Artist Interview: Shilo Ratner
I'm so grateful to have been interviewed by Embrace Creatives. Here's a look at our conversation about my artistic practice, influences, and the philosophy behind my geometric abstract paintings.
Artist Interview: Shilo Ratner
Embrace Creatives recently featured me in their artist interview series, exploring the intersection of form, color, and emotion through geometric compositions. The conversation delved into my creative process, artistic influences, and the philosophy that guides my work as a contemporary geometric abstract artist.
We'd like to introduce you to Shilo Ratner, a New York Metro-based artist who explores the intersection of form, color, and emotion through geometric compositions to evoke a sense of tranquility and contemplation.
A Look Inside the Artist's Studio
The interview offers an intimate look at my creative practice, from the inspiration behind my geometric abstract paintings to the artists who have shaped my artistic vision. Here are some highlights from our conversation:
What Inspires You to Make Art?
"I've always been drawn to the simplicity and complexity of geometric shapes. Geometric abstraction allows me to explore the fundamental building blocks of visual language. It's a way to strip away the superfluous and focus on the essence of form and color.
I find inspiration in everything from the natural world to architecture. Whether it's the asymmetry of a mountainscape or the gridlines of a city, there's always something to spark my imagination.
Ultimately, for me, geometric abstraction is a way to connect with the world on a deep level. It's a form of meditation, a way to find peace and clarity amidst the chaos of everyday life."
Who or What Influences Your Style?
"Many artists who came before me have significantly influenced my artistic journey:
Hilma af Klint's mystical and symbolic paintings, filled with geometric forms and celestial imagery, have opened my eyes to the spiritual dimensions of abstract art.
Agnes Martin's serene and minimalist canvases, characterized by subtle variations in tone and texture, have taught me the importance of simplicity and restraint.
I'm also inspired by the bold and colorful works of Sonia Delaunay. Her dynamic compositions, often featuring interlocking shapes and vibrant hues, have helped me to experiment with different color palettes and textures.
These artists have shown me that geometric abstraction is not just a style, but a language that can be used to express complex ideas and emotions. Their work continues to inspire me to push the boundaries of my practice and to explore the endless possibilities of this fascinating art form."
On Creating Calm in Chaotic Times
"While easily interpreted as geometric abstract landscape paintings, I hope that the intensity of my compositions demands unorthodox attention from the viewer to invest in a centered and calm vision within the chaotic times of our present day."
The Philosophy Behind the Work
My approach to geometric abstract art is rooted in the belief that art can serve as a refuge, a space for contemplation and calm in an increasingly chaotic world. Through carefully composed geometric forms and thoughtful color relationships, I create paintings that invite viewers to slow down and engage with the work on a deeper level. I've written about this philosophy in depth in Artist Philosophy: Minimalist Landscape Art, which covers how nature, simplicity, and openness shape every decision I make in the studio.
The geometric landscape paintings I create are not literal representations of place, but rather distillations of experience, memories of mountains, coastlines, and horizons translated into abstract visual language.
Artistic Influences: A Legacy of Abstraction
The artists I mentioned in the interview, Hilma af Klint, Agnes Martin, and Sonia Delaunay, represent different approaches to geometric abstraction, and each has contributed to my understanding of what this art form can achieve.
One influence I didn't mention in the interview but who is equally central to my practice is Josef Albers, whose lifelong study of color interaction fundamentally changed how I see and use color. His principle that color is never fixed but always relational is something I return to constantly in the studio. I wrote about that influence in detail in How Josef Albers Shaped the Way I See Color.
Hilma af Klint (1862-1944) was a Swedish artist and mystic whose abstract paintings predated the work of Kandinsky and Mondrian. Her geometric compositions explored spiritual and metaphysical themes, demonstrating that abstraction could be a vehicle for profound ideas.
Agnes Martin (1912-2004) was an American abstract painter known for her minimalist grids and subtle color fields. Her work embodies restraint, precision, and a meditative quality that continues to influence contemporary abstract artists.
Sonia Delaunay (1885-1979) was a Ukrainian-French artist who pioneered the use of bold color and geometric forms. Her dynamic compositions and innovative use of color theory expanded the possibilities of geometric abstraction.
Studio Practice
Working from my studio, I create geometric abstract paintings that explore the relationship between form, color, and emotion. The studio is where experimentation happens, where ideas develop, and where the careful balance of composition comes together.
My process involves layering, refining, and responding to the painting as it develops, allowing intuition to guide geometric decisions while maintaining the precision that defines the work.
Read the Full Interview
The complete interview on Embrace Creatives goes deeper into my artistic practice, creative process, and the ideas that drive my work. It's a comprehensive look at what it means to be a contemporary geometric abstract artist working today.
Explore Geometric Abstract Paintings
If you're drawn to geometric abstract art that explores form, color, and emotion, I invite you to explore my collection. Each painting is created with the same dedication to craft and contemplation discussed in the interview.
View Geometric Abstract Paintings Collection
Follow along on Instagram for studio updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the creative process.
