The Seeds of Creativity: A Latvian Artist’s Origins

Anna’s story begins in Talsi, Latvia, a town where nature whispers through forests and meadows. Growing up surrounded by rolling hills and the Baltic Sea’s calming presence, Anna developed a profound connection with her natural surroundings.

Her early artistic journey was both a necessity and a discovery. “I didn’t choose art—it chose me,” Anna explains. “Drawing became my escape from a challenging childhood. It was my sanctuary, my way to create beauty in an otherwise harsh reality.”

As a child, Anna’s sketchbooks became a window into her mind, filled with illustrations of birds, animals, and other natural wonders. This passion was fueled by her family’s artistic roots, as Anna is a descendant of Janis Lauva, a celebrated Latvian artist.

“My grandpa Ilgonis taught me to recognize birds from an early age,” Anna recalls. “I’d sit by the window, sketching every bird that landed nearby. It became my way of connecting with the world around me.”

Nature as Anna’s Ultimate Muse

Nature remains the heartbeat of Anna’s artistry. Her work captures the tranquility of forests, the vibrancy of wildlife, and the awe-inspiring strength of mountains.

“The forests, the sea, the mountains—they’re all my greatest inspirations,” Anna says. “I’m fascinated by the way a deer breathes in the morning fog, its warm breath creating tiny clouds in the cold air. That raw, unfiltered beauty fuels my creativity.”

Birds, in particular, hold a special place in Anna’s heart. “They’re like tiny miracles,” she says. “Every feather, every movement tells a story. Some birds look regal, others mischievous, and I love bringing those personalities to life in my art.”

Bridging Two Worlds: When Nature Meets Industry

Anna doesn’t stop at celebrating nature. Her fascination with industrial design adds a unique layer to her work. “The precision of industrial design mirrors the perfection found in nature,” she explains. “A bird’s wing is a marvel of engineering—every feather perfectly placed to create lift. To me, that’s the same genius you find in a well-designed machine.”

This dual passion drives her to create designs that are both functional and beautiful. Whether it’s blending wood with steel in architectural projects or finding artistic beauty in gears and machinery, Anna seamlessly merges these worlds.

“My dream is to design houses where nature and industrial design coexist—a space where steel frames meet the warmth of wood, and large windows bring the forest inside,” she says.

A Journey Through Mediums: From Pencils to Digital Masterpieces

Anna’s creativity knows no bounds, spanning traditional and modern art forms:

Pencil and Colored Pencil Drawings
Her roots lie in intricate pencil sketches. From birds to foxes, every piece reflects Anna’s precision and love for detail.

Acrylic and Oil Paintings
With bold textures and vibrant colors, Anna’s paintings capture the essence of both realism and abstraction.

Digital Art and Animation
In the digital realm, Anna creates whimsical animations and highly detailed designs. “Digital art lets me experiment without limits,” she says. “And the undo button? A blessing for every artist!”

Art Beyond the Canvas: Anna’s Practical Creativity

Anna believes art should be accessible. That’s why her work often extends beyond traditional mediums:

• Printed Art: From mugs and clothing to bed linens, Anna’s designs transform everyday items into functional art.
• Interior and Architectural Design: She blends aesthetics with practicality in homes and workspaces.
• Branding: Anna’s logos and branding materials are both memorable and meaningful.

“Why keep art locked in a gallery when you can sip coffee from it or wear it?” she jokes.

The Challenges and Joys of a Creative Career

Being an artist isn’t always easy. Anna Lauva has faced doubts, hurdles, and the pressures of creating a sustainable career. “There are moments when you wonder if your work matters,” she admits. “But then someone connects with a piece you’ve created, and it makes all the struggles worth it.”

Interview

with Anna Lauva

Q: What inspired you to become an artist? Was it something you always knew you wanted to do?

Anna:
“I became an artist, not because I wanted to, but because I needed to. Art was my escape from a harsh childhood reality. Drawing became my sanctuary, a way to create my own peaceful world. What did I always want to do? Build houses! That dream never left me. I still want to build them—big, beautiful homes where creativity meets structure. Someday, I will!”

Q: Your love for nature is evident in your work. Is there a particular natural setting or moment that left a lasting impression on your art?

Anna:
“The forests, the birds, the sea, the mountains, the sky—everything in nature inspires me. There’s a silence in wildlife that speaks volumes. I still remember early mornings, watching a deer breathe in the fog, its warm breath forming little clouds in the air, the shiver of its skin catching the light. Moments like that—they stay with me. They live in my art. I miss nature every day.”

Q: You’ve worked across so many mediums—pencil, oil, digital, and more. What do you enjoy most about experimenting with different styles?

Anna:
“My biggest drive is learning. The process of discovering something new fills me with joy. In digital art, for example, drawing detailed industrial designs feels like meditation. It’s the only time my mind becomes completely focused, totally calm. Each medium is like a new language, and I love exploring them all.”

Q: Birds appear so often in your work. What is it about them that fascinates you, and how do you bring their personalities to life on paper?

Anna:
“I love birds. Their delicacy, their diversity, their unique personalities—they captivate me. My grandpa Ilgonis introduced me to birdwatching when I was very young, teaching me to recognize them by their songs and movements. Birds remind me of freedom and resilience, and I try to capture their spirit in every feather I draw.”

Q: Industrial design and art are quite different in focus. How do you balance creativity with functionality in your designs?

Anna:
“I don’t see the need to balance them—I blend them. For me, creating industrial designs or architectural plans is just another form of art. A beautifully designed building, where every line serves a purpose, is as much art as any painting. My dream is to merge these worlds entirely.”

Q: What role does Latvia, your homeland, play in your art? Do your surroundings inspire your work?

Anna:
“Latvia is in my soul. I love its peaceful nature, its forests, and the vast sea that surrounds us. It’s a place where you can breathe deeply and find inspiration in the simplest things. But right now, Latvia is a tough place to make a living as an artist. That’s why I’m eager to see the world, to learn from it, and bring those experiences back to my art.”

Q: Can you describe one of your favorite projects? Why was it special to you?

Anna:
“My favorite project is always the one I’m working on right now! I love challenges—whether it’s a new medium, a unique design concept, or an ambitious goal. The process of solving problems and bringing ideas to life is what makes every project special.”

Q: Art can be deeply personal. How does your work reflect your emotions or experiences?

Anna:
“My emotions show most in my abstract art. The choice of colors, the movement in the strokes—they all reflect how I feel. Sometimes it’s joy, sometimes it’s frustration, but it’s always honest.”

Q: Have you ever faced challenges or doubts in your artistic career? How did you overcome them?

Anna:
“Oh, all the time. Art is not an easy career. There are moments of doubt, times when you wonder if you’re good enough or if anyone will care about your work. But I’ve learned to keep running. Challenges are just part of the journey, and every step forward counts.”

Q: What’s your ultimate goal as an artist and designer? What legacy would you like to leave behind?

Anna:
“My ultimate goal is to build houses, to have my own successful building company! But more than that, I want to create a legacy of blending beauty with purpose—art that inspires, designs that make life better. If I can leave behind a world that’s a little more creative, a little more thoughtful, I’ll consider my work done.”

Let’s Connect!

Interested in collaborating with Anna or learning more about her work? Whether you’re looking for custom artwork, branding, or a fresh perspective on interior design, Anna’s creative spirit is ready to bring your vision to life.