Verónika
Linear erotic illustration | Thailand | she/her
HOUSE OF THEODORA CHATS TO EROTIC ARTIST Verónika
Erotic artist, Verónika (also known as ‘Deep Thought’), is beautifully candid about her start in the art world. Facing obstacles, insecurities and challenges that come with doing something outside of society's expectations can make it easy to give up. Luckily for us, Verónika pushed through it all to produce her 'gentle linear erotic artwork'. Read our interview with Verónika below.
Can you share your background and how you became an artist in this space?
I have been drawing my whole life, which was a great path for me as an artist. But it wasn't easy, to be honest. I didn't feel comfortable in my art classes and often compared myself with others; we had different age groups, and it was hard to draw as well as people with skills and experience because of the regular long practice.
Despite the difficulties, art brought me magical feelings and inspired me so much. That is why I decided to get an illustration degree and face different obstacles.
Each artist has their style and unique features, and I was in love with a more realistic style while our tutors and university system, in general, encouraged something more creative and modern. This affected me during all my years of study, and it was pretty challenging to be true to myself, keep doing what I love, and try not to be tempted by other styles and topics.
I was interested in people's emotions, feelings and communication. At the beginning of my later art period, I drew human bodies in natural habitats and studied the connection between human beings and nature. This knowledge made me understand that I want to go deeper and explore the human wilderness because sexual energy represents a connection to our nature. At the same time, I wanted to look at sex as an intellectual process.
You call your work' gentle linear erotic artwork'. What characteristics make up this style of art?
"Gentle linear erotic artwork" is my sensation from my art and also a characteristic of my personality. It's how I treat what I do with care, love and attention to detail. My lines are soft, accurate and delicate.
What sparks an idea for an artwork?
The idea for an artwork usually comes from some references. First, I start looking through my materials and then combine ideas with some visuals. Sometimes I take ideas from my dreams, fantasies, personal experience or other people's stories.
What's your artistic process?
The actual process can be very different and depends on what I'm doing. Sometimes I read a book to find inspiration or interesting scenes. Books are my favorite sources for taking ideas because it's an excellent practice for your imagination; you can create the final image by yourself using the main details from the book.
Then, I take this image and make some sketches, add new details or change some of them, and decide what natural elements I want to add and why. I love to play with backgrounds like plants and flowers, and my choice usually depends on the meaning or symbolism of each plant.
Who are the people you draw?
Many of my drawings are commissioned artworks, so they are my clients. They are people who love exploring their sexuality, aren't afraid of their desires and think that sex is an essential part of their lives. They are intelligent people who have a special attitude to sex. I believe people who like what I'm doing have the same philosophy. That is why we are magnetizing each other. Maybe I'm lucky because I didn't have strange cases with my clients; all of them are amazing souls with incredible energy. I'm grateful for their trust and happy to help them keep their intimate sensual moments. It makes me happy, and I'm sparkling after each order I get.
What would we hear, see and smell if we were a butterfly on the wall and watched you in your artistic element?
You definitely will hear some relaxed, sexy music. It helps me concentrate on the process and get into the right mood. I love listening to music that wakes up the wild part of me, and this sensation fills me with energy and inner power.
Also, I love herbal teas, so you will smell a slight hint of herbs and perhaps some incense, but I only use them on special days. I will sit in my workspace, my tiny beautiful table with some inspirational postcards, books and photos of close people.
What challenges do you face as an artist pushing boundaries?
I don't hide my work from people; some may react strangely, but I try not to take it personally because it reflects their fears and constraints. Some strangers write me direct messages, and this is such a stereotype that if I like sex and draw lovemaking scenes, it means that I'm waiting for these messages. I have a very full and joyful sexual life, and I'm proud to say that, in my experience, women want sex just as much and, in some cases, more than men.
We're hellbent on elevating sexual expression. What does freedom of sexual expression look like to you?
For me, sexual freedom it's more about your energy and behaviour. How you look, talk, and do what you are doing makes all that freely feel comfortable in your body. Please don't be shy about your desires and make them happen.
What do you find most rewarding or joyful about life in the arts?
It's incredible to have a life full of creativity because I think we all have this beautiful part in our souls, but some people don't explore it or don't know how to express these creative impulses. So I'm happy that I have a solid connection to my artistic part and am trying to enjoy all processes in my work fully. By the way, I love to help people see their interest and attraction to art and support them at the beginning of their creative practice. Creativity is my life. I can't imagine another one. It's how I communicate with the world; it's my language. I also dream about an art studio for women, a safe community with art therapy and lots of support. I have been growing up without that woman's love, and I know how it's essential to be a part of the sorority.
Life as an artist can be challenging. What are your favourite daily or weekly activities that allow you to care for yourself and have fun?
I think that it's essential to have your own time. Every person has secret rituals, and I will share my favourites. I love to do sports in little groups of amazing women. Communication with good people and caring about my health bring energy and happiness.
Also, I have a therapist, and I believe it's vital to solve your issues, be honest with yourself, and open your heart to life. Explore and understand yourself, know your strongest features and weaknesses, but be pleasant for all that, look inside your soul and find all the answers. I can say that surrounding yourself with kind, creative people is very beneficial for your mental health and gives you an opportunity to grow as an artist and have a strong, helpful community. Get some feedback and good company. I also get a lot of energy from my partner; healthy relationships can heal many wounds and make me much more productive and happy on my life path.