{"id":13869,"date":"2024-11-11T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-11T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/?p=13869"},"modified":"2024-11-11T11:09:33","modified_gmt":"2024-11-11T16:09:33","slug":"sps-spotlight-kseniia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/sps-spotlight-kseniia\/","title":{"rendered":"SPS Series: Spotlight on Kseniia Nel"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SPS Series Posts<\/a>: SPS Overview<\/a> | Brandon Lodewyk<\/a> | Carla Nel<\/a> | Di M\u00f6hr<\/a> | Hanna Farmer<\/a> | Kseniia Nel<\/a> | Lana Le Roux<\/a> | Lisa Strachan<\/a> | Val Myburgh<\/a> | Yulia Glas<\/a> | Zelna le Roux<\/a> | Initial Wrap-Up<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

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 \u2014 both digital and analog \u2014 featuring a multiplicity of subjects. Her diverse portfolio defies the expectations of such a young artist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"a<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"An<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"an<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"An<\/a><\/figure>\n
Photos from Kseniia’s Instagram feed<\/a>, click on a photo to view the post.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How did you learn about Stanford Pen Studio?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So, my story with SPS started in January 2024. I saw on Instagram one of my fellow artists, Mardee Cita<\/a>, posted a pen<\/a> 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<\/a> (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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

How long did it take you to decide to work with them?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"One<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"One<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"One<\/a><\/figure>\n
Photos of Kseniia’s first pens with SPS from her Instagram feed<\/a> and SPS’ Instagram feed<\/a>, click on a photo to view the post.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

How do you feel about creating art on pens? And what was your first thought when you learned about it?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"SPS<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"SPS<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"SPS<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"SPS<\/a><\/figure>\n
Photos from Kseniia’s Instagram feed<\/a> and SPS’ Instagram feed<\/a>, click on a photo to view the post.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

What do you consider the hardest part of working on pens?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"SPS<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"SPS<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"SPS<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"SPS<\/a><\/figure>\n
Photos from Kseniia’s Instagram feed<\/a> and SPS’ Instagram feed<\/a>, click on a photo to view the post.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

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 \u2014 or canvas, or pen \u2014 can be so hard, but once it’s there, it flows.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Has pen work affected your non-pen art in any way?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Structural<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Patterned<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Art<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Mother<\/a><\/figure>\n
Photos from Kseniia’s Instagram feed<\/a>, click on a photo to view the post.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

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!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

What is your favorite part of working with Stanford Pen Studio?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"SPS<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"SPS<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"SPS<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"SPS<\/a><\/figure>\n
Photos from Kseniia’s Instagram feed<\/a> and SPS’ Instagram feed<\/a>, click on a photo to view the post.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

I better understand, now, the breadth of styles Kseniia has painted pens in. I’m delighted that pens offer such a figurative \u2014 and literal, really \u2014 blank canvas for her art.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Has your work on pens turned you into a pen person?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Kseniia's<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Kseniia's<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

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 \u2014 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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Get an SPS pen with Kseniia’s art!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"SPS<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"SPS<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"SPS<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"SPS<\/a><\/figure>\n
Some of Kseniia’s currently available pens at the time of posting. Click a photo to learn more and to purchase.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

See all of Kseniia’s currently available pens\u00bb<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

I appreciate Kseniia taking the time to answer these questions. I have 1 pen \u2014 for now. There will be more \u2014 with her art, themed around Egyptian cat statues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Stanford<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks for reading to the end, I hope you enjoyed my post. Make sure to subscribe to my blog<\/a> or follow me on Instagram<\/a> so you don\u2019t miss any posts. I generally post at least once a week.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

My Stanford Pen Studio series continues with artist Kseniia Nel. Enjoy learning more about her and her wide array of beautiful artworks!<\/p>\n

