Interview with Artists I Admire: Apostolos K. Tsoris

I cannot tell you what joy it gives me to present to you artists, whose work I love! This post is about Apostolos Tsoris, I'm sure you are going to love his work too!

Tell us a few things about yourself.

I was born in Agrinio, Greece, in 1946, but I live and work in New York, full time, on art, since 1998.

 The Solution is Always Love, by ApostolosTsoris

Yard... High quality print on canvas, by apostolostsoris1

 Sound of spirits, fine art print, by apostolostsoris1

What are your favorite themes? Where do you find inspiration?

The major influences on my work are mother nature's bounty in birds that fly across the seaside, the mystical fantasies of the Mermaid, the hypnotic fragrance of flowers in bloom, the colors of the sunset and varied expressions of human faces. My nostalgia for life in my beloved Greece gives me themes that I express in realism and the freedom of my fantasy in surrealistic ways. In addition, since I came to the United States, Soul, Blues and the tropical themes became some of my favorites!

 Hosanna - original painting, by soulandblues

Olive Oil - original painting, by soulandblues

Candles - original painting, by soulandblues

Do you have any free time? How do you spend it? 

My time is always free and I pass it in the company of my wife, Barbara, my muse.

Thank you, Apostolos, for your time! I hope you are as fond of Apostolos Tsoris' work as I am! You can find him in three shops on Etsy: ApostolosTsoris, apostolostsoris1 and soulandblues.

Interview with Artists I Admire: Jim Tsinganos

I discovered Jim Tsinganos on Etsy a long time ago, but I was able to interview him just now. I'll be honest: His name was the first thing that drew me to his Etsy shop, because a. It is similar to 'gypsy' in Greek, and b. Ι have only heard of it in an area not far from where I live. Little did I know, when I clicked on that shop link, that he has won numerous awards, and that his art would win my mind and heart. So the name became an apocalypse: I saw concepts translated into images, and I knew this man should be interviewed for my blog. Dear readers, here is Jim Tsinganos!

 Home Sweet Home, by tsinganos

Tell us a few things about yourself.

I was raised in a small rural/industrial town about 250km north of Adelaide in South Australia. My parents were Greek migrants who had emigrated in the 50's and 60's.

From a very young age I knew with absolute certainty that I would leave and stretch my wings, for "Wanderlust" was strong within my heart. My name "Tsinganos", after all, is very similar to the greek word for gypsy. After graduating from design school, travel I did, and with a friend and $1500.00 in my pocket we set off around the world where I ended up working and living in Amsterdam on 2 separate occasions. I eventually returned to Australia and settled in Sydney. I instantly knew that I had found my home and within 3 months I met the woman that I would marry. Sixteen years and 3 children later we live on the water in the middle of the royal national park about 1 hour south of Sydney.

 Butterfly Kiss, by tsinganos

What are the major influences on your work?

Throughout college in the 80's it was illustrators like Brad Holland, Anita Kunz, Gary Kelly and Guy Billout. But also fine artists like Chagall, Modigliani, Hockney and Magritte.

 

Nowadays I very rarely refer to illustration, art books or websites alone for inspiration. I try to draw on all aspects of life as an inspiration, from music, film, dance, cinema, theatre, nature and literature. I try to keep myself open, an empty vessel for whatever life has to bring. How the sun plays on a cloud at a certain point in the day, the back spray from a wave, a lilting song line or a great bit of prose or poetry. I try to remember all these moments, store them in my "vault" and call on them when i need to. I also keep sketchbooks that I refer to often and I work in a studio that I share with 4 other wonderfully talented illustrators. Every day that I go into work I find inspiration.

 Get Happy, by tsinganos

What would you say is your strong point, that makes your work totally unique?

It's all about the idea for me. Once that gets me in then I concentrate on trying to convey that idea to the viewer via the technique in a way that will resonate, hopefully in an emotively charged way.

 candlehandove, by tsinganos

You have had some very famous clients so far. Do you have a favorite, among the projects you did for them?

