Art & Life with Irina Gorbman
Today we’d like to introduce you to Irina Gorbman.
Irina, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’m a self-taught artist who started to paint in order to heal myself after a postpartum medical condition thirteen years ago. Luckily, I also practiced yoga and meditation since college, and creating art became another way to meditate and elevate myself. Based on abstract oils collection, derivative patterns on fabrics and wallpapers have been designed and manufactured. After showing at Architectural Digest Design Shows in NYC and Boston shows, I was pulled into fashion circles and offered to make a runway collection. I always liked practical, elegant and charismatic fashion for every day. So being bored of black and grey leggings, I decided to make a difference in activewear, and dedicated my collections to all who love colors and run 24/7. My patterns are different because they are based on meditative artworks that no-one can copy. Pattern designs carry the same vibe and purpose, if you wish. The key word is meditative. These outfits help to elevate body’s energy field, make people feel more alive and Zen.
These wearable art leggings and tops, dresses and skirts collections became popular among modern dancers, ballet performers, yoga-lovers, gym-goers and moms (like me), who wear leggings all day long hoping to exercise at some point and make a gentle fashion statement.
IG MODA by Irina Gorbman, Inc. is a fashion apparel company that has been created in 2016 by artist and designer Irina Gorbman. Merging fashion and spirituality is the focal point of the brand. All outfits are sustainably produced using eco-friendly materials.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Irina Gorbman is a self-taught abstract artist and a lifestyle designer for fashion and decor. Growing up in Moscow, Russia, Irina was influenced by European and Russian classical and avant-garde museum collections, and later by Vipassana meditation technique, Kundalini yoga, art by Nicolas Roerich and Helena Blavatsky’s teachings, aspiring to cultivate vitality and harmony within ourselves and with the world.
“IG: I was asked how do I paint and what is the process? I usually wear the same working blouse and pants (all covered by paint). As soon as I put on my work robe and feel the smell of oil paint, I got into kind of meditative mode and think about a message for a new painting. As I paint without wearing my glasses, predesigned color palette and sketches, the process goes in a free-flow style. At some point I step back to see what’s there. When the painting is completed I sit down at a distance in order to meet and greet this new canvas and figure out what is it all about. My family and friends always happy to help in describing “the unseen” world in my paintings. Sometimes they ask to put it upside-down in order to see it better- it’s always fun since the beauty of abstract work is often based on one’s emotional state and perception.”
Irina’s motto Art That Heals™ reflects her vision and feelings she wants people to experience while looking at her paintings. Irina studied the spiritual healing properties of art and colors and practices these methods to create her art. Many viewers of her art comment that looking at her works are uplifting, make them happy, joyful, recharged and “more than you can see at a first glance” describing mountains, water, magic towns and subtle faces they could imaging through the first layer of images.
Irina believes that in this high-technology driven world, we all need a “color boost” to feel more energetic and holistic. Gorbman’s art, wearable art collections and wallpapers were showcased at selected venues: Boston Fashion Weeks, Architectural Digest Design in NYC, Boston Design Center and Home Décor Show, in many galleries and fundraising events.
In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
I think the biggest challenge is a lack of interest (read ignorance) from the corporate world. If I have a magic wound, I’d ask a company to allocate a modest budget to decorate their hallways, cafeterias, conference rooms and BOARD ROOMS (too) with art. That will give people a much desired energy boost, and make them feel more energized, happy, productive and smiling. SEE ART AS A CUP OF COFEE ON A WALL.
And it might be healthier (just an opinion)
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
People can see my artworks by appointment at my home studio in Dover MA (which is not super convenient), online (www.iGorbman.com/artworks), at the shows and fundraising events. We usually spread the word via email and social media. I am looking for a more permanent relationship with the galleries.
I wish to create new collaborations with sports clubs, retailers and smaller boutiques to raise awareness about IG MODA by Irina Gorbman, fashion brand.
