So happy to introduce Mikaella or M_theta_art as her artist name is on Instagram. She is a talented artist with a background in the interior design field, which can be noticed through the way she shares her story on Instagram.
She has roots both in the Japanese and Greek culture which is seen through her imperfect kind of perfect sculpt looking pieces that all compass a very simplistic approach. I truly love her art! And love her art even more now after reading her story.
I was so inspired and also honored that Mikaella were up for speaking to us. Except for having her interview here, she was also featured in Harper Bazaar a few weeks back. Big congrats on this exposure to her!
I have no doubt that this lady will go far. She is truly an outstanding sweet person and also extremely professional. I am looking forward to keep on following her journey.
But before that, let’s get to know her story + hear her 3 tips to the creative who wants to start painting.
MY STORY
I am Mikaella Theofanopoulou or M_theta_ on Instagram. I am an Athens (Greece) based independent artist and designer, born in Tokyo (Japan). After receiving my Master in Applied Design in Architecture from Oxford School of Architecture, I engaged with interior design, drawing inspiration from the traditional Japanese aesthetics of the Wabi-Sabi philosophy.
My obsessive admiration for the clean, organic interiors of unobtrusive beauty, stimulated me to shift my perspective towards the creation of artworks that reveal this kind of authenticity. My less-is-more mentality is reflected in my one-line drawings which currently depict people’s faces. The one line is subtle, flowing, and aesthetic. I encourage you to ”Embrace your inner ‘hygge’ through imperfect raw lines”.
– Mikaella
My obsessive admiration for the clean, organic interiors of unobtrusive beauty, stimulated me to shift my perspective towards the creation of artworks that reveal this kind of authenticity.
Where do you find inspiration to your art?
Japanese culture and ideology have particularly influenced the way I express myself as an artist. In particular, I draw my inspiration from the traditional Japanese aesthetic of the Wabi-Sabi philosophy.
This concept is based on abstraction, on the beauty of imperfection. In Wabi-Sabi every meaningless detail is removed and simplicity dominates. I believe that the more I paint, the more I shape my style∙hope this evolution will never stop!
I cannot forget to mention Ancient Greek History as part of my inspiration and exploration too. Cycladic Period’s organic sculptures and abstract forms and Ancient Greek Gods and Goddesses’ statues draw my attention as they appeal to me not only for their symbolic existence but also for their impressive beauty, symmetry, clean lines and craftsmanship.
My less-is-more mentality is reflected in my one-line drawings which currently depict people’s faces.
I draw my inspiration from the traditional Japanese aesthetic of the Wabi-Sabi philosophy. This concept is based on abstraction, on the beauty of imperfection. In Wabi-Sabi every meaningless detail is removed and simplicity dominates.
What is the story behind your style and how would you define your style?
Drawing my inspiration from minimalism to expressionism. I communicate my abstract ideas with a refined single line visual language, perceived universally, but subject to multiple interpretations.
My art is all about exploring genuineness in existing imperfection through the simplicity of a single line, rejecting everything superfluous. My works invite you to discover that the most intricate sentiment can emerge even from a smooth, subtle line. I would describe my style with three words: Subtle, Flowing, Aesthetic.
I believe that the more I paint, the more I shape my style hope this evolution will never stop!
Can you name three artists that you admire the work of?
I adore Pablo Picasso’s analytic or synthetic cubist drawings. His great line drawings too (of course).
I am in love with Henri Matisse’s variety of colours (especially his blues, oranges and greens) along with his flowers and dancing human forms in his famous cut-outs.
I admire the unique surrealistic artworks of Joan Miró, the huge size of his canvases and his distinctive use of intense colours.
My works invite you to discover that the most intricate sentiment can emerge even from a smooth, subtle line.
How does your painting studio look like? And what are some of your must have inspiring objects in your studio?
My art studio is my inspiring space; it is the place where my artistic personality is perfectly revealed.
I like to keep it organized and comfortable so as it can enhance my creativity. I have wooden furniture that give the sense of warmth in the space.
An easel, a big drafting desk, storage for my papers, jars full of brushes and markers, acrylics of every colour etc.
I always hang some of my favourite artworks so as I can see them before they are sold.
My house plants bring the outdoors indoors and are pretty essential for ‘my’ ideal atmosphere. Lastly, music always helps me concentrate and create more and more!
If you could choose any place and wall, where would you love your art to be displayed?
I would choose:
A large wall in Soho, Manhattan (New York).
A big canvas of my art displayed in the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
My art studio is my inspiring space; it is the place where my artistic personality is perfectly revealed.
3 Tips
To the creative who wants to start painting
Tips 1 Read about art history. Learn the art movements. Widen your art horizons.
Tips 2 Go to as many exhibitions as possible and learn what other artists use as mediums, feel their work, ask them questions.
Tips 3 Share your work through social media even if you believe it is not perfect.
Thank you Mikaella for sharing your story with us and for inspiring us! Follow M_Theta_ for more inspiration.
Related
I am Caroline, an ex interior design consultant, turned into a content creator, 30+ something Swedish born with an insane passion and interest for design, blogging, and living a meaningful and creative life. Design to me is about creating a (your) story – it is about understanding what matters and how to create something unique and meaningful which speaks and motivates you.