Latvian Artists

Oasis of Art in Riga

We met David in his studio-boutique in the center of historic Riga. As we sipped coffee, David shared his paintings with us and narrated stories about their creation and the places of inspiration. A snippet from our conversation can be found in the article. 

 Veronika Chekalyuk spoke with the artist David Janis Baumanis:

– The story of your journey as an artist.

I have always been creative. As a child, I liked to paint and do art. I was actively involved in music in my teenage years. I was a solo singer, I often performed at concerts. When I was younger I often attended drawing and painting classes. During high school I went to an art school where I studied painting, drawing and advertisement. At that time, I began to focus more actively on art. A very important year in my life was 2020, when I was in Croatia to study Reconnective Healing. It contributed to the expansion of my consciousness and self-awareness, as a result of which I began to discover new talents in myself and began to actively paint. In 2020, I painted around 40 paintings. I started to publishing my paintings on social media and started receive a lot of orders. My paintings have already traveled to various countries of the world, such as Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, Estonia, etc.

– The narrative behind your artworks (as you see it).

My love for nature is visible in my paintings. I like to travel around the world, see new places, play with different colors and textures in my art. Each of the paintings has a different message, emotions. Each person can see something different in my paintings, indulge in the fantasy of the senses. For me, art is meditation. I turn off my mind and let the process to create. I only paint when I am inspired, when I am in balance with myself. 

– Titles and concepts of your paintings (2-3 pieces).

Oil painting - "Galaxy", 110x144cm, 2022: This is very unique painting because it is painted on a wooden frame of an approximately 80-year-old mirror, which was made at the Riga Glass and Mirror Factory around 1940-1960. This painting represents the universe. “Universe” means infinity because it has no boundaries. It's the same with ourselves, we set boundaries in our lives that can limit our possibilities. Sometimes you have to learn to let go of boundaries to reach and experience much greater possibilities. 

"Pine Green", 80x100cm, 2022: The painting depicts the green forests of Latvia, as well as the silence and peace that can be found in the forest. The painting invites you to stop for a moment, get rid of your daily routine and feel the peace and harmony flowing from nature.

"Reborn", 90x100cm, 2021: The oil painting "Reborn" symbolizes reborn - being born again. I felt a change in my life at the time when I created this painting. This beautiful painting was inspired by the positive emotions felt when you allow yourself to change and have new challanges in your life. The yellow line symbolizes the sun - everything seems to bloom anew, like a beautiful meadow of flowers. Spring, because the end of something is a new beginning.

– Customer stories. Did you create artworks on demand, or were they purchased as-is?

I have often received private orders. People want something unique that no one else has with individual size and colors.  I have also had cooperation where I have painted individual paintings for airbnb apartments in the Czech Republic and Latvia.

– What does harmony mean to you?

Harmony for me is balance - physical and emotional. Harmony for me is when I do what I like and it gives me satisfaction and good results. I have harmony when I am honest to myself and others. Harmony is the ability to enjoy today, to see the beauty that is all around us - in nature, art, people. 

– What motivated you to open your store?

I always dreamed of creating a place where art and design meet. I like interior design and art and here I can express myself creatively and realize myself. I've created a place where people can find things with meaning, beautiful gift ideas or just get inspired.

– Describe your ideal day.

I get up around 8:00 in the morning. I go to the gym in the mornings. After that I have time for breakfast. I try to learn something new almost every day. Currently, I am also a member of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where I often listen to lectures on business topics in the mornings before work. Work in shop I start around 12:00. In the shop I have many tasks daily - customer service, marketing planning, creating content for social media by filming videos. I plan a budget, look for new products and suppliers. It's important for me to always be in motion, because that's the only way for development. On the days when I am not at the store, I plan tasks for my employees. On those days, I can devote time to art.

For David, art is not just a craft but an opportunity to reflect on the world around the artist in an original, clear, and harmonious way. David consciously or sometimes instinctively strives to create something new and unique in his paintings. Time passed quickly during our conversation, we finished our coffee and bid farewell to David. Nevertheless, we hope to see him again soon for a presentation or vernissage.

More information about the artist David Janis Baumanis can be found at the following link: 

Veronika Chekalyuk spoke with the artist David Janis Baumanis 

Photo for the article was kindly provided by Davids Janis Baumanis