I did a series of posters over 1 and 1/2 years for Opera Australia. That was a wonderful project as I had a lot of creative freedom at the outset and the exposure was terrific. I also did a pro bono piece celebrating Amnesty International's 40 year anniversary. I really enjoyed that,  for the image, the client and the cause.

 The Women, by tsinganos

Do you have a favorite medium?

I used to work in pastels and watercolour but a few years ago I made the change to digital and now I do everything in photoshop. I never thought I would come to like it so much as I was a bit of a ludite for a while and I can't ever imagine going back to pastel. But never say never.

 Snow Queen, by tsinganos

Do you have any free time? How do you spend it?

With 3 children (2 of them under 6) I have very little time to myself. Any time I have is spent entertaining them and making them laugh, although I still do manage to fit in a swim every now and again.

Thank you so much, Jim, for finding time to do this. I wish you personal and professional happiness, always!

Interview with Artists I Admire: Magaly Ohika

My latest fascination is with the powerful, positive art of Magaly Ohika, aka itsybitsyspill.

A time of literature and romance

Have you received formal education in Art?

I studied art at the fashion Institute of Technology for 7years in NYC. But I started doodling art when I was 5
years old. My mother knew I was born with the gift because it was all I wanted to do all day every day.

Tea in a colorful bliss print clutch

What are the major influences on your work, and how would you describe your style?

Children, the emotions, human nature and animals are my influences. The style of my work varies really. It depends on the emotions in that given moment. My style is a whimsy reality distortion of imperfections. To me, is beautiful to be able to look at something to appreciate and see beauty in a flaw. I'm inspired by the complexity of human nature. I turn day dreams and nightmares creatively into abstract pieces that are whimsically lucid and at times not so lucid. People are known to be most complicated creatures and their behavior overwhelm and intrigue me. I carefully note each of their imperfections and hidden secrets they unknowingly display in their actions. Children are my best subject. They are like fireflies illuminating love, joy and innocence that some of us have lost or afraid to embrace. I visit the child within that inspires me to create daily.

Dos hermanitas y la casita

How do you choose the colors for your art?

I choose my colors by the definition of play - Fun and whimsical!

Frida in don't ever forget me

Would you say your art is affordable? Is that important to you?

In the economy that we live today, it is difficult to buy a piece that is $2000 dollars. So yes my work is affordable. Not everyone has that kind of money to spend. I do small piece that people can afford and other large pieces as well. It's just the way it is right now.

Print Come kiss me

Could you tell us a few things about your creative process?

The creative process - When I was a child, I pictured the real world as a circus. It was the only way to cope with the ugly reality I saw around me. Transforming ugliness into beauty. I realized within the ugliness of things lay an underlying charm I accepted because it was real and true. Life as I saw it became my play ground taking bits and pieces of it and turning them into pieces of art. I'm in love with capacity of knowing that I can feel everything even when it isn't pretty. I don't restrict myself creatively. I absorb it, channel what ever might be hidden and throw it up as soon as I'm ready. The idea of perfection in a piece of art does not appeal to me. But, the imperfection that my art conveys does. I like my art the way it comes to me. My paintings convey emotion.

Print - No Jack in the box but love in the box for you

What do you like to do in your free time?

On my free time I love to walk with my dog write, my journal with a glass of red and meditate at the beach.

Print - You have me in poetry

I am sure you will agree that this powerful art work makes everyone long to live in Magaly's world! Let me know what you think in your comments below.

Interview with Artists I Admire: Kathy Jeffords of thedreamygiraffe

I was first drawn to Kathy's art a while back, and I'm so happy now is the time I actually get to interview her! Her art makes you realize what true artists should be trying to do, no matter if they are writers, musicians or painters. True artists are those who see the good things in life and manage to instill hope in the always troubled human soul.

Girl Flying A Kite

Tell us a few things about yourself.

My name is Kathy Jeffords and you can either call me Kathy or KJ...I'll answer to either. I'm 34 years old and until I was about 27, I was convinced I was going to be a writer for a living when I grew up. Until that point, I never imagined any other career for myself. These days, I'm still telling stories...but mostly with paint. Sometimes life takes us places we didn't intend to go...but they are definitely places we were meant to go.

