Dreamy Interior Paintings by Katerina Popova
My next interview is with artist and creative entrepreneur Ekaterina Popova! Kat paints interior spaces with a focus on color and light - capturing the mood and emotion of each environment she depicts. Her dreamy paintings portray intimate spaces, such as her own bedroom, and relate to the notion of home - an idea that Kat continues to explore in her work. In addition to painting, Kat founded Create Magazine; a publication that showcases the work of contemporary artists. She is also an author, creator of the Art & Cocktails podcast, and most recently, founder of The Art Queens; a global mentorship program for women creatives.
Hi Kat! Tell me about your background and where your creative journey began.
I was raised in Russia and lived there until 2001, when my mom and I moved to the US. I remember always being creative in some way. As a kid, I would sculpt with clay, make clothes for my barbies, and was always drawing or painting. Painting is the only medium that stuck with me over the years, and I got more and more into it in high-school, and eventually pursued a BFA in fine arts.
How has your work as an artist shifted and evolved over the years?
When I first seriously committed to painting, I was working with a lot of abstract florals. Years into college, I was interested in the way that art can help us heal. At the time, my paintings got dark and nostalgic, and I would attempt to paint my emotional experience as an immigrant.
As I developed my interests and became more confident in myself as a person, as well as in my aesthetic, I started to embrace more feminine parts of myself within my work. It's an ever going evolution; for me, it's allowing all the intimate parts of me that I am not entirely comfortable with to heal and come to the surface through my artwork.
Where do you find inspiration for your work, and what led you to focus on interior spaces?
When I first started painting the interior, I worked on paintings from my past: images of Russia and photos of my old apartment. Eventually, I started to acknowledge the beauty around me and became inspired by my own spaces. I manipulate the interiors both within the painting, but also by arranging furniture, adding plants and textiles in real life to achieve the desired emotion I'm after in my work. Everything becomes art!
In addition to painting, you founded Create Magazine, a publication that celebrates and promotes contemporary artists. What inspired you to launch this project, and where do you hope to see the magazine in the next five years?
When I first launched the magazine, it was due to my own need for opportunities. I couldn't find a job in the arts but desperately wanted to be a part of the art world. I had so much passion and many ideas, but no outlet. I loved supporting other artists, and at the time, the only possible solution was to start something of my own, which is how the magazine was born. I didn't have any skills or publishing experience and figured it our over the years using Google and online education.
In the next five years, I see us doing more in-person events, conferences retreats, and going beyond the pages. I had the pleasure of curating several exhibitions, and the most impactful moments are meeting other artists and members of our community. Having support is crucial in the arts, especially during this time.
I'm a huge fan of your podcast, Art & Cocktails, where you interview a wide range of artists and creative entrepreneurs. How has this podcast impacted you as both an artist and creative person?
Thank you! The podcast was a great way for me to overcome my shyness. Shortly after launching it, I started getting invited to teach, present, and speak in public. I was also able to get to know the artists that I admire on a more intimate level. It's been a call for me to level up my practice as an artist and leader. I love it!
Recently, you launched The Art Queens, a mentorship program for women creatives. What do you hope members will achieve through this program?
Over the years, I was fortunate enough to work with several mentors who helped me achieve amazing results, offered me support and accountability in my life and art career. Coaching and mentorship are relatively unknown, or at least publicly in the visual arts, and I wanted to open the door for women to build their communities and grow together.
I know how much personal development has helped me thrive, overcome money blocks, and allow myself and my work to be seen. I want other women artists to experience the same and more through 1:1 coaching, online courses, and membership. It's been a fulfilling platform so far, and I can't wait to push it further.
When did you join Instagram, and how has it impacted you as an artist?
I joined Instagram in 2013, and I had no idea how to use it, haha! I got really into it with the magazine, but it took me a few years to figure out how to use it for my work. I do a lot of my business and sell artwork on Instagram, so I'm grateful that this platform exists and helps us break out of old institutional prisons!
Where do you hope to see yourself and your work in 10 years?
I hope to be bolder, take more risks within my paintings, and host more in-person events and retreats for artists in my community. I hope to use my work and platforms to give permission to other artists (especially women) to shine and allow their dreams to manifest.
Follow Kat on Instagram at: katerinaspopova
Website: linktr.ee/katerinaspopova