Page 128 - KANAVA_2022

PAROS ARTS

The human
figure serves
as an important lead the way in order to finish. Although not so MY STUDIO IN LEFKES IS
structural element intense, the work in this second period is more
in her art and delicate and sensitive, usually taking twice as long. MY SANCTUARY.
research and is In summer, Lefkes is full of life and many
often the central WHEN I WALK IN AND
protagonist in her times your studio is open. Is the dialogue
work. with the people who pass by and discover you CLOSE THE DOOR,
interesting for an artist who lives permanently
on a Greek island? I FEEL INSULATED FROM
Having the studio open for people to visit is
something I enjoy. It's an opportunity to share THE CRAZY WORLD
my artwork with so many interesting people, and OUTSIDE.
I love the conversations about the art I develop.
Very often, the contacts I make with visitors lead
to positive effects on my art practice.
I think studio visits are also a unique way for It depends on the time of year. In springtime, I
people to discover an artist and learn about their love to take long walks in the hills around Lefkes
artwork. Usually, the first opportunity people get and enjoy the beautiful flowers and wild herbs
to experience new artworks is when they visit an that carpet the countryside with their colours and
exhibition space or gallery environment. Visiting scent. During the warm summer my favourite place
the studio, meeting the artist, and being personally is the beach, very early in the morning, before it
exposed to the creative process offers the audience gets busy. Swimming in the fresh, crystal clear
a more intimate experience that allows them to sea is the best way to wake up and approach your
view the art and the artist's practice through a day. In autumn, wherever you are on the island,
different window of understanding. it's time to enjoy the famous Aegean light. I can
The only downside to having an open studio is get lost for hours watching the hues and tones
that I can't work when I have visitors, so I need as the light reflects across the sky and reacts
to limit the opening times. For now, I have the with the landscape. Winter on Paros is a time
studio open for visitors in August. If anyone wants to find yourself. Almost empty of people, I like
to visit at a different time, they're welcome, but to wander the quiet village streets and visit the
they should first contact the studio to make an calm seaside towns. Hassle-free and unrushed
appointment. with just time to enjoy.
You said somewhere that you are trying to As for the island evolving, I think it's inevitable.
make the best art you can. Does your lifestyle The more popular Paros becomes, the more it
in Paros help you or would internal discipline will need to change. But as long as we're careful
push you on this path wherever you lived? with its evolution and apply any changes with
Wherever I've lived, I've always had a strong control and thoughtfulness, there's no reason
internal drive to create art. Living and working these changes can't have positive effects on the
as an artist on Paros has made it much easier to island. Change makes life exciting.
access this drive and concentrate on developing Is there a creative inspiration shelter in Paros
my practice and studio. to which you return at every opportunity?
There are fewer distractions on Paros, than in the My studio in Lefkes is my sanctuary. When I walk
busy urban environments, which makes it easier to in and close the door, I feel insulated from the
find space for yourself and focus on your creativity. crazy world outside. I leave all my worries and
There's also a peacefulness that encourages you distractions behind and get excited about the
to slow down and notice the transient things that peaceful space and freedom inside. Being in the
might otherwise get overlooked. Paros is a place studio is very calming and the perfect place for
where you can experience yourself without the need me to focus and be creative. •
to respond to the pressures of the outside world.
A place where you can breathe your own breath. www.angelikavaxevanidou.com
What are your favorite places in Paros that Instagram: @angelikavaxevanidou
you hope will not change over time? Email: studio@angelikavaxevanidou.com

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