Calling All Creatives! Welcome to the September edition of our "Artist of the Month" blog series, a special space dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary talent we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with. From breathtaking painters to visionary illustrators, this series is for anyone who appreciates the beauty of art. Whether you’re an artist seeking inspiration or an art lover who simply enjoys the creative process, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the world of artistry and get inspired by this month’s exceptional talent.
This month, we’re thrilled to introduce Ekaterina Findlay, a Devon-based interpretive artist whose captivating work explores the hidden depths of nature. Through her art, Ekaterina invites viewers to explore beyond the surface, allowing each individual to form their own personal connection with her pieces. We had the pleasure of catching up with Ekaterina to discuss her artistic journey, sources of inspiration, and creative process.
Q. Where have you found inspiration lately?
A. Over the summer I have been painting and photographing the sea, the cliffs and the sea birds around the coast of the Southwest.
Q. Is there a piece of art or a project that you are particularly excited about right now?
A. I am working on a commission for an existing client and the work will be by far and away the biggest I have completed, around 1.5 by 1.2 metres. It is going really well and I am really enjoying the process and the results so far.
Q. What kinds of tools or references do you like to use when creating artwork?
A. I have taken thousands of photographs over the years and when reviewing them one will leap out at me. This will provide the inspiration for the painting. I use acrylic paint on Yupo paper or canvas, and I love the play of Gold, Blue and White to create drama.
Q. What artists or artworks (from your life or art history) do you admire or consider influential to your work & why?
A. Wow that is such a big question. I have loved so many contemporary and classical artists through the years, often reflecting age or what was happening in my life at the relevant time. I was in the Leila Heller gallery in Dubai recently and loved the work of Dale Chihuly, the collection of large-scale installations and sculptures in glass, as well as two-dimensional works, the colour and the vibrancy of the works were amazing!
Q. What advice do you have for other new or aspiring artists?
A. Never give up! If you are passionate then paint it. Experiment with different medium and styles within the genre you love and you will find a style that will work for you.
Q. Professionally, what has been your biggest achievement so far?
A. Selling my very first painting to a British girl working in New York, an amazing feeling that someone loved my art so much that paid for it! I will never forget it.
Q. What is your first memory of creating art?
A. I painted as a child and although I trained as an architect I went to a school and University that also had strong art courses, so I have always painted and drawn.
Q. How do you spend your time when you’re not creating artwork?
A. I visit a lot of galleries in the Southwest and London. I also seem to spend an inordinate amount of time as a taxi for my daughter, taking her to all her cricket and hockey matches!
Q. What work do you most enjoy doing?
A. I love the freedom of building up layers and capturing a sense of energy and power of the nature that I paint.
Q. What is your dream project?
A. I am going to New Zealand at the end of 2025 and am really looking forward to photographing the landscapes of the South island and translating them into paintings.
We’re incredibly proud to work with artists like Ekaterina, whose passion and creativity inspire us all. To explore more of Ekaterina’s work, be sure to visit her website and Instagram. And don’t forget to check back next month for another exciting edition of "Artist of the Month"!