An Interview with an Artist - Ms. Tenn

Written by: Emily Zavadil

Ms. Tenn is an artist who aims to uplift, inspire, and bring joy through her art. She creates artworks that honor the natural world, expression, creativity, and what makes us human. Her artistic influence has been shaped by the cultural blend of her education; a diverse background spanning from Moscow to Lyon, creating a rich and interesting combination of art styles and culture.

In this interview, Ms. Tenn discusses her creative process, her artistic journey, and her influences. She delivers inspirational opinions on freedom within art, freedom from gender roles, and how one’s talent and choices are enough for anyone to achieve their goals.

Question 1: How would you describe your works? What issues or themes do you usually explore in your art?

First and foremost, I see myself as a colorist artist. Everything related to composition, color, and the beauty of this world excites me.  

Most of my works celebrate nature, creativity, humanity, and those beautiful moments when we pause to admire something. My works reflect what concerns me at the moment and what can evoke a positive response from my audience.

I want to convey the positivity, vibrancy, and uniqueness of the world, as well as the joy of our very existence. And if we set aside thoughts about promoting myself in museums or leaving a mark in global art…

What matters to me is each individual person and their living space.

This is something we all encounter on a daily basis. My paintings are meant to beautify homes, bring joy, add color, and lift the mood. I live by this concept myself and want my art to serve people, giving them a chance to reflect, perhaps feel joy, or simply contemplate color. Even if the weather is gloomy, you have a piece of beauty in your home that brings you happiness, lifts your spirits, and helps you switch to a more positive outlook.

Question 2: Can you describe or explain some of the most meaningful moments in your artistic career?

I would highlight the fact that I originally started my career as an economist and financial specialist. This might seem surprising, but I used my abilities to build a successful career and secure financial stability. Only then did I allow myself to try a more creative profession as an artist. However, photography was always part of my life.

The most beneficial aspects of my career were my education and my teachers.

Photography has been with me since childhood. My father was a skilled amateur photographer of a fairly high level, and I learned my first lessons in composition, framing, and creative vision as a child.

Later, I studied at three different art academies, each offering a unique perspective: Moscow, Tallinn, and Lyon.

For my career as an artist, the most crucial factor was having a diverse, sequential education with completely different approaches. The teaching style in Moscow was entirely different from the perspective and methodology in the Estonian Academy of Arts. And now, I am continuing my studies at the École des Beaux-Arts in Lyon (as part of continued learning). This represents yet another distinctive educational experience: a third country, a third approach, and always something unique.

Thus, a diverse education and experience are essential for an artist’s career.

Education:

*University degree in Finance*

*MBA*  

*Studies at the Moscow Academy of Photography*

*Personal training with Vladimir Klavikho-Telepnev*

*Art history courses in Moscow and Tallinn*

*Estonian Academy of Arts*

*Private masterclasses with instructors from the Saint Petersburg Academy*

*Additional training at the École des Beaux-Arts in Lyon (currently ongoing)*

Question 3: Who or what has had the greatest influence on you as an artist? Are there any female artists you admire or who have inspired you?

I am not inclined to single out one particular event or encounter as the most influential. For me, it is rather a combination of many elements and life experiences. Childhood, travel, education, life experience, social circles, culture, art, and, most importantly, people: these are my sources of inspiration and creativity.

For example, transitioning from photography to painting gave me more freedom to realize my ideas. But even that transition was the result of a complex combination of events and factors.

During my school years, I was fascinated by biographies of famous people. One book that stood out to me was “Naked Came I” a captivating novel about the life and work of the great French sculptor Auguste Rodin. David Weiss, a master of biographical writing, created a vivid artistic image of Rodin in this novel, portraying his era and his surroundings in an engaging way.

From exhibition to exhibition, my artistic taste and vision developed.

My favorite female artists are Frida Kahlo and Berthe Morisot: unique, inimitable, and absolutely unparalleled.

Since we are discussing women, it is worth mentioning that I was interested not only in their art but also in their biographies. How different their fates, personalities, and personal lives were. Yet, this did not stop them from creating and being recognized.  

