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As always, Cyprus leaves me at a loss for words—in the best way. Then again, some might say that’s a temporary blip 😂 and honestly… I’d have to agree 🤣 Fewer words because unplugging does happen. And Sod’s Law? Just when it does, it’s time to return.

So, I’ll leave you with that—for now—fewer words… and just a little bit of travel porn 😁

Happy vibes from the return leg!

Love,

Kika Xxx

#CyprusVibes #WanderReflectRecharge #SoloAndSocial #MindfulTravel #RestIsProductive #ResetAndReconnect #TravelWithIntention #PrioritiseRest #MentalClarity #StillnessInMotion #UnplugToRecharge #PeaceInThePause #WellnessJourney #SoulFuel #TravelDiaries #PhotoDump #JustVibes #HappyFromTheAir #SunAndSoul #VacationMode #thoughtsonwalks #kikapierides

But hey ho—producing is always preferable to consuming!

On 30 June, with an intentional dip in artistic activity, I seized the RIGHT to ESCAPE. I came here to recoup and gather my thoughts. My brain had been on hamster wheel mode all year and I needed to flip the switch—and what better place than the home island?

Today’s little adventure finds me tucked in a corner, rocking in a chair, having a chill day somewhere in Ayia Napa! Yes, Ayia Napa! But not central Napa—that would be downright stupid 😂 You gotta know-know where to go… unless you enjoy the sounds.

This year’s been lightning-fast. Since September: firsts, learning curves, challenges, and pivots. A screen-printing residency in Athens, Greece travels, first solo show, another residency at The Playroom in London, Christmas Market… then prep for my first Affordable Art Fair, a Cypriot High Commission showcase, and Crouch End Open Studios! Add interviews, new mini challenges and… 😜

The real lesson? The divide between commercially viable work and soul-driven endeavours. Reaching a point where both became viable brought me to a crossroads. I’m more equipped to choose—and less of a yes-woman—artistically.

It’s less faffing with undercutting the artist and more about what drives the needle forward. There’s still room for the soul—but it needs to be on a personal, equalitarian basis. One that aligns with inner values and terms.

So, I leave you with balance—an image that captures a snapshot of the soul from my everyday adventures here.

Whatcha up to this summer?

Love,

K Xxx

As I continue to pave my way along the undefined Artistic path, in this crazy little world we live in, I find great solace in my inner reserve - that which cannot be bought, borrowed or gifted 🤣

To that end, I have been struck too by the amount of people seeking mentorship or guidance this year coming to ME! And so, in the spirit of all I have gained through my endeavours, I’d like to pass on my best advice.

There is NO secret formula and there is NO one person that can help you. Everything that has led to my actions are a combination of knowledge accumulated, MOMENTS, conversations, a lot of hard work combined with a bit of luck (like most), intuition and the general stitching together of everything cumulatively.

There you go! No need to spend your money unnecessarily and no need to borrow! Everything you need is REALLY all around and inside of you! You’ve got this 😁

…And there you have it, that’s what I learnt this year, how to start putting my pieces together 😉 Here are some randomly selected parts that made up my year… in no particular selection or order.

What’s been your biggest lesson of 2024?

Love,

K Xxx

#newyearmessage #kikapierides #thoughtsonwalks #contemporarypatternist #islingtonartist #happynewyear2025 #happynye

I mean, it’s not every day that you take over a gallery on a high street and make it your own, is it?!… and I guess part of what I’ve been doing in a bid to make this place my base is undertake a residency here by completing daily collages on the topic of SWIRLS!

After all, this has to have been my obsession since January of this year! At first I thought it may very well be a subconscious impulse to ride a wave or reminisce about summer times, but nope, this form has been plaguing me. So, for the last week, just like the time I dissected triangles, I’ve been playing with the wave, come swirl, come twirl, come droplet. Perhaps fluidity should be the common denominator. Anyhow, I digress…

You’ve seen the video previews, now let’s see what’s been happening during my residency in collage type sketch form!

Catch you soonest!

Love,

K Xxx

#ArtHealing #CreativeWellbeing #LondonArt #CommunityArt #islingtonartist #northlondonartist #kikapierides #thelanguageofhealing #abstractart #colourfulart #colorfulpatterns #patterns #collages#abstractcolllage #collage #christmasgifts #abstractpatterns

KIKA PIERIDES PRESENTS A Language of Healing Residency | Daily Workshops | Exhibition

📅 5th - 17th November 2024 🕒 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Daily 📍 The Gallery at The Playroom, 99 Junction Road, Archway, London N19 5QX, UK

Follow for MORE updates: @kikapierides

Rewind ⏪

It’s not even been a week since I got back in town and let’s just say, I’ve barely had time to digest the past 2 months’ screen printing residency in Greece and bam 💥, time for a little solo @the_gallery_at_the_playroom_ )Not that I didn’t know about it but boy, oh, how time moves)!

Anyway, I digress! Before I launch full pelt into the nitty gritty I wanted to lay down the basics and ask you save the dates before joining me in counting down the days!! That’s right DAYS, until I throw colour at the world and before you get a chance to throw it right back at me! Cryptic? All shall be revealed soon enough!

Looking forward to welcoming you all!

Happy Sunday!

Love Kika Xxx

#ArtHealing #CreativeWellbeing #LondonArt #CommunityArt #islingtonartist #kikapierides #thelanguageofhealing #abstractart #colourfulart

Beyond personal reasons, our mind IS the driving force behind every single thing we create and each and every physical ailment out there (just sayin’). Yet matters of the mind are often seen as secondary to the physical ailments we can see and substantiate!

That is why I am supporting @takeamoment.uk for the 3rd year running! Blurb as standard follows:

“I’m taking a moment for mental health awareness with @takeamoment.uk and @piccadillylights. Will you join me?”

Beyond standard blurb.. I urge you to help continue raising awareness regarding this crucial topic.

Until the next!

Have a fabulous eve/ day!

Love,

K Xxx

#TakePart #MentalHealthMatters #worldmentalhealthday #worldmentalhealthday2024 #kikapierides

I came here after a week of being in Cyprus, visiting family and resting with the nature I came to love as a child. The idea of transitioning between different Mediterranean countries and mindsets is one that I find fascinating and something that I first experienced last year following a residency in Cyprus and travels in Greece. This year I am doing it the other way round!

I guess something that has become cumulatively evident is the legacy of patriarchy throughout conversations I have had and through instances that have occurred without even having to be verbalised. These occurrences marked the beginning of my trip and its transition into Greece!

I found attitudes personally vilifying but as a very wise female stranger of Greek origins told me, “you set your standards” and I couldn’t agree more!

Moving forward otherwise has been easy, the city is convenient and efficient with the bonus of being able to comprehend the language. It’s a window into a bustling Greek world - with the exception of the heat slowing down the pace!

Rather than finding my place here, I am forging it! It all starts with words, yesterday's were those of a stranger, today’s were through the graffiti I noted on a wall in Kypseli ‘NO BORDER NO NATION’ - quite poignant for me personally, given my Greek Cypriot origins!

Here’s to the start of an awesome residency at Eleanor Lines’ studio at Kypseli Print Studio where I am currently sitting, pondering my reflections and assessing which form/s my practice will take, be they verbal, visual/both. Wish me luck!

Bon nuit!

Love Kika Xxx

#thoughtsonwalks #thoughtsonwalksathens #kikapierides #nobordernonation #kikapierides #artist #screenprinting #kps #athens #cyprus#travellingartist #kypseli #konnos #ayianapa #lycabbetushill #exarcheia #alsospark #kifissia #kolonaki #anafiotika

As part of a call out to feature Cypriot Artists on their website with the broader aim of connection and collaboration, I am so privileged and honoured to be one of the Artists highlighted on the ‘Cultural Department of the Cyprus High Commission’s’ website in the U.K.

Being a second generation Londoner with war torn roots in Cyprus, it’s not always been easy grappling with notions of identity growing up, but I am so delighted to join a new era where I can identify with other Cypriots around me to broaden the scope of mutual understanding and dialogue in whatever way this may manifest - Artistically or simply through friendship.

