Svitlana Pryhodko, Fall

Svitlana Pryhodko, Fall, acrylic, 91.4 x 137.2, $1200 

1. Tell us about the artwork you have in the VAM 2011 Juried Show.

Fall is one of the paintings dedicated to my favorite subject – birch.

The inspiration for creating this work came from the Terra Cotta conservation area, which I would consider as one on my favorite spots near Mississauga

The creation of this piece took me around 3 weeks because I used a layering technique in this painting.

I often use birch as a subject in my paintings because I consider the birch as a symbol of luck and happiness.

2. How and when did you first become interested in creating art?

Painting has always been my passion since I was a kid. I remember how greatly I was fascinated by the beauty of forest spending a lot of time with my grandma in my early childhood. My soul was overwhelmed by these colorful images, which still inspire me as examples of purity, mystery and artistic excellence.

3. What do you think of the art scene in Mississauga? Where do you see it heading in the next ten years?

I think if you really want to find a venue in Mississauga for displaying your art, you can definitely find the way to do it. But based on my 8 years experience in art business, it all depends on the art works you create and how well you can present and promote it.

But definitely, I would say that there are not enough venues in Mississauga to display art, especially for young emerging artists.

Over the next ten years, I would like to see see more art centres for promotion and supporting young artists in Mississauga.

4. What advice would you give young people who want to become artists?

I think the first step for young artists to promote their art is to personally participate in local art shows. It gives a lot of opportunities to receive feedback about your art directly from the customers.

5. What do you have lined up after the VAM Juried Show? For people interested in finding more of your artwork, do you have a website, blog, Twitter account or gallery?

I have a website www.sandiart.com where you can see all my current works as well as previously sold.  I also update on a regular basis a schedule of my upcoming art shows.

See Svitlana Pryhodko’s Fall at the Art Gallery of Mississauga in the VAM 33rd Annual Juried Show until February 26th.

Voting for People’s Choice Award ongoing until February 26th. Ballots available at Gallery reception.