Starlight

What are the colors you prefer to work with?

BRIGHT COLORS! I am often in awe when I see gorgeous art done with a limited color palette or in muted, subdued tones...but that's just not something I can do. My art is naturally bright and colorful and I've learned not to fight it. 

How Sweet It Is

What are the major influences on your work?

I'd say that, as odd as it sounds, the bad stuff, the sad stuff, the harsh realities of the world really influences my work. We get enough reasons to be depressed on the evening news...I want to put good stuff out there. When I first started out all of my girls had "slightly sad" eyes because I was in a slightly sad place. But I realized: Just because I was going through a sad time, didn't mean I had to stay there in my art. My art could be ANYTHING. All we can each do is our own part -- and I want my contributions to be positive, happy...maybe even silly, but if I can put one smile on one face with something I created...that's so fabulous and humbling. I think deep inside of me, there's a little girl that, despite how tough life can be, still believes in fairy tales. I'm just doing what I can to help others believe, too.

Dry Your Tears

 

Favorite themes and things that inspire you.

Fairy tales and fairies, superheroes and mermaids, ballerinas and pirates, little girls with big dreams.

The Misfit Mermaid 

Any plans for the future?

I keep saying that this year, 2011, is a Year of Transformations for me and my business, so, yes, I have LOTS of plans. This is actually the first year I've had a plan written out, and so far, so good. I plan to not only have new work more frequently but to also expand into having my art available in different formats other than just prints and originals, slowly rolling out new things month by month. So far I've added three different packs of postcards, framed prints, and larger prints. I also have a locket collaboration with fellow Etsy seller Polarity. I'm documenting the ups and downs and my progress at my new blog, Five or Six Kathys, at www.kathyjeffords.com 

Postcard Set

I hope you enjoyed this lovely mini interview. You can see much more art in Kathy's Etsy shop, thedreamygiraffe.

Interview with Artists I Admire: Tatiana of la boom

Today I am excited to be sharing with you the amazing work of an artist from Greece. It is Tatiana, of la boom! I was first attracted to her work by the way she makes simple things look meaningful, putting them in little shadowboxes and on pedestals, and the themes she presents... I had a very hard time choosing just a few items from her Etsy shop, but I finally did it, as you will see in the pictures. As it turned out, Tatiana is a very interesting person as well, a very real person -and that's what makes her a genuine artist!

You're not alone 

Tell us a few things about yourself.

Hello! I am Tatiana. I am 35 years old, married to a fantastic man. I was born and raised in Athens, Greece. I grew up in a creative family, as my mother and my aunt are painting, sewing and generally crafting since I was a small child. I had a huge crash on Maths as a teenager and I always wanted to study them and work in the research field. But, life had other plans so I ended up to be a graphic designer. I never stopped to craft though, mainly floating in paperland :) After years of working in companies as a designer, I felt last year, it was time to do something on my own. So, my husband and I, moved to our beloved Antiparos island in search for better life quality, peace and simplicity. I currently work at home but my dream is to open a small shop one day, where I can sell my crafts and undertake events like weddings and baptisms along with visual communication.

Charlotte and her tower

What is the most important influence on your work?

Nature. I am so totally into it that I find it difficult not to include even an idea of it in my work. Living in the countryside, has been a serious part of my life that I can't overlook. I love the way animals communicate with with each other and with people and what they might think. Everyday I hear the sounds of chickens, goats, birds and ducks and I make stories in my mind that influence me to create, along with the smell of the sea, weather changes, walks in the fields, lemon trees. I try to "capture" all these images in my shadowboxes.

Vintage heart paper garland

Is there a relationship between innocence and inspiration?

Innocence is inspiration by itself. Nowadays it is so rare to meet purity in everything that has turned into a whole subject for me to explore. I like to think how things where like many years ago and how values where high in people's hearts and minds. I am inspired of childhood a lot. Small children playing, riding their bikes, walking around, their connection to the universe is maybe the most innocent thing of all. I think that I tend to keep this innocence in a box, to preserve it from damage like something important and highly valuable.

Le Grand Carnival

What are the things that inspire you?

