Interview with August Feature Artist Victoria Kiamos

Our August Feature Artist is Victoria Kiamos.

In an interview with us, Victoria discusses her earliest memories of making art, the inspiration behind her portraits, and what aspects of life have most significantly shaped her work.

Victoria’s opening is on August 3rd from 6-8pm.

What is your first memory of creating artwork and what drew you to visual art initially?

When I was a child I didn't have paints so initially I was drawing on walls and doors with charcoal from the fireplace. I also had the idea of making dolls using my grandmother's sheared wool and freshly laundered sheets to express my creativity.

Many of your pieces are portraits that seem to emanate a sense of serenity and connection. What inspires you to create these portraits and what are the ideas behind them?

I associate portraits with feelings.
When I see an expression that gets my attention it gets stuck in my mind. When I paint portraits they are from memory capturing that expression or face.

What aspects of your life have most significantly shaped your work?

My years in Brooklyn, Greece, and motherhood.

How did you learn about The Collaborative and what have you learned in the process of preparing for your opening?

I learned about it though my daughter. I mostly give my paintings away to family and friends so it was a challenge to keep them for the show.