Artist Interview

Art by Mirree from Australia

In the realm of contemporary art, Mirree's work stands out as a true masterpiece. Her artistic style is truly unique, combining various techniques and mediums to create captivating pieces that leave a lasting impact on viewers. Mirree has a remarkable ability to evoke deep emotions through her art, making her highly sought-after by both art collectors and enthusiasts.

This is an interview with artist Mirree from Australia.

How would you describe yourself? And your artwork?

I would describe myself as an introvert that is highly creative and spiritual, although I am friendly and like to be social; I also like my own space. This is important to my work and the documentation of it. I am motivated by having deep meaning in my life that connects me with the natural world around me. I enjoy visiting the city and exotic places around the world because I love to travel and go to places I have not been to before but do not like to stay in the city for long periods of time. I like the peace and tranquillity of nature too much. I thrive on change and challenging myself to go to lengths I have not been to before, I think this keeps me on my toes. Plus it keeps things interesting and exciting because life can be dull sometimes. I long to feel the excitement of life and get bored easily when I am in the mundane world which is when I am not painting bright colours on the canvas, painting brings to light important information, experiences and feelings that need to be highlighted, this brings me immense happiness. I think if there is something in your life that you cannot live without or there is something that brings you out of a state of loneliness, despair or unhappiness that you can overcome on your own and only you, then perhaps you’ve found your calling. But it doesn’t stop there because it takes a lot of courage to follow through with that calling.

What drives you?

Coming from an Aboriginal background from my fathers side, nature has moved me in many different ways since I was a little girl from the landscape scenery from places that I visited, the animals I see and the feelings that swelled up from within me; spiritually connecting me to my Aboriginal roots. I can describe my feelings better when painting and the messages/stories that come with the paintings when I write them down, it’s an expression of this feeling. Also a particular interest in Birds and Sea life animals which are a favourite amongst others. The protection of their habitats for the continual survival of Gods creatures.

What is your definition of art?

Art is a way that you can learn about yourself and the world around you. I don’t think Art should be replicated but interpreted through the lens of the creator or the artist which comes from their own artistic expression. This artistic expression can only be found through years of years of practise which makes up their own signature art style. Art by Mirree www.artworksbymirree.com The reason I say this is because it gives you a time-line of a variety of experiments that you can look back upon about the artist which makes up all the different components and functions of that art piece which then the Artist can decide what needs to be improved upon. Also I believe Art should challenge viewers and move them in an emotional way that in turn expresses something that can stir up a memory or some kind of feeling that is yearning inside of them. You can call yourself an artist if you have this ability to move others with your Art, whether you want to shock people or raise awareness, at the core its always a form of expression that has no defining limits. Defining art doesn’t come down to just 1 thing but many, it is an essential part of our daily lives because it has the power to inspire, challenge and transform peoples hearts and minds which brings purpose and meaning.

Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration mainly comes from nature and music is what motivates me because I use to be a dancer for many years when I was a little girl so I became so use to listening to music to express rhythm and movement. This eventually translated into my Art through the form of painting which I fell in love with when I was 16 years old, after spending a few years studying drawing with mainly pencil and traditional materials such as charcoal. I then moved onto ink pens before discovering painting. I believe that is how my paintings progressively became so detailed, because my pencil or pen then became my brush which I knew I could learn to use in the same way but with a lot more expressive qualities.

How do you deal with artist's block?

I do not get this very often, I find it challenging enough to keep up with myself with all the ideas and inspiration I have that pours into me on a regular basis. I think Artist block comes when you are trying too hard to force an outcome. The best solution for this is stepping outside in nature to interrupt the mind of its thinking, so you can take yourself into a world that releases the pressures of the daily mundane life. We don’t have enough time to do this enough, so this can bring a feeling of calm and ease to your artists block which will release the tension of this force.

Where do you see your art going in ten years?