The Cultural Department of the Cyprus High Commission mission is simple and beautifully put:

The Cultural Section of the Cyprus High Commission promotes Cyprus History and Culture in the UK. We host, organise and support initiatives and events, and create collaborations with cultural institutions, educational bodies, and universities. Our primary aim is to engage the Cypriot community and the wider public in a dynamic cultural dialogue. To this end, we support cultural production by emerging artists in various forms of art (music, theatre, fine arts, film) by providing platforms to show their work and by facilitating their collaborations with international institutions.

I hope to see you at a future event where I can share more!

Have a fab day!

Love,

K X

#kikapierides #processartist #abstractart #CrouchEnd #Haringey #ArtInHaringey #HaringeyArtists #NorthLondonArtists #LondonArtTrail #NorthLondonArt #ArtistOpenStudios #cyprushighcommission #cyprushighcommissioninlondon #artcanhour #artcanorg

And thanks AGAIN to Harris & Hoole who provided me with a space to display some work. I was kindly allowed to use the bookcase where I created an overview of my sketchbook practice which was the impetus behind my current work @vintiners - these being the collages I developed pre and during Covid.

It was interesting discussing this with enthusiasts who gained a better understanding of where I was coming from whilst also having the opportunity to purchase pieces at lower prices points, due to the temporary and transient nature of the work.

Whilst the work is still on view at @vintiniers (Venue 35) through Monday, the shop was closed today! My apologies for this but sometimes we just have to roll with what is a given! The shutter was up though and you could view my vibrant practice from a slight distance whilst it is also still available to view and purchase via my web store for a limited time only (please see link in bio)!

Special thanks also to Crouch End Open Studios @ceopenstudios for having me as a member this year and as part of the Arts Trail. It’s been such an honour to have joined such a wonderful group of established and emerging artists who I’ve gleaned so much knowledge from during the build up to the event, particularly as this has been my first Arts Trail! Now I know how to approach and how not to approach future Arts Trails as I proceed with a wealth of knowledge and insights!

For any questions you may have on Arts Trails please feel free to DM me or leave a comment below and I shall do my very best to respond.

Have a fabulous eve one and all!

Love,

K Xxx

#kikapierides #processartist #abstractart #CrouchEnd #Haringey #ArtInHaringey #HaringeyArtists #NorthLondonArtists #LondonArtTrail #NorthLondonArt #ArtistOpenStudios #ceostrail2024 #vintiners #hhcrouchend #hornseylibrary

In just a few hours we will be welcoming in our New Year in and before we do so, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank 2023 for the greatness that it has offered, as well as express my gratitude for your continued support!

This year has been truly splendid but not because of the long list of opportunities and achievements but rather the growth that was had on internal level.

This year was the year I regained my health, gained greater clarity around my practice and therefore discovered and rediscovered competences old and new! I am more resilient, I trust and I am reflexing my patience muscle!

This year was good. Here’s to 2023! There will be good times ahead and bad but this one was good to me and I am honoured for that!

So thank you 2023 and thank YOU for your undeniable support, oh people of the Gram and beyond!

Looking forward to a continued dawning 😃

Love,

Kika Xxx

#kikapierides #artcanorg #ceos #happynewyear2024 #happynewyearseve2023 #thoughtsonwalks #artistsdiary #abstractart #reflections #reflections2023

Yes, the period of reflection may have started but that does not mean that things will be quiet on my end because lined up for you during the festivities and as previously promised shall be a week of how I progressed those collages which you so generously voted on! AND following on from this, previously UNREVEALED, ONE-OFF, AFFORDABLE, UNIQUE prints for sale starting BOXING DAY at an introductory price!

So, if you’d like to be the first to enter the cavern I shall be releasing a newsletter with previews and sales on the 19th December to my subscribers, a week before general release to the public!

LINK IN BIO! :)

See you on the other side!

Love,

Kika Xxx

#unique #colourful #affordableart #artunder200 #giftsforartlovers #artforchristmas #abstractart #intuitiveart #kikapierides #thoughtsonwalks

Today is ‘International Artists Day’ and so I felt compelled to celebrate not only myself but also all of the wonderful Artist’s out there burgeoning, emerging, accomplished and successful but especially the ArtCan @ArtCanOrg crew which I joined in July.

October has been a crazy busy month and if it's not been the serious amount of Art fairs going on, the networking, the getting to see the work of fellow ArtCanners interspersed throughout these events, then there has been a lot of continuity and experimentation with my screen printing (a section of a piece captured above).

With that being said, I have been loving working from my mini home setup and on Saturday’s doing a self directed course @bainbridgeprint with a view to attaining membership. Lucy a.k.a. ‘the captain of the ship’ is a gem and I have been learning loads from her, as well as coming up with way too many ideas (as per the norm), as I work on achieving my printerly goals.

On Monday I celebrated taking part in the 10th year of ‘A Letter In Mind’ run by ‘The National Brain Appeal’ who created the exhibition to raise money to fund ground breaking projects in the fields of neurology and neurosurgery. The Artwork is now on sale online so please do see the link in my bio to check it out.

Last but not least hugest thanks to the talented @thatgirlwiththebob for accompanying me to my private view on Monday evening. Make sure you check out her content for style and beauty tips - because it’s easy to forget oneself in the studio :)

Ciao for now!

Love,

Kika Xxx

#internationalartistsday #kikapierides #artcanorg #artistsday #thoughtsonwalks #screenprinting #abstractart

My errors have taught me ‘countless’ lessons this week and will of course vary according to Artistic background and experience but here are MY top 3!

1. No Contact Space: Don’t forget to create a gap between the screen and your work either by taping 2 pence pieces to each corner of the screen or by using clamps. It’s amazing the difference this makes - let’s face it, you don’t want the screen sticking to the paper, unless you like that ‘splodgy’ sort of effect!

2. Viscosity: Perhaps my biggest lesson and the one I am still getting use to. In other words - the pigment within each colour varies therefore so does the viscosity and so you’ve got to have a play with it, adding a retarder (thinning agent) or a thickening agent to get the correct consistency needed to actually create a print. If you don’t, too thick and the screen will stick to the paper regardless of ‘no contact space’ or too thin and you will either get a bubbly effect within a solid band of printed paint or worse - paint leaking into your stencil (but that’s quite extreme).

3. Paint for Use: Ultimately it’s a balancing act, as is the amount of paint you physically use on the screen. Too much paint and you will get all of the effects mentioned above and too little and you may not even get enough paint on the screen to create solid bands of colour!

So what do you do? Practice! That’s all you can do 😅 I am still fine tuning and learning but I have to say, I am loving this medium - and it’s definitely a natural companion and follow on from collage with infinite possibilities. I cannot wait to get the balance right as my head is buzzing with colour variations and pattern possibilities.

Until the next time!

Bon day!

Love,

Kika Xxx

#kikapierides #screenprinting #screenprintingexperiments #screenprintingwip #collageart #abstractart #multicoloured #shape #femaleartist #2020s #printmaking #printmakingprocess

Virtual Exhibition: Linked in bio

National Portrait Gallery: 14th September - 15th October, 2023

Piccadilly Lights: 10th October, 2023 (World Health Mental Day)

Today I visited the National Portrait Gallery to catch a glimpse of the celebrities and ‘ordinary equals’ who took a moment by closing their eyes in aid of mental health awareness.

Not one to bang on about something but you may have heard me speak about this before. It’s less an invitation to peek my selfie (where placed i.e. not in the NPG) but more so a moment, to participate and consider what this massive topic means to you. There is actually a designated area in the exhibition for you to do so. And why not upload your picture and join the virtual gallery of other faces of humans who pay tribute to mental health awareness? Why not be part of a movement that seeks to challenge perceptions and open discussion?

Well I am pretty pleased I popped along today - it filled me with joy to see how many people are willing to take a stand on a topic of such contention! Go NPG for supporting the movement and go ‘Take a Moment’! Here’s to enhanced understanding and humanity amongst people.

Before I get completely carried away, I’ll wish you a bon day and leave it right there!

