Welcome, or welcome back, to my Stanford Pen Studio (SPS) series. If you haven’t seen my previous posts, I suggest you check them out to see the amazing work the SPS collective produces. This entry is spotlighting Kseniia Nel who you can find on Instagram.
SPS Series Posts: SPS Overview | Brandon Lodewyk | Carla Nel | Di Möhr | Hanna Farmer | Kseniia Nel | Lana Le Roux | Lisa Strachan | Val Myburgh | Yulia Glas | Zelna le Roux | Initial Wrap-Up
Kseniia is the 4th SPS artist I commissioned a pen from. Kseniia is a versatile artist who studied art from 14 years of age. She works in a variety of styles — both digital and analog — featuring a multiplicity of subjects. Her diverse portfolio defies the expectations of such a young artist.
How did you learn about Stanford Pen Studio?
So, my story with SPS started in January 2024. I saw on Instagram one of my fellow artists, Mardee Cita, posted a pen that he made as a collaboration with them. Of course, I loved how it looked and asked Mardee if SPS was looking for more artists. I was 7 months pregnant then, and doing murals was a bit challenging. So, seeing this new way to make amazing art, creating unique pieces, and basically working from home while expecting a baby, made me very excited. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and a Master’s in Traditional Art and worked as a gilder for 3 years, so painting very detailed pieces wasn’t something completely new for me. But, it was a big contrast to go from murals (which I did in 2023) to pens. But, I liked the challenge, so when Di told me that they would be interested in trying to work with me, I was very happy.
The more of these posts I work on, the happier I am at the diverse paths that have brought artists to SPS. It’s fabulous that Kseniia found a way to continue her passion when other forms of art weren’t as feasible.
How long did it take you to decide to work with them?
After I wrote to Di, we arranged a meeting at the SPS workshop, and when I met the team and saw their pens, I already knew that I wanted to do it.
I may need to do an entire post on the artist’s wonderland that is the SPS studio! I certainly understand, however, how enticing the pens and art must be to a potential pen artist.
How do you feel about creating art on pens? And what was your first thought when you learned about it?
I feel very good creating something unique that other people like and enjoy. Every pen is special: special for the artist who customizes it; special for Di, Lana, and Dave; and special for our clients who see it. Every pen has a story: why it was painted a specific way; why I used this reference and these patterns, colours, or elements. For me, it is a special form of meditation. I never paint in a bad mood or when I am tired, so I always put good energy into every piece.
Now I understand why Kseniia’s pens are so happy. While emotion in general seems to be a good catalyst for art, Kseniia’s positive emotions certainly seem to come through in her work.
What do you consider the hardest part of working on pens?
Personally, for me, the hardest part is to start the piece. Sometimes, I have a list of ideas and sketches, and a ready background. But, there is a special feeling I need to actually put the first brush stroke on the blank. But, once I get that feeling, the rest is only a matter of time.
While they may be hard to start, Kseniia’s “feeling” leads to some amazing results. It reminds me of the the “blank page” crisis of starting a new notebook. That first stroke on paper — or canvas, or pen — can be so hard, but once it’s there, it flows.
Has pen work affected your non-pen art in any way?
Sometimes it is good to switch from a pen back to a canvas or wall. I feel like when you change the activity, it is a good way to relax. My canvas art is more abstract and spontaneous. And when I paint in large sizes, it is a completely different form of art, which gives me the freedom to express different emotions. With pens, you must be focused and calm.
It must be lovely to have the option to work in various mediums and sizes depending on your mindset. And even better to excel at all of them like Kseniia does!
What is your favorite part of working with Stanford Pen Studio?
Di and Dave just have a warm caring feeling of family. They are understanding and supportive and give total freedom to the artist’s imagination. There are no limits with topics and styles, so you can explore different sides of your skills and work with no pressure, and there is nothing standing in the way of creativity and ambitions. And I think that it is great for every artist.
I better understand, now, the breadth of styles Kseniia has painted pens in. I’m delighted that pens offer such a figurative — and literal, really — blank canvas for her art.
Has your work on pens turned you into a pen person?
I have always admired calligraphy, and people who can write beautiful letters. But, even though I can paint, my handwriting looks like a total mess; no one, sometimes not even I, can read it. My personal SPS pen is my “Kelic Dragon” I use to make sketches and to write my personal diary. I can say that it is a very different feeling, to write in your diary with a beautiful fountain pen. It even affects the way you think while writing. But, it is still very new for me, so maybe I will be able to call myself a pen person, but for now I am definitely a “painting on pen ” person. 😉
I’ve heard from many people that a nice pen makes them write better. It’s fantastic that SPS has made the offer to let their artists create a pen for themselves. I know a lot of artists and makers have trouble “indulging” themselves in that way — indulging in quotes, because I think they more than earn and deserve it. May Kseniia’s Dragon pen inspire her writing for many years to come.
Get an SPS pen with Kseniia’s art!
See all of Kseniia’s currently available pens»
I appreciate Kseniia taking the time to answer these questions. I have 1 pen — for now. There will be more — with her art, themed around Egyptian cat statues.
What do you think of Kseniia’s work? Do you own any of the pens she has helped create? If not, would you be interested in one? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.
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