Wave (after Bouguereau), 2018, oil on linen 80 x 80 cm.
Wave (after Bouguereau), 2018, oil on linen 80 x 80 cm.​

MASHA GUSOVA
Denmark & United Kingdom 

How do you describe your work?
My work is a continuous search for the reconciliation between the aesthetics of the past and innovation of the present.

What is most important to your process?
Each step is important, from conception to completion. But what's crucial is finding a reference that excites me and then reworking it. The rest is execution.

Which living person do you most admire?
There are various people I admire for different reasons. However, from an entrepreneurial standpoint it would have to be Elon Musk, for his vision, relentlessness and perseverance. We also need to take heed to his AI warnings!

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
The love of people and things are obviously different, but when it comes to what I love, it's the creative process. With regards to whom, it's my family, partner and dear friends. And of course, it's hard to love others without loving yourself first!

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
There are much more admirable achievements out there, but personally it's daring to go for what I love to do and not settling for the secure or convenient option.

What is your most marked characteristic?
It's honestly very hard to assess oneself, we are complex creatures!

In your mind, what is the most important thing an artist can be doing today to advance their work
From a purely creative perspective, I think it's important not to stagnate. It can get comfortable to stick to what works or is received well, but it's creatively stifling if we don't allow ourselves to keep exploring new ideas.

To view more of Gusova's work, visit her website, Facebook, or Instagram!