Pen’s Eye: Interview with Artist and Collector Marina Romanova-Arnott

Dear Pennies & Pens,

As a budding art collector, I am so thrilled to be featuring today’s interviewee, Marina Romanova-Arnott. This year, Marina launched marina4art.com to share her private collection of modern, unique and provocative pieces with collectors from around the world.

marina4art.com includes pieces from the leading artists of the past half century including Dali, Warhol, and Nara as well as Marina’s original artwork. I must admit, Marina’s site has some truly amazing pieces. Her collection has pieces by some of the most iconic artists of all time and her own work is breathtaking.

Having earned her Master’s from the University of Moscow in 1992, Marina witnessed the fall of communism and experienced a time when artists challenging convention and rebelling was accepted in the Russian art scene. It was an amazing time to come of age as an artist which Marina references in the interview below.

Marina moved to NYC in 1992 and West Hollywood in 1994. Now based in Southern California, Marina creates her own work in oil, acrylic, watercolor, and mixed media. With no further adieu, I present to you Pen’s Eye: Interview with Artist and Collector Marina Romanova-Arnott.

1. Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Russia, but after college I decided to move to the United States to spread my artistic wings. I moved to New York City in 1992, West Hollywood in 1994 and am now currently residing in Southern California.

2. How has your heritage influenced you as an artist?

Russia was a remarkable place to come of age as an artist, especially during the time I was there. As communism was collapsing and artists were challenging convention, rebellion was suddenly as welcomed in the Russian art scene as it was on the Russian streets.

3. What inspires you to create and collect art?

I pull inspiration from everyday life. I am inspired by street art, concerts, fashion, movies, interior design, toys, old magazines, nature, and science.

4. What made you decide to become an artist?

Growing up I was constantly drawing, always the artistic kid in class. I also had a wicked sense of humor. I used to draw caricatures of my teachers and classmates. They loved it. I spent countless hours creating my own world on paper.

5. What school did you go to?

I attended the University of Moscow, earning a Master’s degree in Fine Arts in 1992.

6. Why did you decide to start marina4art.com? 

Marina4Art.com was designed to create an online destination in where I can share not only my private collection, but also my passion with other collectors from around the world. It was a natural evolution. As an artist I love the works of others who test boundaries. I collect their art and others collect mine. It only makes sense to share my passion with others.

7. You have such a beautiful collection of art by iconic artists, how did you build your collection?

I built my collection slowly and with love. It took me a while but I am very happy and proud of my collection. I only buy works of art that I can see myself live with.

8. What advice would you give to young art collectors who are starting to build their collections?

Be open to new experiences, learn how to live with art, and especially challenging art. I would encourage people to pick work they love, but not necessarily “easy” work. I think more challenging work is ultimately more rewarding to live with, as time goes on. Make sure to choose a work of art you are affected by!

9. Who is your favorite artist and why?

It’s impossible for me to name one favorite artist. There are many and it changes all the time. I love Dali, Banksy, Murakami, Andy Warhol, Picasso, Richard Prince, and Marc Quinn to name a few.

10. Tell me about present and upcoming projects?

I just had an art show hosted by Neiman Marcus at Newport Beach Fashion Island. I presented 28 of my own works and 11 works of various artist from my collection. It was very well received and I am looking forward to have more shows in the Orange County area.

Be sure to check out marina4art.com to see more of Marina’s work and her beautiful collection!