Apart from nature and childhood I mentioned before, I love typography. Especially the smell of freshly printed books. I can't help myself from opening them and smell the ink on the paper! I also love paper in general, midcentury era, curiosities, magicians, circus and carnivals, antiques, vintage findings, music and especially swing and rock n roll era. Last but not least, my husband. He supports me in everything and he often gives me ideas and tips on my work. Living with him makes me a better person everyday in a way I can enjoy all the small things around me, discover their true value and transfer them into my work.

Blythe the cow

Do you recycle?

I do whenever I can. One of the difficulties of living in a small island like Antiparos, is that you have to adjust to what this place has to offer you apart from all the good things. Unfortunately, recycling (garbage) is still absent here, but we hope this year to finally come into our lives! Other than that, I recycle a lot, I rarely throw away things I can transform them to something else useful. Old paper, packaging and clothes always find their second nature in my home :)

Pretty in pink giraffe

 

How do you spend your free time?

One of the things I enjoy at the island is heaps of free time. Although at this very moment, I create stuff all the time, so I dedicate most of my time to my work. I always loved the fact that my work is like a hobby to me. Usually though, I love bicycling, taking long walks at the beach, exploring the village and taking photos, gathering materials for crafting, listening to music, watching movies especially during wintertime and cooking!

The year of the Rabbit

What are you working on at the moment?

In the beginning of this year I read an article at etsy, where an artist was urging us to start a 365 project. I loved the motivation of creating something everyday. For me was the sparkle I was looking for, cause what I do, apart from some co-operations about visual communication, is my mainly job. I wanted to make my business work and for that I had to create often. So I started a project, where I make something everyday. It is difficult though, because I spend a lot of time on that and inspiration is not always there. I have to go out and find it :) Up to now, I am satisfied of how this going, but I still have almost 11 months ahead! But I love the challenge!

Paper Cake Slice gift boxes

Thank you so much Tatiana!

I would like to thank you for the opportunity to share these things with you and your readers. It was a pleasure!

You can find out more about Tatiana's work in her blog, and this is where she presents her everyday crafting project.

Interview with Artists I Admire: Maria Pace-Wynters

I can tell true art by its ability to make me feel closer to the essence of things, to make me appreciate beauty in its most innocent form. Maria Pace-Wynters is one of very few artists I have encountered whose work manages to captivate me and make me long to 'live' in their paintings.

Sisters

Tell us a few things about yourself.

I live in Alberta, Canada but was born and grew up on the West Coast. I went to Victoria College of Art,  Camosun College and The University of Victoria in the early 90's. I am married  to the very talented singer/songwriter, Chris Wynters and have two girls (Imogen, 7 and Scarlett, 4).  I started painting daily when I turned 40 ( three years ago). I guess you could say, the light bulb went on and I realized, it was now or never. I'd always wanted to be an artist but now was the time to actually become one.

Butterflies

What are the major influences on your work?

I took a lot of art history in University and I think that I kind of sifted all the art I studied for fifteen years.  All the stuff that was left was the stuff that influenced my paintings. I have always loved certain artists' work but over the last couple of years I have fallen in love all over again with Degas' colour palette, toulouse lautrec's
black line and Mary Cassat's block prints. I love the Japanese influence on the impressionist work. The palette of the Fauvist. I love paintings with patterns, fabric and texture. I love figurative painting. I love de Kooning's chaotic brush strokes and Picasso 's angular figures during his blue and rose period. Matisse's 'Green Line' painting. Emily Carr's Totem pole" paintings. Guagan's "The Yellow Christ" painting. Egon Scheile's draftsmanship. Klimt's sense of design. Just writing this list takes my breath away. I am so in awe of the beauty that these artists have created. Writers that have inspired me: Julia Cameron, for inspiring me to come to the page even when I didn't want to and reminding me to always remember to fill the well.
Elizabeth Gilbert, for inspiring me to start really living my life by sharing her adventure and making me laugh along the way. Eckhart Tolle, for helping me quiet the 'thoughts' and for keeping me in the moment.

 

The Accomplishment

Is there a relationship between innocence and inspiration?

