Page 64 - Winter Issue

You've studied and exhibited in multiple countries, including time spent in New Zealand, South Korea,
Albania, and Greece. How have these international experiences influenced your artistic vision and
practice?
My residencies in Greece and New Zealand have been transformative experiences. Exhibiting internationally has
contributed greatly to my artistic growth, but the ecoSuites Art Residency at Tristinika Beach, Greece, in 2023 had a
particularly deep impact. There, I learned how valuable collaboration is in the art world and met amazing artists who
supported me and whose experiences I still rely on. Being part of an artistic community helps us connect and learn from
one another, which is essential for our growth.
Nature and intimacy are central themes in your work. How did you arrive at the intersection of these
themes, and how do they inform each other in your paintings?
Nature and intimacy are central themes in my work, intertwining through my exploration of organic textures and
structures. This emphasis on nature allows me to create a dialogue about intimacy, inviting viewers to engage with the
subtle beauty of their surroundings. In my paintings, intimacy is not just a personal experience; it reflects our connection
to the natural world and fosters a deeper understanding of ourselves and our environment.
Could you walk us through the process of developing your art pieces?
In my Nature and Intimacy series, I focus on the connection between natural forms and emotions, exploring how these
motifs can reflect intimacy and even eroticism. A clear example is my painting Tulip, which evoked strong reactions. I
discovered that colors and shapes profoundly influence our perception of beauty and intimacy: the tulip’s pistil has a
naturally phallic shape, and with the addition of red hues, the entire painting took on an erotic tone. Through this piece,
I wanted to show how natural elements can effortlessly evoke deeper, personal associations related to intimacy.
How does spending time off-grid on eco-projects shape the way you depict nature in your work?
Even after years, my experiences off-grid are vivid because of their intensity. In France, for example, I was surprised
when a farm owner offered me a 'cappuccino,' which turned out to be fresh milk frothed directly from the goat into my
coffee. It was one of the best cappuccinos I've ever had and gave me a new perspective on simple, direct interactions
with nature. Moments like these show the beauty in basic connections to the environment.

Hope I - Oil on canvas, 70x50cm, 2024

Hope II - Oil on canvas, 70x50cm, 2024

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