Artist Interview: OIL PAINTINGS CHRISTA

I am very pleased to introduce you to a lovely and talented artist! Christa is based in Greece and she is of Greek and German origins. Besides being a very talented artist, Christa is a wonderful person and she loves animals and nature. As soon as I first saw her paintings, I was captured by their vivid colors, by the evident love for life, nature, people and animals that this artist expresses, and by that charming, "naïve" quality of her paintings. They spoke to my heart. Christa works under her own brand Oil Paintings Christa, and  here she shares her artistic journey and inspiration with us!
Welcome Christa!

She Grows

- How did you first come to art and creativity? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?
Wie bist Du zu Kunst und Kreativität gekommen? Wie hat Dein Weg in die Kunst und Kreativität begonnen?

That’s a good question. Painting has been in me since my childhood. I used to paint everywhere… on paper, on the table, and my favourite place were the walls. I think I have taken after my mother.

Das ist eine gute Frage. Malerei war in mir schon als Kind drin. Ich malte überall. Auf Papiere, auf dem Tisch, und mein Lieblingsplatz waren die  Wände. Ich glaube, ich habe diese Bedenken von meiner Mutter geerbt.

Relaxes

- When and how did you realize this was your real life path?

Wie und wann hast Du verstanden, dass dies Dein echter Lebensweg war?

When I lost my job 5 years ago (2008), and suddenly my life was full of free time!!! I said loud – “Now you have time for what you love!”. I started taking painting lessons from a friend and painter, Mr Gerontas. After that, I began with my first doodles.

Als ich meinen Job verloren habe vor 5 Jahren (2008), und plötzlich wurde mein Leben voll mit  freier Zeit!!! Ich sagte ganz laut-‚ ”Jetzt hast du Zeit für das, was du liebts“. Ich begann Malunterricht bei einem Freund und  Maler, den Hr. Gerontas. Danach begannen die ersten Schmierereien.

Mediterranean Colors

- What are your main sources of inspiration?

Was sind für Dich die Hauptquellen der Inspiration?

Hm… people and animals around me, or photos. The important thing is it makes me happy. And when I notice something, I think “How could I paint that?” or “I’m going to paint this!”. It’s odd, but I can’t paint when I’m sad.

Hm……Menschen und Tiere um mich herum oder Fotos. Hauptsache es macht mir Freude. Und wenn mir etwas auffällt, denke ich, ’’Wie könnte ich es malen’’? Oder…’’dieses mal ich’’. Es ist komisch, aber ich male nicht, wenn ich traurig bin.

Leopard With Her Baby

- We share a big love for animals, how do you express this in your artwork?

Wir haben beide eine große Liebe für Tiere… wie drückst Du dies in Deinem Werk aus?

Oh yes, animals… I admire their nature. How they do everything in a perfect way. Getting an animal on canvas is about my personal feelings too… or a friend’s personal moments that have inspired me.

Oh ja, Tiere. Ich bewundere ihre Natur. Wie perfekt sie alles machen. Dass ich ein Tier auf die Leinwand bringe, das hat auch mit meinen persönlichen Gefühlen zu tun, oder auch mit persönlichen Momenten eine Freundes, die mich gereizt haben.

Gorilla With Her Baby

- How has life affected your art and art affected your life?

Wie hat Dein Leben Deine Kunst beeinflusst, und wie hat wiederum Kunst Dein Leben beeinflusst?

In an absolutely positive way! Everything has become more beautiful and calmer, and especially my inner self. I used to be a very restless person. Art, no matter which kind, does help. And I recommend everybody to give themselves some time for art, and to express themselves through it. Sometimes words are not enough.

Total positiv! Alles ist schöner und vor allem ruhiger geworden, und überhaupt mein Inneres. Ich war ein sehr unruhiger Mensch. Kunst, egal welche, hilft. Und ich rate allen Menschen, sie sollen sich etwas Zeit für die Kunst geben, und sich so ausdrücken. Manchmal reichen die Worte nicht.

Woman on Lake

- Art is about light and color! What are your favorite colors?

Kunst ist Licht und Farbe! Was sind Deine Lieblingsfarben?

Light colors especially. I love blue and green. I think you can see this. I mix them myself and thus I learn more about them.

Helle Farben vor allem. Blau und Grün liebe ich sehr. Ich glaube das sieht man. Ich mische sie selber und so lerne ich mehr davon.

Spring

- How does your home country and in particular Greek art influence your work? Are you inspired by any particular painters?

Wie beeinflusst Dein Heimatland und insbesondere griechische Kunst Dein Werk? Bist Du durch besondere Maler inspiriert?