When I look at my children create art I am inspired by their confidence in their mark making and  how they are not concerned about the final results. When they are done, they move on to the next piece. They don't dwell on who is going to like their creation or if it will sell, these things are not important to them. They create art because it is fun, they enjoy the process.  If you approach art in this way, it is hard to ever not be inspired. 'Inspiration exists, but it has to find us working' is my favorite quote from Picasso. I really live by these words.  If we come to art from a playful, curious place we can leave the ego at the door and just create art that is honest and true to who we really are because we are in love with the process as much as the outcome.

Wallpaper Jungle

What are your favorite themes?

I love to paint the figure, in particular female, and above all, the face and eyes.  I have always love fairy tales, Hans Christian Anderson is my favorite. I love magic and mystery and often try to incorporate these things into my art.  I love the spectacle of the the lives of 'the performer' whether that be circus performers, harlequins or ballerinas.  I often paint them when they are NOT performing as I find this side of them, the private side, much more interesting.  Lately, I have been doing painting about dreams. I consider myself the protector of my children's dreams and aspirations. They can be so easily dismissed by people that they come across and I think it is important that they know that they can be what ever they dream or aspire to be. Dreams are so delicate, like the flowers and butterflies in my paintings. In some ways, I think that I am protecting my own dreams as well. My paintings are often about my children, being a mother and also remembering being a young girl myself. Your children can do that for you, remind you of your own childhood.  It so special to be able to watch your children grow and, in a way, relive that part of your life.

Marvel, Dream

Are there any colors you prefer to work with?
 
I love colour in general. The brighter the better. A few years back, before I had my children, my palette was very dark but since I have had my girls my palette is bright and colourful. They truly put colour into my life. Right now I am really into red and turquoise.

The Bride

How would you describe the process of creation?

I try to come from a completely honest place when I create art.  I often start by having a photo shoot with my girls. This is a lot of fun and it is great because even though I often have a general idea of what I want, there are always little surprises that happen. When I start painting I always remind myself that what I ultimately want out of my painting is to simply create something aesthetically pleasing and interesting to look at. The next thing that I remind myself is to not be to precious with my art. When I paint something, I continually destroy it and then pull it back. I find that this creates depth. If I am worried about wrecking a painting it will become contrived and tight. This is my way to keep myself loose. I love the act of marking making and I love having something very loose and gestural juxtaposed with something more structured or realistically rendered.  I love the push and pull that this creates in my art.

Take It On

Do you have any free time? How do you spend it?

To be honest, free time is completely foreign to me. Between being a stay at home mum and a full time artist, there is little time left. I am usually scrambling around trying to figure out how I can fit it all in. I do love to cook, although, lately, having to think of dinner every night is the bane of my existence!

Wow... Thank you Maria, for finding time to do this interview with me. Your art is so real, and I wish you the very best!

Natural vs Artificial Beauty: The Work of Rachel Mahlke

I have long admired Rachel Mahlke's work on Etsy (aka giddyspinster). I was planning to do an interview with her on this blog, but her work obviously had no need for my attention; as I am writing these lines, she is a Featured Seller on the front page of Etsy! One of the most well-deserved features, I'd say.

Devil Woman. stiletto cactus planter

Bambi. reclaimed succulent stiletto planter

International buyers reclaimed stiletto cactus succulent planter

Vamp. stiletto succulent planter

What strikes me most about her work is that the minute you see her stiletto planters, you get the message. In using old stilettos, Rachel focuses on how contemporary images, symbols rather, of artificial beauty have influenced our ideas of what is beautiful. And she juxtaposes that with the natural beauty of plants that possess rare and wild beauty, strength and the ability to survive in hard conditions. Mahlke thus makes a statement: she challenges the connection of female beauty with artifice or pain, and invites us all to question this connection 'imposed' to us by popular culture icons. And it's not just art for art's sake: Her planters are actually functional. And ecofriendly, since she recycles plastic stilettos!

tiny reclaimed cactus planter manipulator gel container

feminism on a stick

Blowback

It's nice to see this artist experiment with other objects connected with female beauty, too. She manages to communicate her message very successfully every time! Don't you just love her?