artist

Art by Mirree from Australia

In the realm of contemporary art, Mirree's work stands out as a true masterpiece. Her artistic style is truly unique, combining various techniques and mediums to create captivating pieces that leave a lasting impact on viewers. Mirree has a remarkable ability to evoke deep emotions through her art, making her highly sought-after by both art collectors and enthusiasts.

This is an interview with artist Mirree from Australia.

How would you describe yourself? And your artwork?

I would describe myself as an introvert that is highly creative and spiritual, although I am friendly and like to be social; I also like my own space. This is important to my work and the documentation of it. I am motivated by having deep meaning in my life that connects me with the natural world around me. I enjoy visiting the city and exotic places around the world because I love to travel and go to places I have not been to before but do not like to stay in the city for long periods of time. I like the peace and tranquillity of nature too much. I thrive on change and challenging myself to go to lengths I have not been to before, I think this keeps me on my toes. Plus it keeps things interesting and exciting because life can be dull sometimes. I long to feel the excitement of life and get bored easily when I am in the mundane world which is when I am not painting bright colours on the canvas, painting brings to light important information, experiences and feelings that need to be highlighted, this brings me immense happiness. I think if there is something in your life that you cannot live without or there is something that brings you out of a state of loneliness, despair or unhappiness that you can overcome on your own and only you, then perhaps you’ve found your calling. But it doesn’t stop there because it takes a lot of courage to follow through with that calling.

What drives you?

Coming from an Aboriginal background from my fathers side, nature has moved me in many different ways since I was a little girl from the landscape scenery from places that I visited, the animals I see and the feelings that swelled up from within me; spiritually connecting me to my Aboriginal roots. I can describe my feelings better when painting and the messages/stories that come with the paintings when I write them down, it’s an expression of this feeling. Also a particular interest in Birds and Sea life animals which are a favourite amongst others. The protection of their habitats for the continual survival of Gods creatures.

What is your definition of art?

Art is a way that you can learn about yourself and the world around you. I don’t think Art should be replicated but interpreted through the lens of the creator or the artist which comes from their own artistic expression. This artistic expression can only be found through years of years of practise which makes up their own signature art style. Art by Mirree www.artworksbymirree.com The reason I say this is because it gives you a time-line of a variety of experiments that you can look back upon about the artist which makes up all the different components and functions of that art piece which then the Artist can decide what needs to be improved upon. Also I believe Art should challenge viewers and move them in an emotional way that in turn expresses something that can stir up a memory or some kind of feeling that is yearning inside of them. You can call yourself an artist if you have this ability to move others with your Art, whether you want to shock people or raise awareness, at the core its always a form of expression that has no defining limits. Defining art doesn’t come down to just 1 thing but many, it is an essential part of our daily lives because it has the power to inspire, challenge and transform peoples hearts and minds which brings purpose and meaning.

Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration mainly comes from nature and music is what motivates me because I use to be a dancer for many years when I was a little girl so I became so use to listening to music to express rhythm and movement. This eventually translated into my Art through the form of painting which I fell in love with when I was 16 years old, after spending a few years studying drawing with mainly pencil and traditional materials such as charcoal. I then moved onto ink pens before discovering painting. I believe that is how my paintings progressively became so detailed, because my pencil or pen then became my brush which I knew I could learn to use in the same way but with a lot more expressive qualities.

How do you deal with artist's block?

I do not get this very often, I find it challenging enough to keep up with myself with all the ideas and inspiration I have that pours into me on a regular basis. I think Artist block comes when you are trying too hard to force an outcome. The best solution for this is stepping outside in nature to interrupt the mind of its thinking, so you can take yourself into a world that releases the pressures of the daily mundane life. We don’t have enough time to do this enough, so this can bring a feeling of calm and ease to your artists block which will release the tension of this force.

Where do you see your art going in ten years?

I see my Art expanding into places which I only feel like I’m beginning to comprehend at this moment in time. I always wanted to reach a worldwide audience of people from all parts of the world but I guess I did not realise how big this was to become. I feel that a world that is connected by the common thread of emotion places us all in a very real and practical experience that we can all have in common with one another. No one is beyond this experience or better for having ignored it; regardless of race, colour or religion. We are all connected in unity consciousness. If my Art continues to reach people and bring awareness of the importance of nature and this unity in another 10 years, then I would feel like we are continuing to build and progress more in our evolution. With a focus on love not hate and peace not war. I still want to keep it simple and not over-complicate things. My interest also remains in large-scaled works and animals related to culture throughout the world, not just in my backyard.

Best exhibition ever participated in…?

The most memorable exhibition was the “The Story of the Creatives” with See Me Gallery in 2013 when my ‘Dreamtime Day Owl’ Art was projected 40 stories high in New York City.

Greatest achievements so far…?

My greatest achievements so far has been to travel the world with my Art and also produce nearly 1000 pieces of Original Art so far in my lifetime and I’m only half way through my life so far. Most of these pieces have been produced in the past 10 years of my life. The most memorable has been to produce my 1st Collection of Original Paintings Called the “Dreamtime Collection” which began in 2012. After all this time, I am only releasing the collection now. The 1st of my larger-scaled Original Paintings. These works formed the foundation to my career and made it what it is today because of so many people worldwide having seen them and recognising their familiar nature or having purchased the products associated with the collection of paintings such as the Dreamtime Colouring Books or Card Deck and other products. 