My home country has a strong influence on me, especially ist nature. As to Greek art, I mostly like the old one. I’m inspired by many painters, especially those who painted details. There are many. I often look at many paintings and I’m curious about everything. I wish I could go back in time, 200 or 300 years, and I could sit next to a painter and could watch him, his colors and his model.

Mein Heimatland beeinflusst mich sehr, und besonders seine Natur. Von Griechischer Kunst, liebe ich mehr die Alte. Bin durch viele Maler inspiriert und vor allem auf die, die Einzelheiten malten. Es sind viele. Ich schaue mir sehr oft viele Bilder an und bin auf alles neugierig. Mein großer Wunsch ist, ich kehre 200 oder 300 Jahre zurück und sitze neben einem Maler und beobachte ihn, seine Farben und sein Modell.

Grandmother at Home

- Did you have a formal training in the arts or attend art courses?

Hattest Du eine formelle Kunstbildung? Hast Du Kunst studiert oder Kunstkurse besucht?

I took training hours from Gerontas. About 6 months. He paints so real, and every day, as I walked by his shop, I had to stop and admire his artwork. So it all started, and we are now friends. Maybe I’m going to take up college some day.

Ich habe Lehrstunden bei Gerontas gemacht. Ungefähr 6 Monate. Er malt so echt, und jeden Tag als ich vor seinem Geschäft vorbei ging, musste ich anhalten und seine Werke bewundern. So fing es an, und wir sind nun auch befreundet. Vielleicht studiere ich eines Tages.

Memories

- Do you have a studio or home studio or particular part of your house you have devoted to your artwork? Where do you paint your artwork?                                                                  
Hast Du ein Atelier oder “home studio” oder einen besonderen Teil Deines Hauses, den Du Deinem Kunstwerk gewidmet hast? Wo malst Du Deine Bilder?                                          

Yes, I have my own corner in our house. In front of me I have a large balcony door, and I can enjoy nature at the same time.                                                                                         

Ja, ich habe meine Ecke in unserem Haus. Vor mir ist eine große Balkontür und ich kann nebenbei die Natur genießen.

Cat

- How/where do you sell your artwork? (galleries, shops, exhibitions, online etc.)                            
Wie/wo vermarktest Du Dein Werk? (Galerien, Ausstellungen, online usw.)                               

I had 5 personal exhibitions. Two were at galleries. And I have participated in group exhibitions as well -- I find them very interesting, because you get to see so much. With personal exhibitions you get to know the painter better. I’m now also selling my work online in two e-shops.
                                                                                                                               
Ich hatte 5 persönliche Ausstellungen. Zwei waren in Galleries. Und habe auch öfters in Gruppenausstellungen mitgemacht, die mich sehr interessieren, weil so sieht man vieles. Bei persönlichen kann man den Maler besser kennenlernen. Nun vermarkte  ich auch online in 2 e-shops.

Forest

Thank you dear Christa for this great and inspiring interview, and for sharing your artistic journey and inspiration! We wish you continued joy, inspiration and success with your art and in your life!
You can find Christa's wonderful original artwork in her Etsy shop and in her Dawanda shop and you can get to know more about her work and her colorful world in her lovely blog.

©AnnukCreations

ROMANTIC WINTER VILLAGE ART

The lovely picture I chose for my Christmas greetings yesterday is a painting by Italian artist Marino Di Fazio, so with this occasion I would like to show you more of the work by this talented native Genoan painter who specializes in lovely naif scenes from the Italian province! These naif, sweet, peaceful and timeless snow scenes from Northern Italian villages touch my heart... because this is my little world in the Alps! I feel like I have already walked through many of these scenes... Enjoy!

Artist Interview: STEPHMEL

Welcome to my April Artist Interview!
My new interview takes me to Athens, Greece, where I meet Stephania, the talented artist and lovely person behind Stephmel and le Petit Foyer. As soon as I ran across Stephania's photographic work on Etsy, I was bewitched. I love the dreamy, nostalgic atmospheres Stephania is able to achieve with her photographic artwork, the often oniric character of her images takes me back to long lost atmospheres and to childhood dreams. Her images touch me deeply, they speak directly to the heart, they bring back memories and convey feelings and evoke atmospheres.
Stephania is a full-time working artist and she keeps a workshop and small gallery in her native city, Athens. Mostly known as a photographer on Etsy, Stephania is an exquisite and passionate painter as well, which explains the painting-like character and feel of her photography. And it is very interesting to know that her main profession is related to Eastern Orthodox religious art, where she works in painting and restoring icons.
She tells me: "I wanted to add that I am a huge fan of your country too, which I have visited many times and will never feel tired visiting again :) I also have Italian roots from the part of my father. I guess that my love is obvious in my photo gallery :)"
Meet Stephania! Here she shares her artistic journey and inspiration with us!
Welcome Stephania!