Otherwise, more interesting bits and bobs to ensue, at least, for a little while ;)

Love Kika Xxx

@theartofldn @piccadillylights @nationalportraitgallery #kikapierides #thoughtsonwalks #mentalhealthawareness #takeamoment #takeamoment2023 #artcanorg #artcanhour #virtualexhibition #NationalPortraitGallery#piccadillylights #rayburmiston

On arriving home, I sat down with my tapes wondering what I could do with them. After all, I loved the idea of helping spread the word about this new medium and putting my free gifts to good use. However, I felt restricted by the dimensions of the tape itself and was curious about larger adhesive sheets which lent themselves better to cutting free form shapes from. Days past and an exhibition opportunity arrived on my doorstep involving creating art on envelopes revolving around the topic of ‘Challenges Perspectives’. Perfect! The dimensions and topic felt right! I immediately got to work with the tapes and before I knew had come up with 11! 9 of these available 1 per day, from today. Today's piece:

Title: Fun-velop: 2 Medium: Cloth Tapes Size: 22 x 11 cm’s Price: £85 + P&P (Certificate of Authenticity included).

Feel free to DM if you are interested. More on the exhibition in due course, as well as a lot of other stuff :)

Love,

Kika Xxx

@tape.that #kikapierides #thoughtsonwalks #tapedcollage #tapeart #artonenvelopes #envelopeart #tapethat #cre8tapes #unrolled #freematerials #clothtapes#challengingperspectives #artforsale #collageart #abstractart

On arriving home, I sat down with my tapes wondering what I could do with them. After all, I loved the idea of helping spread the word about this new medium and putting my free gifts to good use. However, I felt restricted by the dimensions of the tape itself and was curious about larger adhesive sheets which lent themselves better to cutting free form shapes from. Days past and an exhibition opportunity arrived on my doorstep involving creating art on envelopes revolving around the topic of ‘Challenges Perspectives’. Perfect! The dimensions and topic felt right! I immediately got to work with the tapes and before I knew had come up with 11! 9 of these available 1 per day, from today. Today's piece:

Title: Fun-velop: 1 Medium: Cloth Tapes Size: 22 x 11 cm’s Price: £85 + P&P (Certificate of Authenticity included).

Feel free to DM if you are interested. More on the exhibition in due course, as well as a lot of other stuff :)

Love,

Kika Xxx

@tape.that #kikapierides #thoughtsonwalks #tapedcollage #tapeart #artonenvelopes #envelopeart #tapethat #cre8tapes #unrolled #freematerials #clothtapes#challengingperspectives #artforsale #collageart #abstractart

On arriving home, I sat down with my tapes wondering what I could do with them. After all, I loved the idea of helping spread the word about this new medium and putting my free gifts to good use. However, I felt restricted by the dimensions of the tape itself and was curious about larger adhesive sheets which lent themselves better to cutting free form shapes from. Days past and an exhibition opportunity arrived on my doorstep involving creating art on envelopes revolving around the topic of ‘Challenges Perspectives’. Perfect! The dimensions and topic felt right! I immediately got to work with the tapes and before I knew had come up with 11! 9 of these available 1 per day, from today. Today's piece:

Title: Envelop: 3 Medium: Cloth Tapes Size: 22 x 11 cm’s Price: £85 + P&P (Certificate of Authenticity included).

Feel free to DM if you are interested. More on the exhibition in due course, as well as a lot of other stuff :)

Love,

Kika Xxx

@tape.that #kikapierides #thoughtsonwalks #tapedcollage #tapeart #artonenvelopes #envelopeart #tapethat #cre8tapes #unrolled #freematerials #clothtapes#challengingperspectives #artforsale #collageart #abstractart

On arriving home, I sat down with my tapes wondering what I could do with them. After all, I loved the idea of helping spread the word about this new medium and putting my free gifts to good use. However, I felt restricted by the dimensions of the tape itself and was curious about larger adhesive sheets which lent themselves better to cutting free form shapes from. Days past and an exhibition opportunity arrived on my doorstep involving creating art on envelopes revolving around the topic of ‘Challenges Perspectives’. Perfect! The dimensions and topic felt right! I immediately got to work with the tapes and before I knew had come up with 11! 9 of these available 1 per day, from today. Today's piece:

Title: Envelop: 2 Medium: Cloth Tapes Size: 22 x 11 cm’s Price: £85 + P&P (Certificate of Authenticity included).

Feel free to DM if you are interested. More on the exhibition in due course, as well as a lot of other stuff :)

Love,

Kika Xxx

@tape.that #kikapierides #thoughtsonwalks #tapedcollage #tapeart #artonenvelopes #envelopeart #tapethat #cre8tapes #unrolled #freematerials #clothtapes#challengingperspectives #artforsale #collageart #abstractart

On arriving home, I sat down with my tapes wondering what I could do with them. After all, I loved the idea of helping spread the word about this new medium and putting my free gifts to good use. However, I felt restricted by the dimensions of the tape itself and was curious about larger adhesive sheets which lent themselves better to cutting free form shapes from. Days past and an exhibition opportunity arrived on my doorstep involving creating art on envelopes revolving around the topic of ‘Challenges Perspectives’. Perfect! The dimensions and topic felt right! I immediately got to work with the tapes and before I knew had come up with 11! 9 of these available 1 per day, from today. Today's piece:

Title: Envelop: 1 Medium: Cloth Tapes Size: 22 x 11 cm’s Price: £85 + P&P (Certificate of Authenticity included).

Feel free to DM if you are interested. More on the exhibition in due course, as well as a lot of other stuff :)

Love,

Kika Xxx

@tape.that #kikapierides #thoughtsonwalks #tapedcollage #tapeart #artonenvelopes #envelopeart #tapethat #cre8tapes #unrolled #freematerials #clothtapes#challengingperspectives #artforsale #collageart #abstractart

For the second year running I am taking part in ‘Take a Moment 2023’ exhibition, an initiative by photographer Ray Burmiston which is simply about “taking a few seconds every day for our mental health...to pause, breath, disconnect and then reconnect, so we can find clarity. A simple action that can make a life changing difference in our fast-paced world.”

This is not a snap. My translation of the brief led me to take a selfie which was as unstaged and as much as I found myself ‘in the moment’ as possible.

It very much symbolises the essence of having come through the other side of ‘X’ amount of years of challenges to my own mental health, and as such, taking part is hugely significant to me. Mental health unlike physical health is invisible and still sadly stigmatised but a need for normalising the discussion is real and this exhibition provides entry into and a safe space to do so.

“This year, with the support of Art of London, Take A Moment is back in the West End, exhibiting on Piccadilly Lights and within the National Portrait Gallery to encourage everyone to pause, upload their ‘eyes closed selfie’ and become part of the art.”

To take part have a look @takeamoment.uk for further details.

Love Kika Xxx

@theartofldn @piccadillylights #TakeAMoment2023 #NationalPortraitGallery #kikapierides #thoughtsonwalks #mentalhealthawareness #takeamoment #rayburmiston #selfie #portrait #artcanhour

On arriving home, I sat down with my tapes wondering what I could do with them. After all, I loved the idea of helping spread the word about this new medium and putting my free gifts to good use. However, I felt restricted by the dimensions of the tape itself and was curious about larger adhesive sheets which lent themselves better to cutting free form shapes from. Days past and an exhibition opportunity arrived on my doorstep involving creating art on envelopes revolving around the topic of ‘Challenges Perspectives’. Perfect! The dimensions and topic felt right! I immediately got to work with the tapes and before I knew had come up with 11! 9 of these available 1 per day, from today. Today's piece:

Title: Sequential: 2 Medium: Cloth Tapes Size: 22 x 11 cm’s Price: £85 + P&P (Certificate of Authenticity included).

