Artist in conversation: Mimosito
“I would like people to see my art and make them recall a memory or a feeling either of freedom, calmness or energy”
The person behind Mimo_sito's inception is Ioanna, a London based Artist and Architect. Primarily using watercolors on Khadi cotton paper tinted in light grey, Ioanna attempts to bring back memories of spaces and feelings. Her love for the Greek islands where she has spent her summers have inspired most of her work.
Ioanna holds a Diploma in Architectural Engineering from NTUA, and an MSc in Building and Urban Design in Development from UCL.She actively practises her profession in London, having designed and delivered successfully a number of projects (office, retail, housing) while balancing her passion for Art.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
I started painting from a very early age and my favourite topic was drawing the view from my balcony. It was a lovely bright orange sunset on sea. Growing up, I played with a few topics and media until I recently landed on my unique style. I attempt to bring back memories of spaces and feelings, similar to that first inspiring sunset. My Media is using guache and ink on Khadi cotton paper tinted in light grey.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
Most of my topics are locations where I have spent my summers. My love for summer, the bright sun, the heat, the sea breeze, the sound of the waves, the sand … I have a particular sensitivity towards palm trees and water ripples, I study these topics a lot. I would like to enhance my style using these features more often in my compositions.
Can you tell us about your journey as both an artist and an architect, and how these two disciplines intersect in your creative practice?
Soon after completing my studies and started working as an Architect, I found that architecture can be quite restrictive. Meaning, there are laws, instructions and briefs I need to comply with on my day-to-day job. I started being more serious about my art because I felt I had a creativity in me and a very particular style that was restricted. So I channeled that energy towards my own art and the development of my own signature style.
Can you walk us through your creative process from conception to completion? How do you begin a new piece, and how do you know when it’s finished?
Everything starts from an image that brings feelings and emotions. I take a lot of photos during my summer trips and use them as reference. I start with a composition and I know it’s complete when I can’t stop looking at it, it brings me a sense of balance and fulfilment. If I look at it and I only notice things I don’t like, it’s still unfinished.
Of all the projects you’ve worked on, do you have a favorite or one that holds special significance to you?
My favourite one is a commission from a friend. It was a photo from a greek island showing a typical blue balcony door half open revealing the beach at the far back. It is such an iconic moment that I loved making a painting out of it.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
I believe that if people have something to say about your artistic creations, that means that you have drawn their attention, they took time to think and share their thoughts with you. I prefer any comment rather than no comment, I take it and I evaluate it. Some things are just personal taste, which I respect, but can’t do much about it, others are genuine technical advice for improvement or even market demand.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
Every little counts! I prefer to keep going even if I am only doing small progress rather than stopping at all and giving up for a while. When I am not feeling inspired to create, I switch to the more practical aspect, managing my marketing, e-commerce or socials.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
It is the first time I display pieces in a gallery and get exposed to so much people. It helped me take a step forward and overcome my fear of rejection. This has been my biggest blocker for a long time, to expose myself and show my art. I consider my art a piece of me that I put out there for people to see.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
I would like to develop my signature style further and potentially jump to other media as well.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your artworks?
I would like people to see my art and make them recall a memory or a feeling either of freedom, calmness or energy. That is the starting point of my creative process and I would like to transfer that to my audience as the finish point … the finish point for me and the starting point for them!