Nocturne

- How did you choose the lovely names for your two Etsy Shops, Stephmel (for your photographic art shop) and le Petit Foyer (for your jewelry shop)?

- Stephmel is composed of the first letters of my name that I combined with the first letters of the name of my beloved dog Melody, my sweet companion for eight years now. Melody has followed me patiently in many photo sessions since my first steps in photography and I just felt to show her my gratitude this way.
Le Petit Foyer was a result of a longer search. Before starting my jewellery shop, I had dreamed of a little corner with warm artistic atmosphere and lovely handmade things with a vintage nostalgic feel. This finally recalled to me the foyer of a small theater where visitors can visually enjoy a relaxing break and watch things happening offstage. I also love the sound of French words, so this was my favourite and most representative name.

Passage

- How did you first come to art and creativity? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?

- As a child I was encouraged from my family to express myself creatively. During my early childhood years, I discovered the magical world of images and the endless possibilities that come by holding a pen and a blank piece of paper. I can't specify a certain moment when this journey began. It was there for as long as I remember myself.

Oblivion

- You express yourself artistically through both photography and painting. What does each of these mediums mean to you?

- Painting and photography help me both to visualise my inner world.
Painting is more a monologue, a confession. It needs isolation, self-discipline and concentration.
Photography is a dialogue, to discover the hidden poetry in the world around. It is my personal escape and gives me a great feeling of freedom with its endless possibilities.

Awakening

- When and how did you realize art was your real life path?

- As I mentioned before, I had always the feeling of walking along this path.
Through my school years, I used to draw in my free time and read books about art and painters. During college, I took art classes and finally discovered the mystic appeal of icon painting along with my partner some years later.
Photography came much later, when I received a Nikon D80 as a present and started experimenting in this field.

Morning Dance

- What are your main sources of inspiration?

- I find incredible inspiration in urban living and all things that suggest the traces of human presence - old decayed buildings, dark empty streets, train journeys, harbours, street markets after closing time, abandoned places, but also in poetry, music and my own dreams and emotions among others. In my photos, I often try to capture the certain mood of a poem or a song.

Nostalgia

- What do you like most about the creative process in both photography and painting?

- The creative process in both of them is an exciting experience.
In photography, I particularly enjoy to recreate my images with digital methods, so that the final result reflects my own mood and feeling. I often like to give them a painting-like effect and a poetic, dream-like atmosphere.

Midnight Blues

- You also create beautiful vintage inspired jewelry with a romantic and nostalgic touch, which you sell in your other Etsy Shop Le Petit Foyer. In some of your pieces you incorporate lovely miniature paintings, can you tell us a bit about that?

- Thank you for your kind words. I started making jewellery quite recently, when I introduced my first photo-necklaces, trying to make my work more accessible. This attempt had a warm response and so le Petit Foyer started. Creating romantic jewellery with a nostalgic touch gives me a huge pleasure as it drives me back to my childhood. In my hand painted miniatures I choose whimsical and nostalgic themes, such as teacups, hot air balloons, owls and anything that can be part of an imaginary world. I plan to work more on this section in the future.

Path To Nowhere

- How has life affected your art and art affected your life?

- I always like to put feeling and soul in my work. Art is my refuge in sad and happy moments. It is also my every day's job and hobby. I could never imagine my life without it.

Moonrise

- Art is about light and color! What are your favourite colors?

- The refreshing sea green, the mystical quality of cobalt blue, the rich burgundy, the deeper shades of purple are among my obsessions. In photography I love the range of black and white tones accented with sepia for a nostalgic result.

And The Moon and The Stars and The World

- Did you have a formal training in the arts or photography or attend art/photography courses?

- I have a degree in History of French Art. During my college years I attended courses of drawing and painting in a private school. In photography I am self-taught.

Venezia

- Do you have a studio or home studio or particular part of your home you have devoted to your artwork? Besides your online shops, you also have a “physical” workshop and gallery in Athens, can you tell us a little about it?

- I recently moved back to my old family house which I converted into a workspace. There is a large room for painting and printing and many more little corners for other jobs. There is also a small apartment at the basement where my family business is settled. We use it mainly as a gallery and showcase. I feel really privileged to be able to devote as much time and space as I need for my creative activities, which had been one of the big dreams of my childhood years.

Over The Aegean Sea

Thank you dear Stephania for this really beautiful and inspiring interview, and for sharing your artistic journey and inspiration! We wish you continued joy, inspiration and success with your art and in your life.

Choosing an artist's artwork to show in the interview is always a hard task for me, but this time it's been particularly difficult because I feel a soul connection with each and every one of your photographs.

You can find Stephania's wonderful photographic artwork in her Etsy shop Stephmel, and her beautiful handmade jewelry in her Etsy shop le Petit Foyer.