Feel free to DM if you are interested. More on the exhibition in due course, as well as a lot of other stuff :)

Love,

Kika Xxx

@tape.that #kikapierides #thoughtsonwalks #tapedcollage #tapeart #artonenvelopes #envelopeart #tapethat #cre8tapes #unrolled #freematerials #clothtapes#challengingperspectives #artforsale #collageart #abstractart

On arriving home, I sat down with my tapes wondering what I could do with them. After all, I loved the idea of helping spread the word about this new medium and putting my free gifts to good use. However, I felt restricted by the dimensions of the tape itself and was curious about larger adhesive sheets which lent themselves better to cutting free form shapes from. Days past and an exhibition opportunity arrived on my doorstep involving creating art on envelopes revolving around the topic of ‘Challenges Perspectives’. Perfect! The dimensions and topic felt right! I immediately got to work with the tapes and before I knew had come up with 11! 9 of these available 1 per day, from today. Today's piece:

Title: Sequential: 1 Medium: Cloth Tapes Size: 22 x 11 cm’s Price: £85 + P&P (Certificate of Authenticity included).

Feel free to DM if you are interested. More on the exhibition in due course, as well as a lot of other stuff :)

Love,

Kika Xxx

@tape.that #kikapierides #thoughtsonwalks #tapedcollage #tapeart #artonenvelopes #envelopeart #tapethat #cre8tapes #unrolled #freematerials #clothtapes#challengingperspectives #artforsale #collageart #abstractart

On arriving home, I sat down with my tapes wondering what I could do with them. After all, I loved the idea of helping spread the word about this new medium and putting my free gifts to good use. However, I felt restricted by the dimensions of the tape itself and was curious about larger adhesive sheets which lent themselves better to cutting free form shapes from. Days past and an exhibition opportunity arrived on my doorstep involving creating art on envelopes revolving around the topic of ‘Challenges Perspectives’. Perfect! The dimensions and topic felt right! I immediately got to work with the tapes and before I knew had come up with 11! 9 of these available 1 per day, from today. Today's piece:

Title: A Nod to Tape Art, Tape It: 4 Medium: Cloth Tapes Size: 22 x 11 cm’s Price: £85 + P&P (Certificate of Authenticity included).

Feel free to DM if you are interested. More on the exhibition in due course, as well as a lot of other stuff :)

Love,

Kika Xxx

@tape.that #kikapierides #thoughtsonwalks #tapedcollage #tapeart #artonenvelopes #envelopeart #tapethat #cre8tapes #unrolled #freematerials #clothtapes #challengingperspectives #artforsale #collageart #abstractart

On arriving home, I sat down with my tapes wondering what I could do with them. After all, I loved the idea of helping spread the word about this new medium and putting my free gifts to good use. However, I felt restricted by the dimensions of the tape itself and was curious about larger adhesive sheets which lent themselves better to cutting free form shapes from. Days past and an exhibition opportunity arrived on my doorstep involving creating art on envelopes revolving around the topic of ‘Challenges Perspectives’. Perfect! The dimensions and topic felt right! I immediately got to work with the tapes and before I knew had come up with 11! 9 of these available 1 per day, from today. Today's piece:

Title: A Nod to Tape Art, Tape It: 3 Medium: Cloth Tapes Size: 22 x 11 cm’s Price: £85 + P&P (Certificate of Authenticity included).

Feel free to DM if you are interested. More on the exhibition in due course, as well as a lot of other stuff :)

Love,

Kika Xxx

@tape.that #kikapierides #thoughtsonwalks #tapedcollage #tapeart #artonenvelopes #envelopeart #tapethat #cre8tapes #unrolled #freematerials #clothtapes#challengingperspectives #artforsale #collageart #abstractart

Jonathan is an Artist & Designer whose work was bought back to my attention after a recent feature in ‘Pressing Matters’ @pressingmattersmag magazine so you can find him here or @jonathanlawes or jonathanlawes.com and I am sure many more places!

Personally, I was overjoyed when I looked on his website and saw the description for his workshop - screen printing with stencils, layering and multiple colours! I think it’s safe to say you only ever cover one colour in a general beginners workshop so I was super excited! Indeed, I was not at all disappointed! I got to cover and learn everything I love - abstract shapes and forms layered with different colours! In fact we got 5 colours in! Not only that - we covered screen printing from an artistic over a technically prescribed perspective which was perfection! I could go on but I’ll include some images produced during the session which may explain my excitement 😁

So, as things stand, my time in Cyprus blind embossing reaped its rewards by edging me closer to screen printing - the most natural companion for my colourful collages and the crux of my current practice. I am beyond pleased and cannot wait to get started with a new era of work - space permitting!

That’s all for now folks! Keep your fingers crossed for and bare with me!

Happy Tuesday and let me know in the comments below if you’d like to see some of the blind embossings I produced in Cyprus 😁

Love Kika Xxx

#screenprint #screenprinting #kikapierides #ortoprintstudio #3rdrailprintspace #jonathanlawes #abstractart #screenprintingworkshop #thoughtsonwalks #testimonials #artadvice #artguidance

First was a meeting with Orto Print Studio @ortoprintstudio Orto Print Studio is predominantly a textile screen printing studio currently based at 3rd Rail Print Space with clients such as Hunter, Burberry, Mulberry and much much more. Holly who agreed to meet me was formerly the studio manager at 3rd Rail and is super experienced within all areas of screen print.

Orto does not take on interns because they believe in fair pay which is admirable but they are open to visits by those wanting industry advice and which I think deserves high praise and a mention!

Holly was open and receptive, reviewing my work, showing me working samples and setting me on the right path!

Thank you so so much, Holly! Your guidance was invaluable and I am starting with paper experimentations first!

Please contact Holly if you are seeking industry advice or an excellent textiles screen printer!

Stay tuned for Part 2 👀😁😍

Happy Monday!

Love Kika Xxx

#screenprint #screenprinting #kikapierides #ortoprintstudio #3rdrailprintspace #jonathanlawes #abstractart #screenprintingworkshop #thoughtsonwalks #testimonials #artadvice #artguidance

N.B. A few scenes from the past months.

Happy Saturday!

Love Kika Xxx

#kikapierides #thoughtsonwalks #reflections #capegreco #konnos #horsebackriding #avakasgorge #tombsofthekings #bluelagoon #paphos #kykkos #hiking #protaras #prophitiselias #theartistsway #inspiration #thalassotherapy #timetosaygoodbyel

HOWEVER, first up, here’s a little photo dump, which I shall ‘just leave here’. Let’s just call it inspiration or thalassotherapy or perhaps a playful urge to be ‘cute’ 😬😁😎 otherwise, no lengthy ‘thoughts’ though, believe it or not, I have many 😂😂😂

Happy perusing!

Love K Xxx

#kikapierides #thoughtsonwalks #greece #antiparos #iraklia #koufonissia #onelaststroll #theartistsway #inspiration #thalassotherapy #timetosaygoodbye

Ever since I’ve been in Cyprus I have noticed the power of being a part of a smaller community, the ability to connect rapidly and get to know relevant people in x10 the speed possible back home. It’s had a phenomenal impact on my work rate and got me to having a rethink about the quality of my interactions.

Because, as a 2nd generation Londoner, I know (we know) you can get lost in the city. It’s a wonderful feeling but it’s a challenge to establish bases and within this challenge and as a returning Artist, I turned to social media to connect the dots, in that, over the years I have observed trends and patterns in the ways Artist’s work and how I may choose to design my own career.

And given the design in which I have decided to follow, I am inclined to favour a combination of technological and face to face interactions. In fact this is exactly how I was led to becoming a member of ArtCan! Through three rather serendipitous face to face meetings with three fantastic ladies which without the power of social media would not have been made possible at all!

ArtCan is an exciting artist-led, non-profit arts organisation with members across Britain and internationally, which I am pleased to say are active in both spheres: online and offline. The organisation creates opportunities through exhibitions and practice development as well as peer-to-peer connections, professional recognition and access to specialist knowledge and support.

Special thanks go to @emurphs @fireworksdhp @elizabethmikellides @artcanorg for both directly and indirectly guiding me towards ArtCan. I am super excited to be on board and cannot wait to contribute and start this new chapter.

Have a fab day one & all!

