Interview

Written By Adelé Kotzé

Donna Andronicos

Donna has been painting for approximately 15 years but has only recently taken steps towards building her artwork into more than just a hobby. This increased focus has seen an evolution in her artwork that has moved towards stronger, bolder and more colourful creations. Donna's artworks have been published in high end contemporary art magazines such as The FLUX Review, Artists Close Up and Art Seen. Her work includes contemporary original artworks, bespoke art commissions and a range of high quality limited edition art prints.

 

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“I've spent most of my life working within the corporate world in both the UK and New Zealand. My journey with painting started as a result of a low point, around 15 years ago, when I was recuperating from a particularly stressful time at work as a result of workplace bullying. A friend at the time suggested painting as a way to help me to get back to my old self - and the rest is history as they say! Since then, painting, and photography, have both played a key role in helping me to come out the other side following sad or stressful times in my life. It's only been in the last 2 years that I've considered turning my hobby into something more. It was a moment of clarity that asked the question "If not now, when?"”

What inspires you?

“For as long as I can remember, I've always been fascinated by colours, shapes, shadows and textures - so the landscape around me has always been a source of inspiration. Seeing how it changes, moves and evolves with the seasons, the arc of the sun, different tones of sunlight during the day, the weather etc. I've also always had an interest in all things spiritual and ‘other worldly.’ From customer reviews I've received, I think, without realising it, that aspects of this side of my life have also comes through in some of my paintings too. I'm always experimenting with different colour palettes and techniques too. Feeling my way through the creative process until something clicks in to place, and a piece is ‘finished.’ My artwork evolves naturally, usually with no confirmed ‘end point’ in mind. I like having that freedom as part of my creative process, because for me, it reflects the natural evolution of the very things that inspire my artworks in the first place.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“I don't really have any key themes or underlying messages in mind when I start a new artwork. For me, my main hope is that my art stimulates a sensory response for the viewer, in the same way they it did for me during its creation - but, in a way that is personal and meaningful to them. I love to hear how people connect to one of my artworks; for example, the memories it brings to mind or what they can ‘see’ in a piece - all of which come from their own personal experiences in life. If all I achieve through my art is it to bring to mind a happy memory, a calming ambience to a room or to make someone smile when they stop for a moment to look at their artwork, then for me, I'll have achieved what I set out to do. Nothing complicated - I just love the idea that a little slice of my creation bring happiness to other people.”

How would you describe your work?

“My work spans both the soft and subtle and the bright and bold. Some pieces have a subtle voice inviting the viewer to gaze for a while to see what they can see within the artwork. Others are a little more assertive with bold swipes of colour. I think there's a simplicity to my work that reflects it's reason for being. It's uncomplicated and simple in what it wants to achieve - an emotional or sensory response for the viewer.”

Which artists influence you most?

“I'd love to say that I was, or am influenced by specific artists but I'm afraid I can't. Throughout my life, I've enjoyed the artwork of many artists, so it's natural I guess to assume that aspects of what I love about their work or approach may have influenced me over time - but I couldn't put my finger on a particular artist that has influenced me more than another. From the classical painters to modern day contemporary artists - I love to drink them all in. A valuable lesson I did learn however before I decided to turn my hobby into a business, is that whilst it's good to be influenced by other artists, it's also important to find your own creative style and ‘voice.’ In the early days, I'd find myself so influenced by other artists' work that I found it influencing my own creative style. If the outcome didn't look the same or similar, this of course, would only lead to disappointment. Letting go of that expectation of myself, and finding my own creative voice was a key turning point for me. Now, I can still enjoy other artists' work but still find my own creative path and practice.”

“For as long as I can remember, I've always been fascinated by colours, shapes, shadows and textures - so the landscape around me has always been a source of inspiration.”

What is your creative process like?

“My creative process usually starts with a particular colour pallet in mind or a thought process which usually starts with the question "I wonder what would happen if..."

Sometimes, I just wake up with an idea in mind and follow that idea through to it's natural conclusion to see if it works or not. When I've finished a painting, I usually walk away from it for a couple of days and come back to look at it again with fresh eyes. This is often when the first photos are taken. It's amazing how looking at an artwork in a photo can often reveal where it's working, or not. You just know when a piece has come together or when there's something - that small something that you can't quite put your finger on. Any artworks that are still searching for that missing piece will stay there until the finishing touches are revealed to me. When a piece has been completed, I then look for mini stories within the main painting- like chapters within a book. These, along with the main painting often then become a series of giclee art prints.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“The artist's role in society has always been an evolving one, whether influenced by the artist's time, politics, or the introduction of new technology such as photography, and the influence that this brought with it. Art, like many creative practices, helps us to see our world not only as we would like to see it, but as it actually is. I admire artists who are able to use their artwork as a way to reflect important social or environmental issues in our world - and I think art as a communication medium will always have an important role to play in this narrative.”

Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?

“One upcoming exhibition I have that I'm quite excited about is the FLUX Review Exhibition, 25-28 July in Marylebone, London. This will be my first London exhibition and I'm really looking forward to meeting and mingling with some exceptional artists. It's a privilege to be invited to be part of the FLUX family!.”

 
Adelé Kotzé
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