1. What techniques do you use?

I typically work with water-based paints such as ink and acrylics, as I enjoy the freedom they provide for quick, fluid application. I’m drawn to the immediacy of these mediums, which allow me to work rapidly and layer efficiently. One of my favorite techniques is using a hairdryer to speed up the drying process, enabling me to apply multiple layers in a short amount of time. This method creates a dynamic interplay between the layers, often revealing unexpected textures and effects as the paint dries in various stages. The ability to build up layers quickly while maintaining a sense of fluidity and movement in my work is something I find incredibly satisfying. It’s all about creating an environment where the painting can evolve swiftly, while still allowing for the depth and complexity I strive for in each piece.

2. How do you choose your color palette for a piece? 

My choice of colour palette depends on what I call my artistic “periods.” There are times when I feel drawn to exploring a wide range of colours, while other times I limit myself to cool tones. Lately, I’ve been more interested in warm hues—especially oranges and reds. I also enjoy incorporating strong contrasts with black and white, which helps create a more vivid and dynamic effect in my work.

3. Do you plan your compositions in detail or let intuition guide you?

It really depends on the piece I’m working on. Sometimes, I prefer to create more figurative compositions, where the subject is placed within a larger context, incorporating elements that add to the narrative of the painting. Other times, I’m drawn to making a strong, statement piece by focusing solely on the face, emphasizing expression and emotion. In these cases, I let intuition guide me, allowing the portrait to take shape organically as I explore the subject’s features, mood, and presence on the canvas.

4. How has your creative process evolved over time?

My painting process is constantly evolving. As my artistic skills improve, I find myself focusing less on technical execution and more on the fluidity of the paint—how colours blend and interact on the surface. I’ve become more immersed in the moment, almost like entering a trance, where everything comes together naturally to form a cohesive image. Rather than concentrating solely on technique, my goal is to move toward more abstract forms while still capturing the mood and essence of the subject.

5. When did you first realise you wanted to be a painter?

I was 13 years old when I went on a group artists’ trip with my mother, who also is a painter. That experience was a turning point for me. I started with oil paints, as that was my mother’s medium at the time. My first subject was flowers, and I found the process incredibly engaging. I remember being fascinated by the plasticity of the paint, using a spatula to create almost sculptural effects on the canvas. The richness and texture of the medium captivated me, and I realised then that painting was something I truly loved. That moment sparked my artistic journey.

6. How would you describe your artistic style in three words?

Expressive, Intuitive, Bold.

7. If you could have a conversation with any artist in history, who would it be and why?

If I could have a conversation with any artist in history, I would choose to engage with the Impressionists as a group. This collective of revolutionary artists, like Monet, Degas, and Renoir, fundamentally changed the way we perceive and experience art. They demonstrated that art is not just about technical skill, but about exploration, research, and, most importantly, individuality. What fascinates me is their courage to challenge the conventional norms and their insistence on following their own artistic instincts. I would love to hear their thoughts on how they navigated the struggles of being misunderstood during their time, and how they maintained their passion for creating in the face of adversity. The conversation would be an incredible opportunity to understand the essence of creativity, freedom, and personal expression that they brought to life on the canvas.