Kika Xxx

#thoughtsonwalks #kikapierides #connectivity #onlinevsoffline #artcanorg #artcan #artabroad #intuitiveart #abstractart #intuitiveabstractart #collageart

What begun as an Art Residency at ‘The Cyprus College of Art’ rapidly collapsed due to differences in terms of lifestyle choices! Although this was disappointing, I made the most of my time in Paphos visiting and observing examples of the wonderful archaeology surrounding me, as well as deriving inspiration from the beautifully protected areas along the Akamas peninsula/ villages!

After I’d exhausted possibilities I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to move myself inland to the capital Nicosia where I decided to comprehend the art scene in Cyprus whilst seeking out a print press so that I could continue the work I’d conceived before and during my time in Lempa, Paphos.

A week on after this venture had started and largely thanks to the loving support of my family/ a lot of fact finding, I was able to secure the use of the printmaking facilities at ‘The University of Nicosia’ for the intended duration of my original stay.

Around about the same time the good news started to roll in and I secured a couple more large scale projects and more so, was INCREDIBLY delighted to have been accepted as a member of @artcanorg - more on this soon.

So here I find myself, bang in the centre of a shifting practice as I experience a world of new opportunities and revel in what is ahead once I’ve complete my stay! Let’s just say, it’s an exciting time where I get to have a reprieve whilst developing my craft towards a long term goal of returning to re:engaging with practicing more fully.

Until the next, this was an update in brief! Many thanks go to many people during the last 3 weeks of my life - my family for one, my mentor @libbybrooksartist, the ‘University of Nicosia’ @universityofnicosia @fineartunic and last but not least @artcanorg

More ‘thoughts’ soonest.

Love,

Kika Xxx

I am also super honoured to take this on and will undoubtedly be inspired by the tutors and alumni that came before me, amongst them Sir Anthony Caro and Rachel Whiteread!

Until the next time, consider this less ‘adieu’ but ‘see you on the other side’ ;) Love, Kika Xxx

#thoughtsonwalks #intuitiveart #abstractart #kikapierides #collageart #paperart #digitalart #colourfulart #cyprus #artistresidency #artistsresidency #cypruscollegeofart #thegreatwalloflempa #breakingnews

Be sure to check them out at www.kikapierides.com or by clicking on link in bio before they fly away. All images are supplied by the outstanding @theprintspace and available globally!

And, do sign up to my newsletter for future print offers and more! Link on website homepage!

This was your final time sensitive reminder!

Have a fab day,

Love Kika Xxx

#thoughtsonwalks #intuitiveart #abstractart #kikapierides #collageart #printsincoming #paperart #digitalart #colourfulart #logo #artistlogo #webstore #printlaunch #theprintspace #healingart #websitelaunch #theprintspace

So, if you’ve not already, please do check out my shiny new website and store at www.kikapierides.com or click the link in my bio.

As you can see, I was quite literally ‘blown away’ by your support and sincerely wanted to thank so many of you for the love thus far on my website/store.

Whilst I’ve been having a ‘blast’ I wanted to pop back in and remind you that you can find 7 of the favourite images voted for by you on my website in all sorts of sizes, framed and unframed. The images are supplied by the outstanding @theprintspace and available globally!

Don’t forget to have a look at my store before it closes on Monday. I will be sure to place a countdown clock in my stories for you so you can stay notified!

Until the next time sensitive warning!

Have a fab day,

Love Kika Xxx

p.s. improvements to campaigning will be made along the way!

#thoughtsonwalks #intuitiveart #abstractart #kikapierides #collageart #printsincoming #paperart #digitalart #colourfulart #logo #artistlogo #webstore #printlaunch #theprintspace #healingart #websitelaunch #theprintspace

The iterations I started off with were hand cut paper collage landscapes which fell nicely into abstracts. The later work resembled patterns and so I dove into an earlier interest in surface pattern by taking on a digital course in it. This interested me but the repeat aspect didn’t and the digital aspect required a learning process = time. I also missed using my hands so returned to analogue.

It came to light that the collages themselves most resembled hard edge painting and so I commenced recreating some of the work as just that. Still, I was dissatisfied by the sterile nature of the process. It was the opposite to how I practice.

I flipped back to digital and enjoyed creating layers within my work, finally understanding that although I loved the puzzlesque approach, I had firmly got stuck in the PRODUCTION STAGE - having lost sight of what I love doing - creating!

Going through a myriad of possibilities I happened upon what I was initially told by experts was not possible - a photographic interpretation of the neons evident in my initial collages and after MUCH searching I came across Aaron @rawcanvasuk who produced the most beautiful samples of my originals!

So, today I took the brave leap and decided to cart all 400 items of my work including all of my crazy experiments to Leytonstone for photographic reproduction and I cannot wait to share the results of my visual journey over the years before moving on to the next phase of my artistic voyage!

Love Kika Xxx

For me tapestry has great relevance to my childhood and is very nostalgic of the 80's and good times. My grandmother was a keen potter and embroider and we would spent much time socialising over the act of sewing. Only she would undertake skilful fine needlepoint work and I would embroider ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ and ‘Smurf’s’ in half stitch.

The thing I recall about embroidery was that it involved an aspect of slowing ‘right’ down to it as you literally pinpointed stitch after stitch, something that is very much the opposite of how we behave with digital technology nowadays, what with our everything being within ‘agitating’ arms distance.

And I did test out this theory over the past week. I took the digitised image you see in the first slide and had it printed onto canvas so that I could stitch over it using the same half stitch I employed in the 80’s (slide to the 2nd sample embroidery image for the result) and boy oh, how soothing it was. My brain was rattling with thoughts early on the week and completely still by the end of it.

I guess my experiments have led me back to my roots, notably painting leading the way into mixed media - embroidery being a sentimental medium. I love how soothing it is and I thought I’d share part of something I consider to be medicinal and with it a couple of questions.

If you could imagine participating in an Artist's world how could you see this happening? How would you like to do so?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Love Kika Xxx

That being said, this week has been an absolutely splendidly rich week in terms of visiting exhibitions and trialing my own ideas through paint. Paint for me hits the heart of things and brings authenticity to what I do - it’s just that I forgot this when I’d been away from art for 15 years and returned through collage.

However, finding my way through collage and now adding paint will hit differently. Because if it wasn’t for that moment I stood in my studio this week and allowed myself to make a total mess that I wouldn’t have recalled my abstract expressionist tendencies and through visiting ‘Action, Gesture, Paint’ @whitechapelgallery that I would have felt enamoured by the emotion within a gesture and simultaneously repulsed by how little involvement that provides an audience (from my POV only). And if I didn’t feel the need to involve my audience further, I wouldn’t have found myself in a tapestry store recreating a sample design with the possible aim of helping others alleviate their mental health through my art.

Isn’t it fabulous how one decision to act from the heart can open one door after the other? And you know, it’s been such an amazing week for more reasons than I can mention yet, but the last thing I expected this morning during a train journey to @theotherartfair was to FINALLY come up with a vision of what to do with my practice during a conversation strung together over random coincidence - well… let’s just say the best is yet to come! Hint - no frames involved 😁

Happy Sunday all!

Love Kika Xxx

#kikapierides #thoughtsonwalks #theartistsvoice #artforchange #arttherapy #covidcolortherapy #artformentalhealth #healingart #recoveryart #abstractart #colorfulabstract #color #northlondonartist #islingtonartist #collageartist

At the time I was going through deep grief, my first encounter with burnout as well as starting to slide into obesity!

I was unemployed and COVID was right around the corner.

Life was an unpleasant haze and I was a mess - the last thing on mind was being publicly vulnerable!

And even as I speak, life is not perfect - I am recovering from my second encounter with burnout HOWEVER…

The one thing that my journey through grief and burnout has taught me is how important ‘self expression’ is to me and how short life is.

Even after 18 years of not having painted, grief and burnout pushed me to follow my dream of having my first Art studio outside of Art school!

So many amazing things have happened within this space but something I never expected to happen publicly was recovering and documenting my process along the way, through my art, in written form and through video.

