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Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Friday, April 1, 2011
Artist Interview: STEPHMEL
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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
©AnnukCreations
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Artist Interview: CHERRY BLOSSOM TATTOO
Today I'm traveling to Northern Ireland, where I meet Carrie, a talented artist and photographer, besides a sweet person and lovely friend. She works under her own brand Cherry Blossom Tattoo. Carrie creates bright, colorful photography art that reaveals her eye for beauty and the ability to see beauty even in the smallest details. A truly crafty girl, she has recently added fiber art to her shop. I love Carrie's shots, they capture such tiny details, making them look like abstract paintings and reminding us that Beauty is to be found in the smallest things. Here she shares her artistic journey and inspiration with us!
Welcome Carrie!
- How did you choose the lovely name for your Etsy Shop, Cherry Blossom Tattoo?
About 3 years ago I got a cherry blossom tattoo on my right wrist. It was after a trip to Japan, something I had wanted to do since I could remember. I felt at peace there and decided that maybe having a reminder to look at I would remember that feeling of being free, so far from home and really, truly being 'me'. So as my shop is my soul bared for all to see, me expressing myself - the name seemed to be the perfect synergy of these to ideals.
- How did you first come to art and creativity? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?
I am an only child and didn't have the happiest upbringing which lead me to withdraw into books, art and creating my own alternative world. I drew pictures of places I wished to be, animals I wanted to play with and I had imaginary friends. When my parents separated photographs became very important to me, I felt my family life was more disconnected - a lot of family lived in Canada as well and it was the best way to feel a tangible link.
- Why did you choose photography as your particular medium of creative expression?
Later in life at around 15 I developed double vision (no one knows why and it can't be fixed), I had loved art, particularly drawing, but that became understandably very difficult. I did do GSCE art and my teachers wanted me to A-level but I couldn't do the work in the allotted time. I was offered a course in photography for a year - you only need 1 eye to take a picture ;) The passion started then and has never diminished. With the arrival of the digital camera - it has become cheaper and more immediately gratifying than using film.
- When and how did you realize this was your real and greatest passion?
I got an A in that photography course and it boosted my confidence. My friends have been the biggest supporters and with them and family seeing me as the photographer in the group I felt I must be quite good. I see photographs everywhere I go and I guess that made me realise that it is a passion, I get annoyed when I miss a beautiful picture and now carry a camera almost everywhere :) At home it is always beside me, haha. My husband is always behind me and researching new lenses and accessories so he nurtures my passion and thus heightens it.
- What are your main sources of inspiration?
Nature of course but also the little details easily overlooked or things that people tend to think is ugly such as rust and decay. It is so enjoyable to change someone's opinion about an object. I adore colour; with my double vision I may not see an object clearly right away but colour is everywhere and that I can always appreciate.
- I know that besides your passion for photography you are quite a crafty girl, and you have recently added fiber art to your shop. Can you tell us a little about it?
Ever since I discovered my problem with my vision I have been very hard on myself - it is not going to stop me! I worked very hard and got good qualifications. At the same time it lead me to do things that should be too hard, such as tapestry and delicate intricate work. My fiber art is very difficult and I can only do it every now and then - it gives me horrendous headaches but it's worth it to conquer the disability. Plus I am very girlie girl and love pretty things :)
- How has life affected your art and art affected your life?
My lonely and painful childhood and vision problems has lead to me doing photography and my photography in the last years has really pushed me out of my shell. It has encouraged me to talk to people, to make friends online and meet truly soulful people like yourself Anna. I have chronic depression and acute anxiety and art makes me feel the world can be beautiful, that people can understand me and I can express myself clearly. People even have my pieces in their own homes - what a privilege.
I even did creative art therapy for 6 months and really do love all types of art form, I appreciate every discipline - there are so many talented people out there!
- Art is about light and color! What are your favourite colors?
Oh dear, I love colour! Favourite ones are hard to narrow down, what a hard question! I adore deep colours, jewel colours, I celebrate colour!! Rich reds and greens are my favourite.
- Did you have a formal training in photography or attend photography courses?
Just that 1 year intense GSCE apart from that I have read some books. But to be fair I do what I feel is right at that moment and could never teach anyone - it just happens. Holding my camera in my hand makes me calm - it's a beautiful feeling.
- Do you have a studio or home studio or particular part of your home you have devoted to your artwork?
My darling husband has prepared a gorgeous room for me in our new house. It is beautiful, comfortable and bright. He is my greatest supporter and encourages me every day. The room is a lovely sky blue so I feel like it is a lovely summer's day in there, it has 2 windows - so full of light and I have a very large white table, white shelves, a red chair and green rug. My Grandfather's handmade bookcase is in there too and gives me such joy and peace to look at.
Thank you dear Carrie for this wonderful and truly soulful interview, and for sharing your artistic journey, your inspiration and your beautiful inner world! And thank you for the great and inspiring message you are giving us with your work! We wish you continued joy, success and inspiration with your photography and art.
You can find Carrie's photography work in her Etsy shop Cherry Blossom Tattoo and you can get to know more about her world in her blog.©AnnukCreations
Monday, November 15, 2010
WHITE & BLUE... Aegean Dream
Here's some beautiful photographic and painted art by talented photographs and artists on Etsy showing the "white & blue" magic of the Greek Islands of the Aegean...
Baby Blue By The Sea by LJang Photography
And here is my "White & Blue" Greece-inspired jewelry...
SYMI WINDOW
MYKONOS TWIST
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