Interview
Valeria Mashkova-Demetriou
Valeria started painting in 2013. Although her entire previous life and the complexity of challenges were a preparation and part of this path. Working on paintings gives her speed and intensity of internal and material change. She literally became a new person. Valeria can say that thanks to paintings, her life gained a lot of joy and happiness. This profession created her. It helped her to understand and master a unique way for a person to connect with a painting. That‘s how the method she uses was born.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I considered myself an artist from a young age. I adored fashion design, painted, drew clothes, but then stopped. I started my career in TV, then moved to creative and interior design. After a big gap, I started painting again as an adult. My life and the complexity of challenges were a preparation and part of this path. Working on paintings gives me speed and intensity of internal and material change. I literally become a new person. I can say that, thanks to painting, my life has gained a great deal of joy and happiness. This profession created me. It helped me understand and master a unique way for a person to connect with a painting. It took ten years to develop my method to transform energy into my work. I call it - ‘painting for self.’”
What inspires you?
“People inspire me. I know by experience that I will be challenged, it always takes time, but through the process the solution appears. This is my main inspiration.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“The goal of my art is to transform any type of energy into joy. My paintings develop through several layers. The colours and shapes change and become more intense and full. I know when to stop because the painting finishes itself, at the point of balance.”
How would you describe your work?
“It's always full of colours and energy. They are unique, alive, impossible to repeat. My work is not just for decoration, but more for individual transformation.”
Which artists influence you most?
“My influences are not limited to the art world. I get my inspiration from people like Christian Dior, Gabriel Marques, and Federico Fellini, their way of creation, their worldview and their life stories. I feel my soul belongs to beauty and culture. Artists which I feel connections with are Mikhail Vrubel, Amadeo Modigliani, Poul Gauguin.”
What is your creative process like?
“A new project starts when I hear or feel that something wants to appear in a material form. I paint layer by layer. I bring the image to a certain point of balance and beauty; the point where the work unexpectedly finishes itself.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I can't speak for all artists, everyone is different. For myself, it's important to stay honest, kind and to serve society with my paintings. I turn energy into a source which will serve the person. This kind of art liberates, envelops and heals.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Up until now I worked with clients on private commissions. I'm happy to say my work will be exhibited in London at The Holy Art, and Untitled Art Fair, in July 2026.”
