ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
KENT ARTIST PROFILE :
MICHELE PAPAGEORGHIOU
INSPIRED BY KENT ’ S MOST PICTURESQUE SCENES AND THE WORKS OF VAN GOGH AND HOKUSAI , MICHELE PAPAGEORGHIOU TOOK PAINTBRUSH TO CANVAS . THE RESULT ? MESMERISING ARTWORK DEPICTING KENT IN A MAGICAL , DREAMLIKE STYLE .
Michele , tell us a little bit about your artistic journey ?
Prior to becoming an artist , I was a primary school teacher for many years , however I chose to retire early during lockdown . Throughout my teaching career I very much enjoyed afternoons of art exploring many famous artists ; a particular favourite was Van Gogh . It was during a school project in partnership with the Turner Centre in Margate that I was drawn to Hokusai ’ s Great Wave . The theme of the competition was linked with a local Roman shipwreck , which I also thought worked perfectly with a Van Gogh sky and Reculver Towers .
Following my retirement , I took some photographs from the Turner steps and , using some acrylic paints , painted my first picture of Margate : Under the Influence ( of Van Gogh and Hokusai ) and so the series began .
I showed a few friends and family members who liked it , but in order to get an unbiased opinion , I approached Sarah and Vivienne at The Galleria in Westgate , which showcases many talented Kentbased artists and makers . They were keen for me to reproduce it in print and greetings card form and recommended Art4site printers in Wye . The ladies encouraged me to expand and suggested I produce more similar work using our wonderful local sea and landscapes . Following on , I now have a series of acrylic paintings adding Broadstairs , Westgate on Sea , Ramsgate , Reculver , St Mildred ’ s Bay and two further Margate pictures to the collection .
Michele , you depict a lot of Kent ’ s scenes in your work . Why are you so inspired by the county ?
Although I have travelled extensively , I am always drawn back to my home town of Westgate on Sea . The coastal paths of Thanet were a fabulous escape during lockdown . Throughout the seasons , the varying weather conditions affect the colours and mood of the sky . The desolate atmosphere created by the biting winds and torrid sea conditions in winter months contrasts significantly to watching the tranquil picturesque summer sunset sliding into the sea behind Reculver over a leisurely glass of wine in a beachside café – there ’ s nothing like it !
Why are the works of Hokusai and Van Gogh such inspirations to you ?
It ’ s all about the atmosphere Hokusai and Van Gogh create with their styles of painting . For example , their vibrant colour choices are elements I have adapted to capture the intensity of the hostile weather conditions that we experience here . In addition , with global warming creating unusual and worrying weather trends , it is often a point of discussion with visitors to the gallery .
Where can we find / see your work ?
I sell my work as limited edition Giclee prints on archival paper and as greetings cards , mainly through The Galleria in Westgate on Sea and their sister gallery – Eclectic in Margate Old Town . They are also available through their online shop www . shorelinepartners . co . uk .
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