“How did I get started?
Sometime I just started gluing figurines. Not long ago – in my youth, but now – towards old age. I created the first “real” sculpture when I found a sprung (leg) on the seashore and put a horse around. “Horse with a wooden leg” came together. I was overwhelmed by the joy of rediscovery, and I had already created some small sculptures without realizing it. There is still no routine, no knowledge. There is a convincing feeling of “green cucumber”.
At the same time, in painting I became more interested in more formal things, structures, forms, etc. than in depicting my personal stories. Apparently, this personal motive broke out as a small-form sculpture, because, it’s no secret that I like to tell stories, you could even say I’m gossiping. At least in art.
At the moment, I have almost given up uncertainty and accepted formation as an independent form of self-expression.
The dubious “I” is still a little afraid of what my esteemed G. Panteleev will say, for example, when he sees that he is suddenly nibbling in his field, although still on the edge, in the bushes, because I have not yet appeared to the general public in this role.
What is it all about?
Heroes who are not heroes, but maybe there are, but most likely not. I portray a kind of “little man.” Someone who could play a comic character in a comedy movie, but would actually have a sad character and not even know he’s a comic. He is a bit of a loser (by today’s parameters), he wants something, but he can’t always, he is too sensitive, indecisive and definitely with a desire for happiness.
My heroes.
* Why bear and other beasts?
However, he is very human, whatever it is.
I think the bear is more abstract. He doesn’t wear skirts or pants, maybe he’s lazy to dress, adjust every morning, leave an impression on society. No one knows what’s behind the fur. But I assume that the cliché bears wander over the viewer’s head and do not stop.
* Couples.
Someone holds you or someone holds you. You don’t really need anything more. Silent love.
Format:
A small plaster monument to a hero, ”Laima Bikše, November 2021.
Laima Bikše (1970) graduated from the Painting Department of the Latvian Academy of Arts with Professor Imants Vecozols (1997). Participates in exhibitions since 1997 and has organized 27 solo exhibitions in Latvia, Norway and Germany. Laima Bikše has illustrated several books, including her author’s book “Be My Friend”, for which she received the “Star Book 2008. Latvian Original Literature for Children and Youth” award in 2008.
Laima Bikše’s works are included in public collections: Bank of Latvia (Riga, Latvia), Swedbank Contemporary Art Collection (Riga, Latvia).
Laima Bikše currently lives and works in Berlin, Germany.