Keep ReadingSPS Series: Spotlight on Kseniia Nel<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13927,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[54],"tags":[434,279],"class_list":["post-13869","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fountain-pens","tag-sps-series","tag-stanford-wood-studio","entry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/SPS-Kseniia_featured.jpg?fit=288%2C288&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p8Z77k-3BH","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":13891,"url":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/sps-wrap-up\/","url_meta":{"origin":13869,"position":0},"title":"SPS Series: Wrap-Up For Now","author":"Rachel","date":"November 29, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"This is the final post in my Stanford Pen Studio series \u2014 for now. I share their crowdfunding campaign, final thoughts, and a peek into the SPS studio.","rel":"","context":"In "Fountain Pens"","block_context":{"text":"Fountain Pens","link":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/category\/stationery\/fountain-pens\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Intwana Chameleon collage","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ix1hgvmlwphtebbxq9pg.png?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ix1hgvmlwphtebbxq9pg.png?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ix1hgvmlwphtebbxq9pg.png?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ix1hgvmlwphtebbxq9pg.png?resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ix1hgvmlwphtebbxq9pg.png?resize=1050%2C600 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ix1hgvmlwphtebbxq9pg.png?resize=1400%2C800 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14164,"url":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/sps-spotlight-di\/","url_meta":{"origin":13869,"position":1},"title":"SPS Series: Spotlight on Di M\u00f6hr","author":"Rachel","date":"November 27, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"My Stanford Pen Studio series continues with co-founder (and artist!) Di M\u00f6hr. Enjoy these fabulous photos of her art pens.","rel":"","context":"In "Fountain Pens"","block_context":{"text":"Fountain Pens","link":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/category\/stationery\/fountain-pens\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"a beaded pen in progress","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-6030891.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-6030891.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-6030891.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-6030891.jpg?resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-6030891.jpg?resize=1050%2C600 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-6030891.jpg?resize=1400%2C800 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13971,"url":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/pen-porn-egyptian-cats\/","url_meta":{"origin":13869,"position":2},"title":"Pen Porn: SPS Egyptian Cats","author":"Rachel","date":"November 8, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"I've got to share this beautifully detailed pen with you all. I hope you enjoy the black and gold goodness in this pen porn post.","rel":"","context":"In "Fountain Pens"","block_context":{"text":"Fountain Pens","link":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/category\/stationery\/fountain-pens\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Kseniia Nel's pen: gilded serpents","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-5733398.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-5733398.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-5733398.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-5733398.jpg?resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-5733398.jpg?resize=1050%2C600 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-5733398.jpg?resize=1400%2C800 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13752,"url":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/sps-spotlight-val\/","url_meta":{"origin":13869,"position":3},"title":"SPS Series: Spotlight on Val Myburgh","author":"Rachel","date":"October 30, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"My Stanford Pen Studio series continues with artist Val Myburgh. Enjoy learning more about her and her remarkably diverse artworks!","rel":"","context":"In "Fountain Pens"","block_context":{"text":"Fountain Pens","link":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/category\/stationery\/fountain-pens\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"One of Val's non-pen artworks, digital renderings of various animal skeletons overlaid on their bodies","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1896782_804228306272455_305450289_n.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1896782_804228306272455_305450289_n.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/1896782_804228306272455_305450289_n.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13560,"url":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/sps-spotlight-hanna\/","url_meta":{"origin":13869,"position":4},"title":"SPS Series: Spotlight on Hanna Farmer","author":"Rachel","date":"October 28, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Today I\u2019m continuing my Stanford Pen Studio series with artist Hanna Farmer. Enjoy learning more about her and her magnificent zendoodle art.","rel":"","context":"In "Fountain Pens"","block_context":{"text":"Fountain Pens","link":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/category\/stationery\/fountain-pens\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"A zen-doodle portrait, one of Hanna's recent non-pen works of art.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/image-8771774.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/image-8771774.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/image-8771774.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/image-8771774.jpg?resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/image-8771774.jpg?resize=1050%2C600 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/image-8771774.jpg?resize=1400%2C800 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14077,"url":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/sps-spotlight-lisa\/","url_meta":{"origin":13869,"position":5},"title":"SPS Series: Spotlight on Lisa Strachan","author":"Rachel","date":"November 20, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"My Stanford Pen Studio series continues with artist Lisa Strachan. Enjoy learning more about her and her beautiful botanical art.","rel":"","context":"In "Fountain Pens"","block_context":{"text":"Fountain Pens","link":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/category\/stationery\/fountain-pens\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Lisa's illustration of flamingo feathers","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-8423790.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-8423790.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-8423790.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-8423790.jpg?resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-8423790.jpg?resize=1050%2C600 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-8423790.jpg?resize=1400%2C800 4x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13869","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13869"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13869\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14175,"href":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13869\/revisions\/14175"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13927"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13869"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13869"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racheldelafuente.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13869"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}