Art by Mirree

www.artworksbymirree.com

Meet Elena Seroff a Contemporary New York-based Artist : Exhibitor Shanghai International Art Fair.

Elena Seroff is a contemporary New York-based artist who works in abstract painting, drawing, and printmaking. Born in 1975 in the coastal city Kaliningrad (Konigsberg), Elena developed a passion for art at a young age and dedicated herself to honing her craft. She spent her teenage years in Estonia. After finishing high school in Paldiskiy, Elena studied fashion design at LEX University in Tallinn. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Elena returned to her hometown, where she earned a diploma from the Art and Industry College in Decorative Art. In 1996, Elena immigrated to New York, where perspectives on art continued to develop and evolve. In 2010, she participated in the two-year program for figurative drawing at The National Academy and School of Fine Art and Chelsea Classical Studio in New York.

Despite being an impressionist artist, Elena decided to branch out and start creating abstract art. This new direction has allowed her to explore deeper themes and emotions through her work. Elena often incorporates her experiences and feelings in her abstract paintings, adding intimacy and vulnerability to her art. Elena's transition from impressionist to abstract art has been an exciting evolution in her career. It showcases her versatility as an artist and her willingness to take risks to grow and evolve.

Being passionate about art, Elena started Clarus Art Studio in 2015. The same year, she began working as an art director at The Pushkin Society of America. Later, she founded The Pushkin Society Artists Guild for established and emerging artists, where she curated many art and literature events. Elena also serves as Founder and Art Director for Artios Gallery, a curated online gallery that showcases contemporary artists selected for their unique creative vision. In 2021, Elena participated in the group exhibition "Sciarsism" at the Kyiv History Museum, Ukraine. She received The Best Artist in Abstract award during the show and exhibited at the Moscow Museum of Modern Art (MMOMA). Currently, Elena lives and works in New York City. 

What is so unique about your artworks? How do you work?

I am an artist whose work spans both impressionist and abstract styles. My unique approach is to capture light and color with my willingness to delve into deeper themes through my abstract work. I am drawn towards the simple, unpretentious, and quotidian in framing my vision of reality. This sensibility can be reflected in my abstract series "Love in Three Colors" and "Adam & Eve Rebirth," which depict emotional connections between people, passions, and expressions of love that provoke a sense of movement as a continuation of life.

Like the Spiral Dynamics Model theory, human creativity has been developed and improved over centuries. I look for rhythm and balance in composition through color and line. Form comes first, and color is a complementary factor. Spontaneity is not for my creative process. First, I create different compositions by sketching using colored pencils and watercolors and modifying or adding color combinations to find the right balance. After I find a suitable design and am satisfied, I start working with the canvas. I prefer to work with oil paint, which allows me to use the glazing technique. Lately, I've been adding a style of Pointillism, enabling me to find the desired transformation to soften from dark to light tones in my art.

What is your background?

I started my journey in art at the age of 14. Raised in a family of military personnel, I changed three schools. As a high school student, I enrolled in an after-school art class. I do not recall the name of my first art teacher. However, I remember my first painting lesson and a still-life setup composition with a Rowan Tree branch in a vase. Having never held a brush and not knowing where to start, the art teacher sat me down in front of the composition and said, "Start painting." Attending an art class was very interesting, and I quickly began to gain the skills of a real artist. A year later, my group and I participated in a regional art competition for talented students, where I received an honor diploma for successful participation.

The passion for art came to me from my maternal grandfather, Valentin. I only knew a little about him since we didn't communicate often. But every time I visited his home, I saw a lot of photographs, canvases, and stretchers lying on the floor. He was an excellent photographer, painter, and a gifted furniture-making craftsman. While his name might not have echoed the grandeur of Serov Valentin Alexandrovich, my grandfather, Serov Valentin Petrovich, carved his path of brilliance in his unique and talented way.

Where do you get your inspiration? What are the main directions in your creative path?

I began my artistic journey with realism, fueled by a deep appreciation for academic art. However, my passion led me away from conventional forms embracing abstract thinking. Delving into Cubism and Abstraction, I realized that these artistic realms align more closely with my philosophy about art. Among the pioneers who inspired me from the early 20th century are Juan Gris, Vasily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, Lyubov Popova, and others.

Human beings are inherently emotionally and physically unstable entities, reflecting life's endless transformation. An excellent example of this transformation is Pablo Picasso, who continuously changed his artistic style throughout his creative evolution. 

Presently, my primary artistic focus is around Suprematism and Geometric Abstraction. I aim to prompt viewers to engage in contemplation and free-thinking, much like the dynamic and ever-changing nature of life and humanity.

What is your life quote/motto?
Never stop. Move forward and make plans. Believe into yourself, and don't be afraid to make mistakes.


Artist Name: Elena Seroff

Born: 1975, Kaliningrad / USSR

Live: New York, NY / USA

Website url: www.elenaseroff.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elenaseroffart

Instagram: www.instagram.com/elenaseroff