I see my Art expanding into places which I only feel like I’m beginning to comprehend at this moment in time. I always wanted to reach a worldwide audience of people from all parts of the world but I guess I did not realise how big this was to become. I feel that a world that is connected by the common thread of emotion places us all in a very real and practical experience that we can all have in common with one another. No one is beyond this experience or better for having ignored it; regardless of race, colour or religion. We are all connected in unity consciousness. If my Art continues to reach people and bring awareness of the importance of nature and this unity in another 10 years, then I would feel like we are continuing to build and progress more in our evolution. With a focus on love not hate and peace not war. I still want to keep it simple and not over-complicate things. My interest also remains in large-scaled works and animals related to culture throughout the world, not just in my backyard.

Best exhibition ever participated in…?

The most memorable exhibition was the “The Story of the Creatives” with See Me Gallery in 2013 when my ‘Dreamtime Day Owl’ Art was projected 40 stories high in New York City.

Greatest achievements so far…?

My greatest achievements so far has been to travel the world with my Art and also produce nearly 1000 pieces of Original Art so far in my lifetime and I’m only half way through my life so far. Most of these pieces have been produced in the past 10 years of my life. The most memorable has been to produce my 1st Collection of Original Paintings Called the “Dreamtime Collection” which began in 2012. After all this time, I am only releasing the collection now. The 1st of my larger-scaled Original Paintings. These works formed the foundation to my career and made it what it is today because of so many people worldwide having seen them and recognising their familiar nature or having purchased the products associated with the collection of paintings such as the Dreamtime Colouring Books or Card Deck and other products. 

Art by Mirree

www.artworksbymirree.com

Artist Interview: Natalia Koren Kropf, New York: The unknown is what inspires me and keeps me going.

Natalia Koren Kropf born in St.Petersburg, USSR living in New York City, USA exhibited at the recent Shanghai International Art Fair and was a huge success with the local art buyers.

Natalia is a classically trained, interdisciplinary, award-winning contemporary artist who combines art and science in various studio media. She explores current topics of change in climate and society and the eternal themes of light and movement. She creates art forms that radiate happy vibes, attractive visuals that elevate, and a sense of completeness. Natalia works as a painter, sculptor, and printmaker and experiments with different materials and new combinations of eco-friendly techniques. 

Natalia lives and works in New York City.

Natalia Koren Kropf was selected one of the Top Ten Emerging Artists and featured in WideWalls international publication 2020.

Hopes and Dreams

What is so unique about your artworks?

I am committed to creating work that radiates positive vibes and deep contemplation. My artistic aspiration, rooted in respect for Nature and Human beings, is often expressed in abstract form.  I work in series of interdisciplinary collections that are cohesive to show together.


I love experimenting with materials and mixing the media in 2D and 3D works as I adapt to environmentally clean techniques, utilizing non-toxic materials. I believe in the interconnectedness of all things. In my work, I link the qualities of the natural elements with various cultural symbols and draw visual parallels of these correlations, using organic shapes and interwoven trajectories. I am exploring the dynamic of movement and light - the light reflected on the surfaces of sculpture, and the inner light that works of art emanate, reflecting the artist’s intention.


My process is intuitive and so are my findings. The unknown is what inspires me and keeps me going.

Where do you get your inspiration?

NKK: Observing Nature is my constant inspiration. For years and years, I observed and recorded what I saw around me by painting landscapes and portraits, drawing forms and textures, studying human anatomy, range of movement, and dance. Naturally, during the forming years, I started composing my own versions of the visual dynamic by simplifying motion trajectories into curvatures, obtaining a gradual understanding of the interconnected universe by learning about quantum physics and string theory, through my spiritual practice, poetry, and intuitive sense of oneness. So far my artistic journey has been fueled by curiosity about who I am in this great universal puzzle.

Ancient Whispers

How do you deal with artist's block?

NKK: When I cannot paint, I write poetry.When I cannot write poetry, I paint.

It is really a great formula for me not to get down too much for too long. I understand that artistic process comes in waves and it if important to let your self rest from most amazing projects ( especially the most intense and inspiring ones). To avoid a burnout, I switch my attention to another side of my brain until I need another break, then  go back to painting or very long nature walks. 


Where do you see your art going in ten years?

NKK:   The unknown always inspires me, why define the future? Even if painted the same subject, using one single technique - my work would evolve, because everything is changing around me. I am also changing. Yet, I state  the same - themesless themes, timeless nature. But I do not stay the same. Neither does nature. 

