Motiejus Stonys is an artist whose path to painting began in an entirely unplanned way. It all started with a simple household accident: a water pipe broke. While on the hunt for replacement parts, Stonys happened upon a discounted box of acrylic paints. This accidental discovery sparked a sudden urge to reawaken his creative side. What began as a mere distraction from plumbing repairs soon developed into a deep passion, unleashing a torrent of ideas and images demanding to be transferred to canvas. The mishap resulted in more than just a physical mess; it also marked the beginning of a new and vibrant phase in his creative life.
Stonys’ artistic practice provides a distinctive lens through which to experience the world’s richness and intricacy. His paintings are recognized for their impulsive and unpredictable qualities, with each canvas capturing a particular instant or scenario. He frequently introduces unusual figures and their activities, infusing his works with intrigue and an unpredictable, story-like quality. For Stonys, inspiration typically appears out of nowhere, resulting in bold compositions that often take even him by surprise.
For Stonys, the act of creating is as ever-changing as the paintings themselves. His works regularly shift and transform before reaching their final state, with new modifications and ideas emerging in brief moments of inspiration. This ongoing process of reassessment and adjustment renders his artworks “alive,” evolving continuously until a title is finally assigned. Such a method guarantees that each piece truly mirrors a creative evolution, filled with energy and motion.
Adding a personal and whimsical dimension, every work by Motiejus Stonys is signed by his dog, Baba. More than a signature, Baba is an essential member of the studio, serving both as a supervisor and a source of inspiration. The artist deeply values her discernment, making sure that each painting measures up to her approval before it is complete. Baba’s presence infuses the studio with companionship, playfulness, and genuineness, enriching not only the working process but also the very spirit of Stonys’ singular artistic vision.
About this artwork+
The painting presents a surreal and imaginative scene under a starry night sky that transitions into a rich blue with a cloud-covered landscape below. A central figure strides across this dreamscape, depicted with an elongated bird-like head and bill, draped in flowing black hair, wearing a green top and vivid red pants. Surrounding this figure are six dogs of various colors and breeds, portrayed with human-like expressions and eyes, each tied to thin, almost imperceptible leashes that feed into the hands of a smaller figure seated on a floating red platform below. This smaller character, dressed in a brownish shirt and black pants, appears thoughtful or contemplative, managing the tangled leashes that connect him to the dogs and indirectly to the bird-like giant they follow. The overall atmosphere is one of whimsical mystery, with the elements combining to create a narrative open to the viewer’s interpretation.
