Page 126 - KANAVA_2022

PAROS ARTS

During an emotional and creative

journey, which she considers a work
in progress, Angelika Vaxevanidou has

produced multiple series of drawings
and artworks from her studio in Paros.

“I WANT TO LOOK

FOR FREEDOM”

Angelika Vaxevanidou

ANGELIKA VAXEVANIDOU WAS BORN in Dachau An abstract painting might only require a few strokes from
Germany in 1974 and moved with her family to Greece in the brush, whereas a realistic drawing might take weeks of
1976. After completing her studies in sculptural practice painstaking work. Although different in approach, both
at the Athens School of Fine Arts, she relocated to Paros, forms of art can require years of practice, developing
establishing her studio in Lefkes, the birthplace of her techniques, and mastering materials before achieving
grandmother. the desired results. In addition, the artist also has to
While her current work is predominantly drawing and understand their intentions, any context, and what it is
watercolour, the sculptor is still present in her technique, they want to express.
philosophy and approach. From miniscule mark-making, The audience the artwork is created for also affects
Angelika Vaxevanidou brings forms to life in arresting how demanding the process can be. For example, in my
portraits and figure studies that seem sculpturally solid personal practice, I also create commissioned portraiture
yet precarious: apt to blow away as they appear to be held for private clients. This audience has specific expectations
together with breath and air rather than material. The and requirements that place unique demands on the
human figure serves as an important structural element in creative process.
her art and research and is often the central protagonist How many hours it takes to create an artwork is also
in her work. difficult to answer accurately. My preferred approach is Angelika
How demanding is the process of creating a work of to work intensely on a project at the beginning until I see PHOTO: @TODDMARSHARD Vaxevanidou
art? How many hours can it take to complete in an the qualities I'm aiming to emerge. Depending on the size in her studio.
environment such as Lefkes? and complexity of the composition, this can take a few days
The process of creating an artwork is not easily measured. or a few weeks. Then I slow down and allow the artwork to

126 . KANA V A JOURNEY