Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Kochetkova
Hi Elena, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Miami has always been our family’s favorite vacation spot, a vibrant city full of life and culture. When my daughter decided to pursue her Master’s degree at NYFA South Beach, she eventually settled there, drawn by the city’s artistic flair and opportunities. In 2021, fortune smiled upon us when my husband and I won the green card lottery, an unexpected turn of events that prompted us to move closer to her.
My career has been firmly anchored in architecture, a field that demands both creativity and precision. I have successfully completed projects in Russia, as well as throughout Europe and Africa. When I closed my architectural firm. I returned to my old passion, oil painting on canvas, which has since become my primary creative outlet. As a senior who recently immigrated to the United States, having a sense of purpose has been invaluable in adapting to a new life. Though I never intended to go public, I had sold paintings to private collectors back home, without plans of turning it into a business. Painting was, and still is, my escape—a way to express myself and find tranquility.
One day, I received an intriguing proposal from Property Markets Group (PMG), to create architectural sketches for their Brickell office. With over four decades of architectural experience, this was a fun and exciting challenge that reignited my passion for architecture. Some buildings had no elevation information, so I had to compose them from scratch, relying on my imagination and expertise. Working with PMG, a major development group in the U.S., was a pleasure and an honor. They also acquired several of my oil paintings, boosting my art career significantly. These paintings now grace their Miami office and are on public display, offering a glimpse into my creative world.I have recently finished new architectural sketches that will soon elegance the walls of The Elser Hotel in Miami.
This opportunity encouraged my team to push me into the public eye, something I never envisioned. Gradually, private collectors began purchasing my art, and this December, I will be represented by Gallery at the Red Dot Miami Fair during the Miami Art Week. While we never sought publicity, my friends and family were so inspired by my paintings that they encouraged me to share them with a wider audience.
This summer, we launched an Instagram account (e.k.wrld) to showcase my work, and I now have many fascinating followers who appreciate my artistic journey. My daughter usually assists with communication, translating messages and responding on my behalf, bridging the gap between languages and cultures. At 69, my journey as a painter is just starting, and I find it immensely enjoyable and thrilling. It’s a new chapter in life, brimming with creativity and endless possibilities!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey has not always been smooth. The immigration process, with its many complexities and uncertainties, has often been significant sources of stress for me, weighing heavily on my mind and affecting my daily life. These experiences are deeply reflected in my paintings, which channel the turbulent emotions and personal responses I have to the shifting global events around me. As an artist, I frequently grapple with discovering the essence of a piece, sometimes dedicating several months to a painting until a moment of clarity reveals its true meaning to me. This artistic process can be both challenging and rewarding, as I seek to convey the depth of my experiences through my work.
I am continuously evolving with each brushstroke, and each piece represents a unique step forward in my creative journey. Every new painting offers something fresh and unexpected, providing both myself and my audience a new perspective or insight. I strive to avoid repetition, ensuring that each work carries a distinct meaning and narrative. As I approach my 70th birthday next year, a milestone that fills me with both anticipation and reflection, I feel a heightened urgency to avoid mistakes, yet I remain eager to share my journey with others. This sense of urgency is tempered by a deep appreciation for the artistic process and a commitment to authenticity in my art.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an artist specializing in oil painting, my style is still in the process of being developed. I am known for my ability to capture the complexity of human emotions and experiences through my work. Each piece is a reflection of my personal journey and serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of our global society.
One thing that sets me apart from others is my dedication to authenticity in my art. I strive to stay true to myself and my experiences, rather than catering to popular trends or societal expectations. This allows me to create pieces that are genuine and resonate with both myself and viewers on a deeper level.
I am most proud of how far I have come in my artistic journey. It has been a long process, filled with challenges and doubts, but through perseverance and a constant drive to improve, I have reached a level of skill and expression that I am proud to share with others.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I have no intention of surprising anyone. Art is my air; it is essential for my existence. I pour my heart and soul into every piece, making it difficult for me to separate myself from my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artbyek.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e.k.wrld/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ekwrld/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ARTBYEK