Question 4: What challenges come with being a female artist?

I don’t like dividing people into male and female categories. Gender is just one aspect of identity, and within that framework, each person chooses their own approach to creativity.

A female artist is, above all, a creative individual. Whether her role as a woman helps or hinders her artistic growth depends on the individual.

For me, the challenge lies in balancing both aspects: being a fulfilled woman and a successful artist. These are inseparable concepts, and I believe one cannot exist without the other.

Creating something beautiful and organic is impossible without personal happiness and fulfillment. Creativity is accessible to everyone. For some, it is about pain, a cry for help, or a reflection of the world’s injustice. But there is always a choice.  

Question 5: Have you experienced any bias or stereotypes in your artistic career?

I see where you’re going with this. After the previous question about the challenges of being a female artist, and now this question about bias and stereotypes in a career, I would have answered in the same way, but now I will highlight two points.

Because in my experience, bias is mainly connected to classical education: when artists first study at a drawing school, then receive a university degree.

My education was a bit different, and I gathered it later, piece by piece. This causes skepticism among many people, including those who have followed the traditional artistic path from the beginning. As I mentioned, receiving this structured education, there is of course a stereotype that if you haven’t had such a foundational education, if you didn’t attend a drawing school as a child, then you cannot be an artist.

This is certainly a bias and a stereotype, and beyond that, even from your questions, it is clear that there is also a stereotype regarding female artists.

Life is multifaceted, and it allows us to be who we are. And just as my experience as a financial specialist, who was also engaged in photography, later transformed into a career as an artist and painter—we are free to make these choices.

And that is freedom. The ones who are not truly free are those who remain trapped by these stereotypes.  

Question 6: Have you ever felt that your gender influenced how your work was perceived?

I have not had a negative experience in this regard. In fact, I believe my gender and communication skills have always been an advantage in my life.  

Yes, my experience has been positive, I have never felt discriminated against because of my gender.  

Question 7: What is your opinion on the representation of female artists in galleries, museums, and art institutions?

Without a doubt, this is a field dominated by men. However, this does not evoke any strong emotions in me, nor do I feel that women’s rights are being infringed upon.  

Rather, I believe this is largely a matter of personal choice. But of course, certain elements of inequality may exist.  

Listen, this is the same as discussing women in mathematics or women in politics. There is a certain natural rhythm to these changes.  

During the time of Marie Curie, things were different as well...  

So, I think that if a person is truly talented, they will be recognized regardless. And more often, this is about women choosing whether or not to make themselves visible.  

And perhaps, in my view, when a woman puts everything into her art and career while neglecting her role as a mother or wife, it actually drains her strength rather than empowering her. Because internally, there remains this unfulfilled aspect of her identity, which then manifests itself through pain, through protest, and through struggle.  

For me, this is simply a matter of choice.  

I have a different perspective, but I understand that some women feel oppressed.  

Question 8. Are there organizations that specifically support women in the arts?

There are many organizations that support women, from national to international levels.  

In addition, there are online platforms, special grants and awards, and, most importantly, educational programs.  

For example, among international organizations, there is a global fund for women, and there are also initiatives dedicated to women in art and culture.  

A woman is undoubtedly more socially vulnerable and in need of support. However, when we talk about creativity, for me, it is primarily about talent and personality.  

We don’t speak about personality in terms of gender. It is the wholeness of one’s nature that creates and produces art. 

Question 9. Does the art world still remain male-dominated?

Yes. The dominance of men in the art world exists. Statistics will certainly confirm this.  

But in many ways, this is about the choices women make between career and family happiness. But this is a woman’s choice.  

Harmony with oneself and one’s feminine nature is no less important than one’s contribution to the art world.  

Happiness in personal relationships largely determines whether we bring goodness and eternity into the world, or whether we cry out in pain and show our wounds.  

I am drawn to the phrase, “Beauty will save the world.”  

I want to emphasize that statistics should not be an excuse for women not to strive for success.  

Talented people can succeed regardless of gender.