But there is something so beautiful in the purity of doing so. Being an Artist who’s work translates their emotions, it couldn’t have happened in a better way.

I am all for Artist’s who share their inspiration but their is nothing richer then sharing the real story behind an individual as a way of connecting with others.

Are there any particular struggles you have overcome over the past 5 years? How to do you go about sharing your story? . . . . .

#kikapierides #thoughtsonwalks #theartistsvoice #behindtheart #arttherapy #covidcolortherapy #burnout #grief #griefsupport #burnoutsupport #vulnerability #speakingout #healingart #abstractart #colorfulabstract #hardedge #hardedger #color #northlondonartist #islingtonartist #collageartist #emotionscapes #innerscapes

The aim of the workshop was to decide whether I’d like to reproduce my collages as Screen Prints - ‘as an end product’.

And although I loved the results of what was produced (in this case, one of my repeats) - the answer was ‘not for now’!

And it wasn’t that the answer was for any particular reason other then my recent discovery that I’d been so busy fixating on an end product which had been making me miserable - so miserable that I had completely lost my direction.

Ever since I started trying to put my work in a box from starting Surface Pattern Design to recently trailing out Painting and now Screen Printing - I kept going at it with a ‘is that it?’ attitude, which totally took me away from doing what I love so much, working on the process.

The truth of the matter is that it doesn’t matter if the outcome is painting, printing, analogue or digital. My mantra still rings true, process = destination and I have to do what makes me feel alive.

I am not sure what the future of my artwork holds and although I so much want to give my work homes, I can’t do that unless I am being true to my vision and for now that means more experimentation. So stayed tuned for more process driven antics right here.

#THEARTISTVOICE #surfacedesigner #hardedge #hardedgeartist #thoughtsonwalks #COVIDmotivation #awalkaday #markthistime2021 #covidcolourtherapy #covidcolortherapy #covid_19 #abstractcollage #abstractlover #automaticabstractcollage #colourfulabstract #colour #collage #collageart #collageartist #complementarycolours #geometricabstract #opticalart #originalart #colourfulcollage #papercollage #papercut #analoguecollage #kikapierides #neoncollage

Because I don’t know about you but I can be really hard on myself and when it comes to work and working things out.

I always want to do the best job I can and please everyone around me but sometimes this can come at a cost to my health.

So after being at war with myself and not really having taken a break away since COVID begun, I have decided to allow myself to take things a bit slower and let my thoughts percolate - particularly through longer walks.

Doing so has begun to yield a multitude of thoughts on my direction within the Arts and reflecting upon the content I am actually putting out there.

I have noticed that there is a pattern to the content I provide which focusses on celebrating self expression in its different forms, be it through my visual art process, written word, and spoken through video.

And I can’t say that I have a preference but what I can see is that my mission is developing into something bigger than myself, where I can imagine creating a space for celebrating different forms of self expression.

With digital media progressing the way it has and is, do you see it as a creative hindrance or something you can use to more fully declare your artistic intention?

#THEARTISTVOICE #surfacedesigner #hardedge #hardedgeartist #thoughtsonwalks #COVIDmotivation #awalkaday #markthistime2021 #covidcolourtherapy #covidcolortherapy #covid_19 #abstractcollage #abstractlover #automaticabstractcollage #colourfulabstract #colour #collage #collageart #collageartist #complementarycolours #geometricabstract #opticalart #originalart #colourfulcollage #papercollage #papercut #analoguecollage #kikapierides #neoncollage

However, for those of you that have been with me for a while will know, I started my weekly ramblings - ‘Thoughts On Walks’, to communicate the Artist's journey around the time I started my weight loss journey and ever since, have found the two to be inextricably linked!

At first walking those 15 minutes up hill was not easy but soon it became a 30 minutes walk, then a 45 minute walk and within 2 months a 1 hour 20 minute walk each morning.

And whilst these walks were initially reliant on goal setting, these numbers signify so much more. During the height of Covid, the time spent outside was my lifeline and made my days effective! Beyond this, they also contributed to my 30kg weight loss journey.

And for anyone on a weight loss journey that may feel sometimes finding clothes you want to wear is not a favourable task, the one thing I found favourable during the course of my walks was the adornments of colourful socks.

Because the first and most accessible thing to change were my socks. I found an assortment of colours from ‘Stance’ and proudly wore them as I trotted myself around. They made my day.

They made it so much so that last February I resolved to make my own. I had no idea how or what they would look like but I just knew that I had to pay tribute to my journey somehow!

So if you flip through the slides you will see what I came up with and if you are interested in purchasing, you will find a link in my bio.

Until next time remember “Start the day with a difficult task and everything else will seem easier. After all, with every uphill comes a downhill reward”😎

Bon day,

Kika Xxx

#THEARTISTVOICE #surfacedesigner #hardedge #hardedgeartist #thoughtsonwalks #COVIDmotivation #awalkaday #markthistime2021 #covidcolourtherapy #covidcolortherapy #covid_19 #abstractcollage #abstractlover #automaticabstractcollage #colourfulabstract #colour #collage #collageart #collageartist #complementarycolours #geometricabstract #opticalart #originalart #colourfulcollage #papercollage #papercut #analoguecollage #kikapierides

It was an interesting week full of initially frustration, trials, but most definitely resounding amounts of intermittent and cumulative JOY!

Looking back, I found it amusing that I thought I'd forgotten to paint all together but once I got the ball rolling my memory started to serve me well.

The journey into painting is a sacred one and anyone who paints knows that the process and craft is very involved and needs certain amounts of TIME for contemplation and honing of one's craft.

With this digital era, sometimes the speed with which we create can detract from the beauty of taking time out and developing patience towards one's subject - something I reflected on quickly as I could not stop anxiously fidgeting at the start of my painting journey.

I had become detached from the possibility that patience was in fact a prerequisite for painting. And the magic begun to seep itself into my consciousness as patience reigned calming effects on my brainwaves - slowing me down into a lovely and relaxing painterly flow.

Painting is sacred and not a journey to be taken lightly. This is just a sneak peak behind the curtain of what it signifies and as such a handcrafted image is a unique one.

As I venture into my new journey of experimentation I would like to offer my painting for sale and because of the uniqueness of the product, I am able to accept serious buyers only.

So if my message resonates with you and you are interested, please DM me or comment PATIENCE in the comments below so that I can get back to you.

Bon day!

Love,

Kika Xxx

#THEARTISTVOICE #surfacedesigner #hardedge #hardedgeartist #thoughtsonwalks #COVIDmotivation #awalkaday #markthistime2021 #covidcolourtherapy #covidcolortherapy #covid_19 #abstractcollage #abstractlover #automaticabstractcollage #colourfulabstract #colour #collage #collageart #collageartist #complementarycolours #geometricabstract #opticalart #originalart #colourfulcollage #papercollage #papercut #analoguecollage #kikapierides #neoncollage

And I tell you this, as I walked around that store I felt a knot of tension dissolve in my stomach. It was an odd sensation but a sensation that I was making the right choice.

And because you are all familiar with my collage work which I started when returning to Art after an 18 year break what you may not have realised is that after not having painted for 18 years, purchasing those canvases was not an easy decision to make. It was a small investment into re:trialing an old flame - painting! 😜

After all, Art is not a cheap craft and honing your skills takes time.

So, deciding that I would take time to experiment this year within painting, screen printing and further Illustration will be an investment and allowing myself to so has relieved a lot of pressure.

I am no longer pushing for an end product, I am walking through using different processes to complement my work and this time, I will be selling my end products along the way.

So here’s to a new era and I thank you for being with me every step of the way!

Bon day & if you live in London and have you seen those zebras at Piccadilly? - I swear they are mine and will be mine one day :P I shall take photos for all to see at some point.

