True black metal power in Dina DarkArt
REGINA IS A VERY TALENTED, POSITIVE AND CHARMING PERSON. SHE’S CREATED AND DEVELOPED NUMEROUS MASKS, HAND-PAINTED SHIRTS AND DRAWINGS WHICH CAN SHOW HER CREATIVE STYLE. IF YOU ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH REGINA YET, PLEASE, FOLLOW HER FACEBOOK PAGE /DINADARKART. SHE IS A BIG FAN OF HEAVY MUSIC, AND SHE WOULD LIKE TO SHOW HER AMAZING WORKS TO YOU.
«Your life credo? Always be yourself, nothing else matters!».
Leslava: Describe in three words your collection of works.
Dina DarkArt.
Hello! First of all I’d like to thank you for your time!
To introduce myself: my name is Regina Kozlik and I make drawings, paintings, CD covers, masks (as a decoration, or wearable), 3-D pictures and custom made hand-painted shirts.
Leslava: Why are you interested in the manufacture of masks?
Since I was a child, I’ve always loved masks, thanks to my father. So, it was a challenge to make them on my own.
Leslava: How many years have you been working in this sphere?
As far as I can remember, since 2007. That was when I bought my first mold for casting with plaster and my dream came true! In the beginning I made mostly Venetian masks, but I quickly changed the style and manner of preparation. At first, I made it a goal for myself to make some well-known masks/faces from the world of music and movies. But I’ve always preferred making my own creations.
Leslava: Do you remember your first work?
Of course I do. It’s a devil mask in my son’s room.
Leslava: Do you like horror movies?
Yes, horror movies are my favorites. Especially old ones, from the ’80’s. My children love them too!
Leslava: What are you afraid of?
To be buried alive, that horrifies me!
Leslava: What is your most important work?
It’s really hard to choose just one. The most important would be my artworks which I made for bands. The CD cover for ‘‘Hammerstorm’’ and ‘‘Demorian’’ and the mask I made for ‘‘Blodarv’’.
Leslava: What are your plans for the future?
To make more awesome artworks, whatever it is! I’d love to make more CD covers, but it’s hard to reach musicians, if they need something like that.
Leslava: I know that you get the inspiration from your dreams. Tell me one of your dreams, from which you have created your masterpiece. Do you often dream?
We talked about it before and I told you that even though I’m tired, I can’t sleep because my mind is usually flooded with some dark, creepy, weird images before I fall asleep. I get inspiration mostly when my brain enters the alpha state of mind.
But sometimes, I’m inspired by my dreams also. Many great artists are! I often dream about different types of houses, on various locations, but never our own house. They are usually very poor looking, almost in ruins, abandoned, or a wooden house. Although, sometimes I find myself all alone in a castle, with many floors, stairs, even in abandoned churches! Those dreams are very vivid and lifelike. When I wake up, I don’t know where I am for a couple of minutes.
I often have nightmares too. Usually I’m being chased, running from something, someone. I can’t remember those dreams well. The interesting part is that I’m looking for a shelter in the woods, in darkness. Maybe that’s why I love to draw/paint trees, dark woods & haunted houses. You can see them on my hand-painted shirts.
Besides my dreams, I get inspiration from the world of music (drawings about my favorite musicians). The difficulties of life are also a major impact on my art. I can’t just ignore the world around me. You must face reality every day!
Must add that I’m not inspired by other artists… Always have been enthusiastic about the work of famous artists, but it has not affected my work. I do not copy anyone, or any trends; it’s just my style, which, I created so far.
Leslava: What it means to be a creative person?
Artistic expression is very important, that’s a way to confront difficult feelings. The need to express myself, to show the world my thoughts, visions through my art, that’s a motivation! What I went through in my life explains my state of mind; art was keeping me sane all these years while I was struggling with difficulties of life. If it relaxes me, if I can find the peace of mind in what I’m doing — then that’s a good thing!
Leslava: Are you a religious person?
No, of course not.
Leslava: How do you feel about religion?
I feel hatred and disgust! I’m absolutely against all religion! Just look around you! What’s happening lately all around the World in the name of a “peaceful religion”?!? That’s insane!!!
Leslava: How did you came across Black Metal and what kind of role does it play in your life?
Metal in general plays a very important role in my life. After all, I can say that I grew up on it, because my parents were listening to Hard Rock when I was just a little girl, bands like ‘‘Black Sabbath’’, ‘‘Deep Purple’’, ‘‘Led Zeppelin’’... My favorite bands, when I was a teenager were ‘‘Judas Priest’’, ‘‘Metallica’’, ‘‘Slayer’’... just to name a few.
I came across Black Metal when I’ve heard about ‘‘Bathory’’, ‘‘Darkthrone’’... and I’m much more into BM since then.
The whole musical culture has changed a lot over these years. So, you can’t compare the 90’s Black Metal bands with today’s bands. As far as the music goes, the instrumental parts are just as important as the lyrics. In this music, I can find a large amount of energy I really need, which I enjoy with body & soul, so, yes, that’s the true power that motivates me!
Leslava: How is your typical day?
I’m a mother of 4 children, went through 2 marriages, I’m a widow for about 10 years now, a single parent. So, figure it out yourself! :D :p
Leslava: Who are your customers?
Mostly metalheads. But, I could say, my customers are everyone who appreciates art in global. Over the last few years I can’t tell you how many requests I’ve gotten to make something: be it a drawing, a mask or a T-shirt, doesn’t matter, I’m always willing to make it!
Leslava: What are you working on now?
I’m always experimenting with different kind of materials. So, I’d like to perfect working with cloth-mache — that’s more flexible than paper-mache (same as paper-mache only you use strips of cloth instead of paper, strips of white cotton sheets + glue) and it’s not fragile like clay or plaster, which is suitable for the masks for bands. They must breathe in it, sing in it and jump around on the stage…
I put a lot of time and effort into it, so, I’m satisfied if my customers are too!
Leslava: What do you want to say to fans of your work?
If you like my work, check out my Page, my photos, ask me anything if you’re interested & order something, I’ll try to make it for you!
All in all, I really do appreciate the support! Thank you!