait from Space and Time" 2016 oil on canvas, 30 x 40 inches
www.yanadimitrova.com