Love,

Kika Xxx

#THEARTISTVOICE #surfacedesigner #hardedge #hardedgeartist #thoughtsonwalks #COVIDmotivation #awalkaday #markthistime2021 #covidcolourtherapy #covidcolortherapy #covid_19 #abstractcollage #abstractlover #automaticabstractcollage #colourfulabstract #colour #collage #collageart #collageartist #complementarycolours #geometricabstract #opticalart #originalart #colourfulcollage #papercollage #papercut #analoguecollage #kikapierides #neoncollage

That is to say, as another example, I visited Ryoji Ikeda’s fascinating exhibition, a month or so ago and I was taken aback by how much depth was conveyed by his work that given 20 years ago, I would not have understood though the general aspect and use of ‘light’ within my work at that time was remarkably ever present. As a previous sufferer of continuous migraines and light and audio sensitivity I was fully present to the astounding impact of strobe lighting and the field of audio sensory sounds! Beyond this, there were other ‘universal concepts’ that I felt particularly attuned to that I would have never understood had it not been for the passing of my father.

As an Artist listening to J.R. Byrd, what I really l like is that although I may fade in and out of what he is trying to convey through his lyrics, I definitely catch the gist and find them to be remarkably insightful and it’s the lyrics which really hold the sound together as opposed to the other way around although his voice is genuinely soulful and his grooves and beats which are pure class - though there may be few who can create genuinely create well produced tracks (whether they are filtered down or not!) - let’s just say, without the lyrics my personal insight into his universe would not be the same. He’s definitely a master of his craft through and through! He conveys a bit of everything through his work!

So, onwards and upwards towards the development of #theartistsvoice #artistdesigner #kikapierides #nofilter

It’s been awhile and a welcome reprieve from what we’ve become accustomed to in our current society as a ‘digital onslaught’ and in the 2 or so months that I’ve been on and off the internet (at least) I’ve come to appreciate how all consuming our worlds have become centred around it.

And in the time that I’ve been off I’ve had an amazingly interesting space for reflection. It can be difficult to build an audience online and off and it can be equally difficult stepping away from what you create but sometimes you just need to distance yourself from your creations for greater spaces of reflection and recreation, because let’s face it - all aspects of business and our personal lives can appear to be digitally based at current but the question is, do they really need to be?

But let’s face it - technology has taken on various forms over the past centuries and through my own experience of having used what are termed as more ‘analogue’ means for 20 years and what are known as ‘digital’ means for 20 more - these have signified some personally and professionally interesting artistic bodies of work, the first traditionally termed as ‘Fine Art’ via more ‘analogue’ means and the second, which could be termed as ‘Design’ through more ‘digital’ means. But either which way, gradually pulling myself away from the ‘digital’ sphere has helped me to start addressing how I’d like to run my own #processisdestination

#theartistsvoice #artistdesigner #kikapierides

As you may be able to tell, Cookie's tees are not only beautifully designed and branded but also have the capacity to reduce one's age by almost a third. These disarming pieces appear to be more effective then any anti-aging serum (not that I am there yet, lol) on the market and besides the point, i've never worn pink in my life, so if that's not a testimony - I don't know what is!

Go get the independent good quality, 'Good Vibes' @atelier_kuki

Oh and please share your favourite independents 'avec moi'. Love to hear more, as ever.

Lots of Love & a fabulous rest of your week,

Kika Xxx

#THEARTISTVOICE #surfacedesigner #hardedge #hardedgeartist #thoughtsonwalks #sockrangeinthemaking #COVIDmotivation #awalkaday #markthistime2021 #covidcolourtherapy #covidcolortherapy #covid_19 #abstractcollage #abstractlover #automaticabstractcollage #colourfulabstract #colour #collage #collageart #collageartist #complementarycolours #geometricabstract #opticalart #originalart #colourfulcollage #papercollage #papercut #analoguecollage #kikapierides #neoncollage

Firstly, I want to extend my wholehearted appreciation for YOUR part in my journey throughout my time here! I have made what I consider some pretty amazing connections with some pretty outstanding individuals that inspire me day in day out! If I could invite you all to one massive celebration - I envisage a party on the beach with drinks, conversations and a fire pit - I would! In.a.heartbeat. I am SO grateful for YOU and I love sharing with YOU! Cheesy as it may sound - 'together WE ARE STRONGER' as we venture towards building our dreams individually - side by side!

And so, after a lengthy period of sharing and discovering my Artistic process with you live, it is now time for a respite from Instagram as I shift gears and develop my Artwork in Illustrator. I must admit, it was hard letting go of the idea of collaging (even temporarily) as I so enjoy the authentic nature around the analogue process. However, the process must move toward an end product and one that is accessible to all! It's time to see things through and whilst doing so share my new process along the way. I can already see, with 3 screens around me this morning working all sorts of magic of their own, it will be interesting and challenging! So, I'll take back what I said about it being hard and simply say that I shall be 'embracing the process' as ever.

Until then, here some pretty scenes from another 'Thoughts On Walks'! Sit back and enjoy ma peeps :)

Looking forward to sharing more and hearing your most valued thoughts along the way!

Love,

Kika Xxx

#THEARTISTVOICE #surfacedesigner #hardedge #hardedgeartist #thoughtsonwalks #sockrangeinthemaking #COVIDmotivation #awalkaday #markthistime2021 #covidcolourtherapy #covidcolortherapy #covid_19 #abstractcollage #abstractlover #automaticabstractcollage #colourfulabstract #colour #collage #collageart #collageartist #complementarycolours #geometricabstract #opticalart #originalart #colourfulcollage #papercollage #papercut #analoguecollage #kikapierides #neoncollage

That being said, the question is... what is your biggest fear or roadblock? And, before you say spiders (don't! ha ha)! No, I am joking! I am wondering what fears have you which require a build up of inner reserve. Have you started working on these? Have you overcome any? Love to hear more... below!

Also referenced during the video:

1. Some thoughts in response to the 'Mentorship' I am on with @bonniechristine

2. Podcast on empathy. Please ask Megan for the specific episode @shoeatewisewords

3. Alan Watts piece on 'Choice'.

Bon day all! Abundant love Xxx

#THEARTISTVOICE #surfacedesigner #hardedge #hardedgeartist #thoughtsonwalks #sockrangeinthemaking #COVIDmotivation #awalkaday #markthistime2021 #covidcolourtherapy #covidcolortherapy #covid_19 #abstractcollage #abstractlover #automaticabstractcollage #colourfulabstract #colour #collage #collageart #collageartist #complementarycolours #geometricabstract #opticalart #originalart #colourfulcollage #papercollage #papercut #analoguecollage #kikapierides #neoncollage

Today is 'Mindset Sunday' where I undertake one of my favourite things! Pondering on why certain phrases are coined or trending and how I interpret these things and apply whatever is relevant to my life. After all, I do not believe in the mindless acquisition of content!

That being said. Today's topics of discussion are the following oft concepts banded around the net and in no particular order...

1. Do you!

2. Being unapologetic!

3. And... perhaps I coined this one 'being your personal hero'!

Either way, I like the idea of clumping them all together towards a more profound sense of authenticity. Ergo, 'stand in the face of your inauthenticities and aspire to be the person you admire whilst authentically carving a path through an approach that resonates with you'. How's that for a mouthful?

Anyone else like to share there own thoughts on this one? Please do, below, as ever!

Lots of love & have a great rest of your week,

Kika Xxx

#mindsetmantra #THEARTISTVOICE #mentalhealthawareness #surfacedesigner #hardedge #hardedgeartist #thoughtsonwalks #sockrangeinthemaking #COVIDmotivation #awalkaday #markthistime2021 #covidcolourtherapy #covidcolortherapy #covid_19 #abstractcollage #abstractlover #automaticabstractcollage #colourfulabstract #colour #collage #collageart #collageartist #complementarycolours #geometricabstract #opticalart #colourfulcollage #papercollage #papercut #analoguecollage #kikapierides

I feel fortunate as an Artist knowing that one of my coping strategies is the creation of my Artwork and I have used COVID to refine my practice and really process what is going on around me! And, as my work is process driven and reflective of my daily experiences I have seen how my process started off heavily saturated and laden with layers to later peter out into simplified forms as I processed COVID and my own personal circumstances.

