What are your main concerns?

My practice is influenced by mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and stress which often result in obsessions, being repetitive and nervous. Emotions triggered by moments of frustration, feeling down and overwhelmed by even everyday usual activities are filtered out and put into context, thus creating a sense of relief for me. This links to my dissertation entitled Turning depression and anxiety into a form of productive creativity.

 

 

What are your biggest influences?

One of my most favourite artist which inspires me is Yayoi Kusama. Her childhood, the way she dealt with her life events and of course her artworks, which in my opinion are masterpieces, have influenced me massively. Generally, I seek inspiration from my surroundings, which could range from my daily natural environment to personal experiences that have occurred. Some artists that have influenced my practice this year are Tomas Saraceno, Marco Casagrande, Tony Cragg, Gertrude Louise Goldshmidt, Latifa Echakhch and Peter Kogler.

 

 

What’s the first thing you do? What’s your process?

I am interested in translating thoughts and complexities of my brain into drawings, which could be viewed as ‘think clouds’- how I personally interpret and imagine emotions, thoughts and feelings in my brain could be portrayed in an abstract way. It is my journey of trying to navigate my thoughts. Therefore, by structuring the emotions I feel, the outcome is a therapeutic repetitive pattern of continuous bold black lines. The fact that all my work is monochrome has its significance, as it emphasises the dynamism and the energy I want to portray to the audience. Definitely scale is a significant component of my work. I am also currently working on wire sculptures that are a response to the drawings.

 

 

What do you like most about the studio?

The studios are a very friendly environment where you can socialise with the rest of the year groups whilst working on your own work. Being able to have a conversation and exchange thoughts and ideas with people who share similar interests with you is a bonus for me.

 

 

How has your work changed?

My work has changed massively during my studies in the UK over the past three years. It was a drastic change of environment and my daily working routine compared to Cyprus, where I live. Being able to research books in the modern libraries provided here and visit art exhibitions in the UK is a blissful opportunity. Additionally, interacting daily with my friends from studio has improved my thoughts and ideas about creating artwork.

 

 

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I intend on going back home to Cyprus so I can carefully research what I would benefit from most. Due to the fact that I want to learn more practical skills, a short-term course or a Masters at a university in London could potentially be ideal.