This interview was curated by START Shows

Elena Kariyannis AKA ‘erocksny’ is an American Contemporary Visual Artist internationally known, having exhibited in New York City and Europe. Elena's art style is a fusion of Abstract-Expressionism and Pop Art. Her unique style of painting which is expressed powerfully through her art is mostly done with her fingers.

How did you get your name?

In art school, I always hang out with the boys and when we would go out after class they always introduced me as Elena but people couldn’t say my name so one day one of the artists says her name is E and she rocks and it just stuck and that’s how I got Erocksny

How did you get into creating?

I was first introduced to the creative world at a very young age by my cousin Maria. She was babysitting me one night back when I was five years old and of course I was a reckless child so she put in front of my paints and a canvas and ever since then it’s been my forever passion.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised on Long Island, New York.
My parents are both from Greece and it’s been a beautiful upbringing to be a Greek-American.

How did growing up in your neighborhood/city affect you?

To be honest, growing up, I was very much how casted maybe because I was Greek maybe because I looked ethnic. It didn’t really bother me though because I really spent most of my time creating and spending a lot if time with art teachers.

What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?

I went to college for four years and have my Bachelor of fine arts after that, I took classes at Parsons and the new school

What does your current setup look like?

My current setup is a rooftop studio apartment, in which I have all my art supplies all over the place and one bed so basically I wake up and I live in breeze art every day

Who inspires you?

My inspiration is fueled by living in the moment … everyday life experiences
… constantly moving and evolving

art is all around me !
I’m inspired by colors … by people … by the love of life

What is your goal when you create?

My goal is to capture that inspires me all and bring it into my work, in hopes that people like you can feel that intensity and get to be a part of that magical creative experience.

Why do you create?

I create because to me it’s first nature. I would feel lost without art in my life.

How has choosing your creative path affected your life?

Like most people, I live the 9-to-5 lifestyle and a tragic accident happened in my 40 years of age I lost my older brother, and that was the time in my life when I realized that life is short, and I wanted to pursue what I felt I was meant to do in this life, and that was to create and share my art with the world so I left that 9 to 5 and pursued a full-time as an artist

Did you have to overcome any obstacles along the way?

Sure obstacles along the way could be people telling me how are you going to afford to survive and live but as I got older, I realize that simplicity is best. I didn’t want anything fancy I just wanted to have enough money to buy art supplies to feed myself and to have a place where I could create that was it.

What's your go-to song right now and why is it important to you?

Music plays such a significant role in my creation process, and I have so many songs that I love. At the moment it’s not a specific song but more of a time period. I’ve been listening to the 80s because it takes me back to a time that I loved and enjoyed growing up. Also, its implementing new work new styles fun and exciting just like the 80s were for me.

What is your dream as an artist and what steps are you taking to reach your dream?

I really want people to look at my art and know that it’s my work. I want my art to be recognizable. I want my art to be everywhere and I want everyone to own a piece of -E.
Every day I try to keep up with social media updating my website in addition to creating so my steps in trying to get there are just being consistent in moving forward and keeping up with the times and letting people know here I am

What would you tell someone else with a dream?

My advice is always to pursue your dreams, no matter what people think no matter what people say don’t listen to any of it follow your heart and your instincts cause they’re always right. If you do something that you love, you’re always going to be happy dreams do come true.

Tell us about your most recent release

My most recent work at the moment is my unique signature-style symbols. I put them on everything I create; on my paintings on clothing. I even put them on baby dolls. I also have a signature way of how I write the word “love” and that is included in all my work as well. Love is contagious so I’m spreading the love because everything I create is made with love.

Connect

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/erocksny

Facebook.com: http://www.facebook.com/erocksnyart

Website: http://www.erocksny.com

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