Interview
Devora Otuonie
Devora Otuonie is a renowned artist and designer with over a decade of experience in the creative industry. With a background in both art and design, she holds degrees in artist-photography from the Kiev National University of Technology and Design and in clothing and accessories design from the Kiev National University of Culture and Arts. Her artistic journey is driven by a passion for realism, capturing not just physical likeness but the emotions, stories, and essence of her subjects. Specializing in Realism Portraits, she seeks to explore and convey the depth of human experience through intricate detail and the powerful use of light and shadow. Her work invites viewers to reflect on the simple beauty of everyday life, especially the moments often overlooked by society. Her work has been recognized internationally, earning multiple awards at regional, provincial, and national levels. She has exhibited her art in prestigious venues, including Les Couleurs Art Gallery and White’s Art Gallery in Miami, and has been invited to showcase her pieces at Florida International University (FIU). Throughout her career, Devora has collaborated with notable brands such as Dior, Jo Malone, Acqua di Parma, and Creed, blending her artistic vision with the worlds of fashion and luxury. She is also an active member of artistic and social communities, participating in various charitable events and initiatives. Now living in the United States, Devora continues to evolve her artistic practice, pushing the boundaries of realism while staying deeply committed to the emotional and narrative aspects of her work.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I am an artist and designer with over a decade of experience in the creative industry. I hold a degree in artist-photography from Kiev National University of Technology and Design and later specialized in clothing and accessories design at Kiev National University of Culture and Arts. Throughout my career, I have been actively involved in artistic and social communities, contributing to various charitable events and organizations. My work has earned multiple awards at regional, provincial, and national levels, reflecting my dedication and passion for the arts. Now based in the United States, I continue to expand and evolve my creative pursuits.”
What inspires you?
“I find inspiration in the beauty of everyday moments, human emotions, and the stories people carry within them. My work is deeply influenced by the contrast between simplicity and depth - how ordinary experiences can hold profound meaning, especially for those who lack access to a good life or even basic comforts. I am also inspired by the interplay of light and shadow, the elegance of nature, and the emotions captured in a single glance. Ultimately, my art is a way of celebrating the resilience, beauty, and uniqueness of the human spirit.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“The themes I pursue revolve around human emotions, personal experiences, and the beauty found in everyday moments. My work captures the depth of individual stories, highlighting the contrast between simplicity and significance - how small, seemingly ordinary moments can hold profound meaning, especially for those who lack comfort or opportunities in life. The underlying message in my work is to remind people of the value in what is often overlooked. I aim to evoke empathy, connection, and appreciation for the emotions and experiences that define us as humans. Through realism, I seek to preserve the fleeting, intimate moments that reveal the resilience, joy, and complexity of the human spirit.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is a blend of realism and emotional depth, capturing the essence of human experiences through detailed portraiture. I focus on portraying raw emotions, personal stories, and the beauty of everyday moments, emphasizing the significance of what might otherwise be overlooked. My art is not just about visual accuracy but about evoking a connection - drawing viewers into the subject’s world and allowing them to feel the emotions embedded in each piece. Through careful attention to light, texture, and expression, I strive to create artwork that is both visually compelling and deeply meaningful. I use a refined balance of light and shadow to create depth, enhancing the realism while also evoking a certain atmosphere or mood. My color palette and composition choices are intentional, designed to emphasize not just physical features but also the subject’s spirit and the emotions they carry. Through this approach, my portraits become more than just images - they tell stories, evoke empathy, and invite viewers to connect with the humanity of the person depicted.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I draw inspiration from artists who masterfully capture human emotion, light, and realism. The works of Rembrandt and Caravaggio influence my use of chiaroscuro, bringing depth and drama to my portraits. I admire John Singer Sargent for his ability to convey personality and movement with seemingly effortless brushstrokes, as well as Andrew Wyeth for his introspective realism and ability to infuse everyday scenes with deep emotional resonance. Contemporary artists also inspire me, particularly those who push the boundaries of realism while maintaining a strong emotional connection in their work. Their ability to blend technical mastery with storytelling continues to shape my artistic approach.”
“My work is a blend of realism and emotional depth, capturing the essence of human experiences through detailed portraiture.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process begins with a deep connection to the subject - whether it’s a person, an emotion, or a moment I want to capture. I take time to observe and understand the nuances of the subject, often engaging in conversations or spending time in their environment to truly feel what they experience. This helps me grasp the essence of what I want to express in the artwork. Once I have a clear emotional connection, I move to sketching. I start with rough outlines, focusing on the proportions and positioning of the subject. Then, I refine the details gradually, layering textures and working through the composition. I pay close attention to light and shadow, as this is crucial for bringing the subject to life and creating the desired mood. I often work with photographs as reference points, but my focus is always on capturing the soul of the subject, not just their physical appearance. Throughout the process, I constantly step back to ensure the emotional depth is present in every detail - whether it’s a subtle expression or a shift in light. The final piece is never just about technique; it’s about evoking a feeling and creating a connection between the viewer and the subject. Each portrait is a journey, both for me as an artist and for the viewer as they connect with the story being told.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist’s role in society is inherently transformative - art has always been a vehicle for change, growth, and connection. Historically, artists have been visionaries, giving voice to the silenced, documenting history, and questioning societal structures. In a deeper sense, an artist acts as a conduit between the individual and the collective, capturing the raw truths of human existence - our fears, joys, struggles, and triumphs - allowing society to see itself with greater clarity and complexity. In a world increasingly driven by technology and instant gratification, art offers a space for reflection, introspection, and emotional depth. It serves as a counterbalance to the fast pace of modern life, urging people to slow down and engage with the deeper currents of experience. The artist challenges the status quo, holding up a mirror to the world to expose uncomfortable truths, while also inspiring hope, change, and innovation.
Artists push boundaries - of perception, of tradition, and of possibility - inviting others to see the world from different perspectives, to question preconceived notions, and to reimagine what is possible. Looking forward, the role of the artist will continue to evolve alongside the technological and social shifts of society. Art’s capacity to heal, unite, and challenge will only grow more relevant. In an age where media, digital culture, and artificial intelligence dominate much of our reality, artists will increasingly be tasked with preserving humanity’s emotional and spiritual depth. They will be the ones who remind us of our shared experiences and essential humanity. This new wave of art will be born from not just traditional methods, but also from the possibilities of virtual spaces, interactive mediums, and collaborations across disciplines. The artist will no longer be confined to a single medium or space; instead, they will use technology as a tool to bring deeper, more immersive experiences that touch on universal truths in ways we are only beginning to understand. In essence, the role of the artist will continue to evolve in response to the world, but their underlying purpose remains constant: to deepen our understanding of ourselves, to challenge our limitations, and to inspire growth within both the individual and society.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Yes, I have been fortunate to showcase my work at several noteworthy exhibitions. Some of the highlights include: Les Couleurs Art Gallery (Miami) – A significant exhibition where my pieces were featured alongside works by other contemporary artists, allowing me to connect with a wider audience and gain recognition within the Miami art scene. White’s Art Gallery (Miami) – Another important venue where my art was displayed, contributing to the diverse mix of traditional and modern styles that the gallery is known for. FIU Art Exhibition – I was honored to be invited to exhibit at Florida International University, where my work was part of a curated show that explored themes of human connection and emotion. These exhibitions have been pivotal moments in my career, providing opportunities to engage with both the art community and collectors, as well as pushing me to continue refining my artistic voice.”
Website: devora5.godaddysites.com
Instagram: @debbyart_