Ricordami

©AnnukCreations

Artist Interview: SUSAN FAYE

Welcome to my March Artist Interview!
Susan is a talented artist based in Oregon, US. She works under her own brand Susan Faye. Susan creates vibrant and colorful artwork that is inspired by the wonderful nature she's surrounded by, and by animals, and I have fallen in love with her absolutely unique portraits of Cat Ladies with thir beloved kitties! I'm sure you are going to be enchanted too! Apart from her original artwork and art prints, she creates wonderful jewelry and gift items featuring her original designs. Susan's beautiful and colorful world includes her "son, family, and friends, Mother Nature, hiking, bird watching, blogging, sewing, photography, gardening, writing, and watercolor painting. Oh yes, and CATS!". Meet Susan! Here she shares her artistic journey and inspiration with us!
Welcome Susan!

Cat Mom No 15

- How did you first come to art and creativity? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?

Like most artists, it goes back as far as I can remember. I was lucky to be born into a creative family where crayons and paper were always at hand. My carpenter dad's creative outlet was creating artistic furniture and wood carvings, while my mother was a whiz at the needle arts. I learned to draw, paint, sew, knit, embroider, etc. at a very early age.

Knitting Cat Lady

- When and how did you realize this was your real life path?

Growing up, I was equally drawn to science, math, and journalism, but art and designing always seemed to win out. I began selling my designs at age 21 and have been doing it ever since.

Black Cat Quality Time Wearable Art

- Your main sources of inspiration are animals, in particular cats. Is there a particular reason for choosing them as your “muse” for your artwork?

I’ve always been enchanted by cats — I love their beautiful markings and soft fur, their quirky personalities and their apparent ongoing inner battle between devotion and detachment -- a perfect match for my whimsical art style!

Library Cat Personalized Bookplates

- We share a great love for animals and cats in particular, how do you express this in your artwork?

I think that cats and dogs in general have a childlike sense of wonder and joy, and those are qualities that I try to express in my artwork.

Raindrops and Kitten No 2

- I love the way you depict the special bond between a human and her or his feline friend. As Cat Ladies we know how special that love bond is. How do you capture the special relationship between a Cat Lady and her beloved kitty?

I think I just base my images on my own experience with animals in general. Sharing your life with an animal teaches you patience and compassion -- two qualities that the human race could use a bit more of sometimes (myself included)...!

Southwest Vista Wearable Art

- Apart from animals, what are your main sources of inspiration?

My inspiration comes from Mother Nature in general--beautiful colors, textures, patterns, even whimsy-- it's all there if you take the time to appreciate it!

Calico Cutie Wearable Art

- In addition to your original art and art prints, you create amazing jewelry featuring your art. What do you like most about wearable art?

Personal adornment goes back for thousands of years-- it seems to be a very common means of self-expression in every culture. I like that it is a way to express on the outside what you are feeling on the inside.

Purple Tulips Wearable Art

- Tell us a bit about the other gift items you create using your art designs...

I'm currently re-discovering the joy of sewing and designing fabric gift items. The ability to now have my watercolor artwork professionally printed on fabric through Spoonflower.com is a dream com true. So far I've designed sachets, catnip toys, keyrings, magnets, and bookmarks and I've just designed my first art doll!

Cottage Cat Tangerine

- How has life affected your art and art affected your life?

Being an exceedingly shy person who has trouble being verbal, art has given me a voice and sense of self from a very young age. I don't know what I would do without it!

Black Cat Wearable Art

- Art is about light and color! What are your favorite colors?

I seem to be attracted to jewel-tones a lot, but it's hard to pick out favorites--it totally depends on my mood and frame of mind. Currently I'm enjoying turquoise, aqua, sage and mint green and earthtones.

Library Cat Lady Wearable Art

- Did you have a formal training in the arts or attend art courses?

I took a few art classes in college, and took a series of watercolor workshops about 12 years ago. I'm mostly self-taught through art books, and now through tutorials on the web.

Deluxe Calico Cat Toy

- Do you have a studio or home studio or particular part of your house you have devoted to your artwork? Where do you create your artwork?

I have a spare room in the back of my house that is my studio, although my arts and crafts projects seem to creep into every room of the house!

Siamese Garden Cat Wearable Art

Thank you dear Susan for such a beautiful and inspiring interview and for sharing your artistic journey and inspiration! There is a lot of passion in what you do, and it really shows! We wish you continued joy, inspiration and success with your life and art.

You can find Susan's great artwork in her Etsy shop Susan Faye. And you can get to know more about her art and her colorful world in her lovely blog... an absolute "must" for any Cat Lady or cat lover!

©AnnukCreations