FEATURED ARTIST :: yevgenia

 It never ceases to amaze me how much talent I come across on a daily basis, just from wandering around Etsy.   Being a stay at home mom at this time in my life, I don't often get opportunities to peruse art galleries.  Thank heavens for Etsy and the internet, my window into art that is not created by my 2-year-old.  I recently discovered Yevgenia's work through her Etsy shop and am so thrilled she took a moment to answer my questions!  You can also take a look at her incredible artwork on www.yevgenia.com.  You will be amazed.  I also love that she's a fellow Murakami addict!  Without further ado, let's meet Yevgenia!

.......................... the interview .........................

The first 3 random words that pop into your mind:
Dash
Splash
Hurrah

What's your favorite read of all time?
Anything Haruki Murakami, but specifically “The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle”.




Any guilty pleasures?
Very dark chocolate. But who said it’s gotta be guilty. Isn’t it good for ya?

If you could be any place in the world right now, where would it be?
It’s a toss up between London and Paris. I’d go back to either city any time…

(Ok, now onto business)
How would you describe your work?
It’s definitely playful, whimsical, colorful and complex in a child-like way.

How long have you been at it?
I started this kind of craft 2 years ago when I needed to figure out a birthday present for my dad. What do you get for person who’s seen it all - definitely something meaningful from the heart. But since his walls are covered with my paintings I wanted the present to be functional, so he’d think of me every time he uses it. After that I moved on to everything else in the house, including sinks, lamps, glass wall partitions and so on. At this point all our cups, dishes, vases and containers at home are hand painted by me.

So for you, is it an innate talent or practice makes perfect?
I have to say both. I always have visuals in my head of how I want the final product to look like. But it takes a lot of practice to actually make it happen exactly how I want it. I do not sketch the design before I start a piece, so it’s a work from scratch each time.

Do you dabble in any other forms of art?
Yes, I am a multi-media artist, making sculptures and installations with background in painting. I’ve been doing art ever since I can remember myself. My most recent series are 3 dimensional translucent paintings with architectural structures done on old reclaimed windows. They lit up and serve as an art object and a light fixture at the same time.  You can check out my art at www.yevgenia.com

From where/how do you find inspiration?
I always draw inspiration from my childhood memories, stories, book illustrations that are vividly imprinted in my mind, but also from maps (all kinds of maps) and nature.

Share something about your creative process that most people wouldn't know.
I start creating by thinking what would I kill for to have in my house that I haven’t seen in stores. I think of an object, and then scout for it either in the attic, thrift stores or anywhere else. I treat each project as making a painting. I want to be captivated when looking at it.

What was your most memorable creative experience?
Collaborating with my husband, a wonderful talented artist, Carlos Carrillo, on an installation show we had at Dumbo, Brooklyn 2 years ago. It was a dream come true to develop a vision together and work through all the obstacles and challenges to make it happen. It was the most wonderful 3-day creative marathon.

What do you do when your inspiration and creativity is tapped?
First I freak out, and then I work through it, thinking that there is always something to be imagined. And if it doesn’t work I switch gears for a little while. Long walks, riding my stationary-bike (I can actually daydream on it) or running helps tremendously, that’s when I work out any issues I have.

Any memorable low points that you've learned from?
3 days ago I couldn’t figure out the design that would work on a new liquor bottle I got. It was an angular geometric shape, which is different from curvy, round objects I usually find. And I hit a wall. That was 3 days if intense workouts. ☺

When not hard at work on your designs, what would we most likely find you doing?
Reading or cooking, love cooking! Or playing with my 2 cats and a dog.


In a parallel universe where you are not an amazing artist, what would you be?
I’d be a cook!

What are some of your favorite etsy shops?
dadaya.etsy.com
LondonParticulars.etsy.com
Stepanka.etsy.com
elementclaystudio.etsy.com
kjoo.etsy.com

What's at the top of your etsy wish list?
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40291719
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23599016
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36254112
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8799537
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40919719






And, as a fun tribute to my inner psychologist, what might this be?  

Deep well










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Yevgenia, thank you so much for sharing your inspiring thoughts and art with us!