Donatas Šopis: inspiration from nature, intuition and sustainable creation

In today’s fast-paced world, where technology and mass production seem to dictate everything, there are reminders to slow down and reconnect with nature. One such visionary is Donatas Šopis, an artist whose deepest passion is to create through intuition, sensitivity, and the exploration of living systems. His art is not only a reflection of the perfection of nature, but also an invitation to bring that harmony closer to our everyday lives.

For Donatus, the world is a model of balance, in which humans and nature coexist in a subtle but profound dance. His work, inspired by the organic forms of nature, seeks to reveal the beauty of life itself, to awaken an understanding of the importance of nature in our lives and its crucial role in the environment. With his works, he invites us to see not only aesthetics, but also to be interested in sustainability topics, and encourages us to reflect on our impact on the environment and the need for a conscious life.

Revealing naturalness

Donato’s work is distinguished by its authenticity. He does not hide the “flaws” or “imperfections” of the materials he uses. Instead, he highlights them, allowing the natural beauty of these so-called “defects” to unfold. These raw elements bring us closer to our own understanding. Cracks, irregularities – these are not mistakes, but uniqueness and truth, which we often try to cover up both in our lives and in the things that surround us.

This approach challenges societal norms of perfection and overconsumption. By revealing “hidden” beauty, Donatas speaks to a deeper, subconscious longing for authenticity in a world where we often hide behind masks. He believes that much of modern consumption – whether it’s objects, relationships or addictive substances – stems from a repressed desire for truth. His work seeks to break down the cultural codes that imprison us, coming face to face with our own authenticity.

Sustainability is the basis of a lifestyle

For Donatas, sustainability is not just about eco-friendly practices or recycling materials – it is a fundamental shift in perception. True sustainability starts with self-understanding, recognizing the root causes of our behavior, and seeking solutions. This deeper understanding leads to more thoughtful choices in how we live and create.

“I am a creator who works with materials that are usually considered used, discarded, or no longer needed. My creative philosophy is to maintain the natural and organic forms of these raw materials, without changing their essence, but highlighting their natural beauty,” says D. Šopis.

The author collects wood from waste sites, and the creation itself is born from what he has at the time. This seemingly limited choice of materials forces him to look for solutions and new angles of approach, and provides an opportunity to unleash his creative potential. “Through my work, I want to emphasize that what may seem “unnecessary” or “inappropriate” in our perception can actually be perfectly applied in the context of creation. Each raw material I use is of local origin, which helps maintain a connection with local nature and culture. I believe that through visual creation, it is possible to influence not only the attitude towards the environment, but also towards oneself,” says the author.

Rethink and Connect

Donatas Šopis’ work is much more than aesthetic creations; it is a philosophical journey into the heart of nature and our relationship with it. His creative process is a constant dialogue with the materials he uses, allowing him to create works that resonate with authenticity, beauty and meaning. By exploiting the imperfections and rawness of nature, Donatas reminds us to reconnect with our true selves and the environment around us:

“We are valuable just as we are, and we have all the tools and opportunities to create what we desire. Nature itself dictates the design of my works – natural forms guide the creative process, but it is this process that opens up new design possibilities and variations that are not initially noticeable.”

In times of increasing distance and consumerism, his works invite us to pause, reflect, and engage with deeper truths about ourselves and the world, inspiring a shift in perception and returning to a balanced, harmonious existence where art, nature, and humanity create in unity.

“For this reason, I chose not to work on a commission basis. It is important to me to encourage people to search for and discover their unexpressed potential – it is like putting on “new glasses” and looking at the world with different eyes. This approach is also close to the circularity and “closed loop” models, where value is created from what already exists and what can be applied again in a new context,” thinks D. Šopis.

Article link: https://zurnalaslizdas.lt/donatas-sopis-ikvepimas-is-gamtos-intuicija-ir-tvari-kuryba/