Interview with Ekaterina Popova

Ekaterina Popova is an award-winning artist known primarily for her original oil paintings of interiors. Popova received a Bachelor's in Fine Art from Kutztown University in 2011. Her work has been exhibited internationally, including at Cohle Gallery in Paris and Menorca, The Painting Center in New York, James Oliver Gallery in Philadelphia, Decorazon Gallery in New York, and Paradigm Gallery in Philadelphia, among others. She has also previously shown at contemporary art fairs such as Affordable Art Fair and Art Miami.

Popova has been featured by multiple blogs and publications such as Colossal, Beautiful Bizarre Magazine, American Art Collector, The Jealous Curator, DPI Magazine, Friend of The Artist, Iceview and The Philadelphia Inquirer.

She has completed several artist residencies including ones at the Centre Pompadour in France, the NES Residency in Iceland and the Skopelos Foundation for the Arts in Greece. Popova works out of her rustic factory studio at 1241 Carpenter Street Studios in Philadelphia.

Please explain your upcoming solo show and why you chose Paris to hold it.

 I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation to exhibit with Cohle gallery at their new Paris location. This is one of my favorite cities in the world, and it's a dream to share my work here. 

 The works I created for this show are about enjoying the actual views in life but are also a metaphor for taking the time to be present and mindful. I hope these paintings make the viewer feel relaxed and remember to dream and think of the beauty and decadence of life, especially in Paris! 

 Why did you choose the interiors as a primary subject of your works?

I have painted interiors for a few years now. Initially, I was trying to reminisce about my childhood in Russia, but eventually, I just fell in love with the process. I have painted everything from my apartment to found images of old soviet homes and, most recently, more imaginative scenes of french-inspired and decadent spaces. 

Could you please introduce yourself and tell us how you started in the arts? And your first experience in art making?

 Like many of us, I was always interested in art or making things with my hands, but thanks to my high-school art teacher, Wendy Hall, I got the courage to pursue a degree. I got a bachelor's degree from Kutztown University in 2011 and have never stopped painting since! It's been a few hard years after graduating, but I am grateful I kept going. 

How would you characterise your style and the work you produce?

My work most closely resembles expressionism, sometimes magical realism. I love to play with color, texture, and mood in my work, and even though I may use an image as inspiration, I change it to fit my vision. 

Can you tell us about the moment you decided to pursue a career as an artist?

Initially, I was very interested in art therapy because helping others has always been something I deeply care about, but over time I realized I wanted to give my art ago. So even though I got accepted to a graduate program, I listened to my gut and decided to paint for a few years to see what happens. 

What do you want your art to convey to those who see it? What is the meaning or creative motivation behind your work?

I would like for people to feel peaceful, cozy, and inspired to experience pleasant moments in their life. I would like for them to experience the feeling of home, belonging, and beauty. 

Where do you find the inspiration to create your works?

I save images from travel, photos, sketches, and more and use them when the time is right. As an artist, I learned to trust my intuition and keep images that may lead me somewhere later on. 

How would you describe a typical day working at your studio?

I sometimes work from home, using my sketchbook, smaller panels or watercolor. My art studio is in Philadelphia, so when I'm there, I make or buy a big cup of coffee, light a candle, and play inspiring music to help me get in the creative flow. 

What makes your art different from others?

For the most part, my art is very personal. I tap deep into my dreams as well as some less pleasant memories and try to turn them into something beautiful. I'm not sure that makes it different, but I do my best to make them as honest as I can. 

Do you have favourite or most significant work/works you would never sell?

I'm not attached to certain works and am happy when they find homes. I do have some favorites I've made over the years that I regret selling for too little, but at the end of the day, that's how we grow and learn. 

What are your ultimate career goals? 

I am passionate about pushing my painting skills and encouraging others to pursue their big dreams. There is enough room for all of us artists to succeed and thrive. 

Do you have any advice you could give the upcoming generation of artists as they set out on their careers?

Stop worrying and overthinking, and start practicing for the life you want. There is no failure. Everything we want in life requires a degree of work and discipline, and the sooner you start, the easier it will be to leap when the opportunities start coming. Plus, practice is always great for your skill and confidence!

Artist Website: https://www.katerinapopova.com

Cohle Gallery: https://www.cohlegallery.com