IN THE STUDIO WITH ARTIST EKATERINA POPOVA

Born in Russia, but now residing in the US, Ekaterina Popova is fine art painter who draws on her memories of her early life in Russia and her current cultural environment to produce vivid scenes of fictional domestic spaces that create a sense of nostalgia and electric vibrancy. She is also the founder of Create! Magazine, a digital and print publication that showcases artists, makers and creative entrepreneurs from around the world and aims to connect artists with curators and opportunities. We had a chat with her to find out all about her artistic passion and entrepreneurial spirit.
 

 

IN THE STUDIO WITH ARTIST & PUBLISHER EKATERINA POPOVA

 

Hi Ekaterina, so tell us—when and how did your love affair with painting begin?

 
I was a creative child and was always interested in making things with my hands. It took me until my last two years in college to realize that painting is my favorite art form. I tried printmaking, sculpture and fiber but was never able to express my ideas the way I can through painting.
 

Can you tell us a bit about the philosophy behind your work?

 
My work is very intuitive. For the past few years, I have been absorbing the environments I get to live in or visit, and then collecting various sketches and reference images. I look for several different things when picking an interior to paint. I often paint the same room several times and capture a different light, time of day or a composition caused by a messy floor or bed.

My recent work focuses on the intimacy of our living environments and the stories our homes tell about who we are.

 

 

What is your preparation process like? Are there particular steps you go through before you actually start putting paint onto canvas?

 
I always make sure I have references and sketches prepared before tackling a big canvas. I also try to make a few small studies in watercolor or acrylic before starting a larger piece. Having inspiring music, a clean organized studio and a focused state of mind are very important and can make or break a work. I have to clear my head and often do a mini meditation before painting. Art making is a completely different state of mind from any other task and I do my best to be completely present.

 

How has your work evolved over the years? Are there any major differences you see in your work today compared to your earlier pieces?

 
My early work was a lot more sentimental. I would paint images that were completely nostalgic and tried to capture my past life. My recent paintings focus on the feeling of home from sources that are part of my life in the here and now. My new approach allows me to be more mindful and present. It has helped me find beauty in the most mundane parts of my life.

 

What sparked the idea for you to start an art publication?

 
I started my first publication in 2013. I was frustrated about my isolation as an artist and was lacking a creative community. I decided to take a chance and make a very small, simple publication FreshPaintMagazine. I had no design experience, just a passion for art. Over the years, I met some incredible artists and creatives that are an important part of my life now. My mission expanded and I rebranded the magazine to Create! Magazine in 2016.

 

 

We know from our own experience that starting up a new venture is never easy, as there are always all sorts of unexpected challenges that arise. What were the biggest challenges for you in the beginning when you were just setting up the magazine, and what kept you going even on tough days?

 
My early challenges were my lack of knowledge about design, marketing and more. I had no business or publishing experience and the learning curve was steep. With my first publication, I had to train myself and wear many hats for a few years. When you have a big vision for your business or venture it’s easy to get frustrated when things don’t look the way you want them to.

The most important lesson I learned is to align yourself with the right people. If you have people in your life or business that undermine your vision or creative voice, it will never work out in the long term.

Personally, being close and connecting with our readers and community kept me going despite the struggles and inspired my current publication.

 

 

Create! Magazine comes every other month in both print and digital format. You must have a pretty awesome team behind you to make it all happen. Can you tell us a bit about the people who contribute to making the magazine and how you all came together?

 
Yes! We have a small but mighty team! I have to thank our artists, guest curators, writers, editors and our incredible designer Shelby McFadden (Maple Projects). Shelby is a powerhouse and understands how each issue should look and feel. I met Shelby in college, but haven’t connected with her until I was working on my first publication. She designed all our logos and branding ever since.

Being an independent publisher is very time consuming, but it’s worth it each time you get to hold a new glossy print in your hands!
 

What advice can you offer other artists and makers who are just starting out and trying to turn their passion and talents into a viable career?

 
I would say that being patient and persistent is key. But there are definitely a few shortcuts. What really helped me propel forward was learning from people who have been there by listening to podcasts, reading books, following blogs and eventually hiring a mentor. The beautiful thing these days is that we have so many free resources available to help us fill the missing gaps in our skills and knowledge.

 

 

If you could go back 10 years and tell your past self anything, what would it be?

 
I would tell myself to stop being scared about what could go wrong. I was so afraid of having to pay taxes, doing something that could upset someone, and failing. I know better now that something will most likely go wrong but the little breakthroughs and growth that happens when we take chances is the spice of life.

 

Much like Create! Magazine, we’re all about shining the spotlight on inspiring artists and creative entrepreneurs like yourself. Can you tell us about another female artist in your network or community who is rocking it and why?

 
I mentioned Shelby McFadden (Maple Projects) in my previous response, but she really inspires me. She quit her day job about the same time I did and has been building her own brand. She has such a broad understanding of design and can tackle any creative project.

 

Check out more of Ekaterina Popova’s  work and please show your support!

 
katerinapopova.com
instagram.com/ekaterina.s.popova
facebook.com/ekaterinapopovaart
create-magazine.com