 

Can you tell us what you have going on right now?

 NKK:  Currently I am working on a complex form - a bronze sculpture.

I am very grateful to the Artios Gallery for representing me and for giving me excellent exhibition opportunities, such as Shanghai International Art Fair. Earlier this year I participated in the New York Art Expo 2023, where I was introduced to A&E Fine Art Gallery, who invited me to join them at the Red Dot/Spectrum  Miami Art Fair this December 2023. Meanwhile, I am working on a new body of work in collaboration with Art Plexus Group, an Artios Gallery new Project entitled The Elements. I am very excited – it's right down my alley – stay tuned!

 

Can you tell us what your 'Before I Die' is?

NKK: My motto is to  live my life to the fullest! Which means not to loose a vivid beat of my artistry, deepen my perception and optimize my expression. 

There are so many pathways to travel, virtually and literally. So many places to see and people to meet. I embrace all that  comes my way. I am expanding my horizons as I grow old. 

 What is your life quote/motto?

I came to manifest harmony in life.”  

I always believed that by observing harmony of nature, one can become its part. In my artworks and in my communication I go with the flow and welcome any opportunity.  I try to find peace of mind in the most difficult situations and it proved to be a cure for stress and negativity. There is a silver lining to any situation. You can see it in my painting entitled The Silver Lining, which will be presented at the Red Dot/Spectrum in Miami. 


How do you work?

I work intuitively.

It is really hard to put into words. 

I suppose it is a kind of conscious living in constant vigilance for an inspirational spark. Once that occurs, it is up to my organizational  skills, patience and drive you to make it happen, to manifest my vision in response to the ignited idea. 


What’s integral to the work of an artist?

Continuous learning and listening to the heart are the integral components of being an artist. 

One Spiritual master once answered the question addressed to him: “What makes you a master?” With the words : “The moment one decides that he is a master, he stops being a master”.

The same thing in art. It is a process, and artworks are  the by products of this process. And there is more to that, I am sure. 

 

What could you not do without?

Sunshine and a sense of humor!

Those who take themselves too seriously, become guided by their thoughts and forget that a lot in life comes at unexpected moments. Those who can adapt to any

change with a lightened up mind, with humor, experience joy of the mere surprise itself. We cannot control our environment, but we can learn to live there and even thrive. That’s why the sunshine is so important!


COLLECTIONS

Works in private collections in Germany, Austria, Czech Republic,

Greece, Cyprus, Finland, Russia, Japan, Lesotho, and the United States.


AWARDS

2023 American Fine Art Society: Artistic Merit Award

2023 Art Students League of New York Salons: Honorable Mention for Bronze sculpture

2022 Allied Artists of America: Award for Bronze Sculpture at the Associate Members Online Show

2021 Certificate of Excellence for Painting at the Empirical Abstraction International Show

2020 Selected one of the Top Ten Artists and featured in WideWalls international publication. 

2019 Celia Kaufman Memorial Award For Innovative Ceramic Sculpture

2018 NAWA Certificate of Excellence Award in Photography

2016 Jean M. Leeman Award for Printmaking

2014 Esther C. Gayner Memorial Award for Printmaking


PUBLICATIONS

2023 Allied Artists of America. 110th Annual Catalog. 

2023 Art Business News. New York’s Artios Gallery. ArtExpo New York.

2023 Sanctuary Magazine. Interview with Editor. By Myrna Haskell.

2022 Allied Artists of America. 109th Annual Award Winners Catalog. 

2021 Elysian Magazine. Unique Feature on NAWA by Suzanne Johnson. Atlanta, GA - NYC

2020 Top Ten Artists. “Focus Blue” Feature on WideWalls by Balasz Takasch

2020 National Association of Women Artists Magazine. “Red Carpet feature”, NYC

2018 The High Brow Magazine. “ Celebrate Women” By Sandra Bertrand, NYC

2011 “Together”. Exhibition Catalog. New Century Artists, Chelsea, NYC

2010 The Art Times. “International Women Artists” in Highland Art Center, Beacon, NY


CONTACT NATALIA:

Website url: https://www.korenkropf.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natalia.korenkropf/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliakorenkropf/