Question 1
Ioanna, first of all thank you very much for accepting our request for an interview. Would you be so kind to give us some information about your background in Arts? (Where did you study, where and when did you feel that yourself is painting? Feel free to say anything you want)
I’m one of the few Chinese artists residing in Greece. I hold a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, Institute for Arts Education in China. During my master studies I have been involved in various kinds of paintings, later on I focused on watercolor and ink painting and developed a refined style of naturalism and exquisiteness. After graduation, I became a university art lecturer, teaching painting techniques and art history. I moved to Athens five years ago and I am actively involved in Chinese-Greek cultural exchange. I have gotten new inspirations from my living experiences in Greece and combine those with my chinese background, turning them into my current creations. I have had numerous exhibitions in Greece while here.
Question 2
How much do you think that you have been connected with Greece? What do you think the country offered you as inspiration?
Since I started living in Greece, I feel that my way of thinking has changed. I like how the Greek people are cheerful and forthright. I also like the climate and the environment. It is almost always sunny here, and you can see that most of my work is full of sunshine. The solid color of the sky, the sea and the houses are my source of inspiration. Especially the Sky City, meteora, is like a paradise on earth.
Question 3
What about the “marriage” between the cultures of the two countries? How do you find it, feel it and what do you think it can “give”, create?
China and Greece are both ancient civilizations, have had outstanding philosophers. Strengthening cultural exchange promotes mutual understanding of each other. Based on my life and cultural experience in Greece and China, i think these two countries have many similarities. Chinese culture is more introverted, Greek culture has a spirit of exploration. We can learn from each other.
As a painter, when I draw Chinese paintings, I like to use light to perform modeling. When I paint using watercolors, I like to try to show the shape with lines
Question 4
What’s your opinion about the culture in general in this period of crisis in Greece?
In more difficult years, there is opportunity for developing more creative art.
The economic crisis is a result of a broader crisis of morals, and appreciating art in all its forms can help in self-improvement that is much needed.
Question 5
What does your work expresses? How are you inspired and where or what from?
My Chinese painting depicts flowers, insects, animals and figures. My manifestation with traditional Chinese painting is not the same. I combine my painting with watercolor techniques. Under the light, more details shows up, and can better represent the artist’s feelings.
My watercolor depicts the Greek landscape, with bright colors, simple composition and free form. This is how I feel about Greece.
Question 6
Tell us about places of Greece that inspired you the most.
The islands of Greece, the mountains and the villages. Especially meteora.
Question 7
What about your everyday life here in Greece?
I paint most of my time. I also do some projects involving cultural exchange between China and Greece.
Recently I’m preparing my workshop to provide classes for art lovers
Question 8
What are your plans for the future?
I hope to create deeply moving artworks, and try different materials and styles.
Promote cultural exchange between China and Greece, and carry out more projects.
Thank you for your time.
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