However, the creation of my Artwork in and of itself would not have been enough had I not learnt to address my physical and mental health through regular exercise, good nutrition and mindfulness/ mindset practices! These are drivers behind what make me an effective human being, even in times of COVID. That is not to say I am perfect, I have suffered from burnout during COVID but I am better acclimated to what works and what doesn’t how to bounce back from it.

This is why I am working on starting up a leisurewear brand, with my Artwork integrated on it.

Bon day and please link to Emma (Burnout Coach) here: @emmamatthews_coaching

#THEARTISTVOICE #mentalhealthawareness #surfacedesigner #hardedge #hardedgeartist #thoughtsonwalks #sockrangeinthemaking #COVIDmotivation #awalkaday #markthistime2021 #covidcolourtherapy #covidcolortherapy #covid_19 #abstractcollage #abstractlover #automaticabstractcollage #colourfulabstract #colour #collage #collageart #collageartist #complementarycolours #geometricabstract #opticalart #originalart #colourfulcollage #papercollage #papercut #analoguecollage #kikapierides

After decades away from any collaborative Fine Arty project, my good friend @meiyukwong4286 invited me to take part in the 'Isolation Route Envelope Project' via @quetzalitaa and I have loved every moment of it! If, anything, it was a rather wonderful opportunity for peaceful reflection and it really took me right back to my Fine Arty roots and helped me to remember that whichever direction I move in, the basis of what I do will always be where the Fine Art is at! And so, in the absence of museums and the opportunity to get lost in a haze of concepts, this little packet hit the right note. Thanks guys!

Enjoy and bon nuit my lovely peeps Xxx

p.s. just discovered this cute little groove, pretty cool chilled stuff if you fancy a listen ‘Janelle Monae - Lettin’ Go’

p.p.s. if you’ve got this far, do you reckon I should open a YouTube Channel? 😂

#THEARTISTVOICE #surfacedesigner #hardedge #hardedgeartist #thoughtsonwalks #sockrangeinthemaking #COVIDmotivation #awalkaday #markthistime2021 #covidcolourtherapy #covidcolortherapy #covid_19 #abstractcollage #abstractlover #automaticabstractcollage #colourfulabstract #colour #collage #collageart #collageartist #complementarycolours #geometricabstract #opticalart #originalart #colourfulcollage #papercollage #papercut #analoguecollage #kikapierides #neoncollage

Out of curiosity. What makes a good teacher for you? For me? PERSONALITY with a CAPITAL 'P'! I swear - the best teachers I ever had in the world presented at that intersection between teaching and mentoring i.e. going above and beyond in terms of adding value to my experience as a learner! I just don't think it's EVER possible to merely teach in any case. Teaching is never simply a transmission of material! Because when a teacher does 'not' come across in terms of 'who they authentically are' it generally comes across and effects even the most well planned lesson! That being said, you have to vibe with their personality - so I think this is a vital part when considering choosing any learning programme you are going after! Choosing a programme under a recognised institution, well that is a whole different ball game which I may discuss at a later point! Anyway, this has taken me years to learn and so I wanted to share my experience with you, as a former teacher myself!

So thank you wholeheartedly @bonniechristine! I am honoured to have been accepted on your mentorship programme! It is a complete delight and I cannot wait to see where the next 5 months will lead and what I can bring to the programme too!

Have a most fabulous rest of your day folks and remember "it's never too late to start again"

And, please, do not forget to share below what makes a good teacher in your head bubble - I always love hearing your thoughts too 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇

Lots of Love,

Kika Xxx

#THEARTISTSVOICE #hardedgeartist #thoughtsonwalks #sockrangeinthemaking #COVIDmotivation #awalkaday #markthistime2021 #covidcolourtherapy #covidcolortherapy #covid_19 #abstractcollage #abstractlover #automaticabstractcollage #colourfulabstract #colour #collage #collageart #collageartist #complementarycolours #geometricabstract #opticalart #originalart #colourfulcollage #papercollage #papercut #analoguecollage #kikapierides #neoncollage

So, I've been taking a bit of time off, FINALLY (but never enough!), to further process my thoughts post course and in doing so found that one of the most impactful aspects of the course itself was the singular lesson that gleaned on business models! This for me indicated that I have been on the right track all along but also helped me to pull my overall vision together! In other words for e.g. I've never been one to follow commission based work because I don't see the long term financial gain however, when it comes to stuff like licensing (which I do have some experience with, photographically, at least) I can see how this can become a reoocuring revenue stream.

So... when I speak of 'adding lots of cogs and elements to a revolving wheel' I am speaking of the realisation of an entrepreneurial journey, one which integrates art and business but without compromising soul and is the summation of many different parts. So, the leisurewear BRAND (not company) will be one part of this journey but there will be many more which I will announce in due course.

Fun little sentence I picked up 'À toute allure', meaning "as fast as one can, at top speed, full tilt!" Bon day ❤

#THEARTISTVOICE #surfacedesigner #hardedge #hardedgeartist #thoughtsonwalks #sockrangeinthemaking #COVIDmotivation #awalkaday #markthistime2021 #covidcolourtherapy #covidcolortherapy #covid_19 #abstractcollage #abstractlover #automaticabstractcollage #colourfulabstract #colour #collage #collageart #collageartist #complementarycolours #geometricabstract #opticalart #originalart #colourfulcollage #papercollage #papercut #analoguecollage #kikapierides #neoncollage

A wonderful thing happened as things started opening up in London this week. The environment on the streets virtually transformed overnight! What with the sun being slightly more dominant and the quite of Easter having past, Monday 12th felt like quite the revelation. There was almost a breath of relief as the cars increased and the general sense of joy was palpable.

And so, I decided that with museum trips still being out I would take a little trip to Camden Town to get a little colour fix and play around with ‘Adobe Capture’ to work on creating future colour palettes based on graffiti - something I’ve been wanting to do for a while. I use to use spray paints in a lot of my own paintings so it felt like a natural progression! Ever one for a vivid palette!

So, after working on a little colour magic and inadvertently touching base with a couple of goths and punks, I started feeling much more at ease and within my own skin - good old London, never fails to charm. Don’t worry, you’ve only to swipe past my big happy mouth, for some colour play fun illustrating colours picked out in ‘Adobe Capture’ from the images I took. It was fun snapping pics again after a long absence :)

I also stopped by church on the way back and stumbled across a memorial service. I felt so utterly blessed to be in that space, at that particular moment in time @katayoon_zandvakili (I love you my dear friend). It really helped me to feel connected to my Greek roots and so so so much more. Community is LOVE! Xxx

#THEARTISTVOICE #surfacedesigner #hardedge #hardedgeartist #thoughtsonwalks #COVIDmotivation #awalkaday #markthistime2021 #covidcolourtherapy #covidcolortherapy #covid_19 #abstractcollage #abstractlover #automaticabstractcollage #colourfulabstract #colour #collage #collageart #collageartist #complementarycolours #geometricabstract #opticalart #originalart #colourfulcollage #papercollage #papercut #analoguecollage #kikapierides #neoncollage

#followingmyownlead 😅

Underpinning Artistic Values

1. Self-expression may sound obvious but within the context of my work it signifies a cross between conscious and subconscious movement through the creation process. i.e. translating emotions through the motion of creation. We are all somewhat led and somewhat lead - it’s part of that dance which makes life beautiful!

2. Authenticity in ‘my work’ signifies the ‘Artist’s Voice’ in an unfettered manner! I like to tap into what is going on in a real world context and how that reflects upon my work.

Mindset Mantras (Beliefs that make everything possible, as created in retrospect of any errors I have made throughout my life 😂)

1. Consistency (A little everyday)

2. Self Discipline accompanied by self motivation.

3. Vulnerability as strength.

4. Falling forward into fear.

5. Embracing imperfection.

6. Confidence through effort.

7. Moving through.

8. Leading with intentionality.

9. Time is precious.

10. There is ALWAYS space for absurdity!

Mission Statement & USP (Unique Selling Proposition):

To spread joy through colour, harmony and occasionally words.

I’d love to hear what values underpin your practice and how these inform your work, below! Have a fab day. I am off to appreciate N.E.R.D. & Kendrick Lamar - some great tracks on 'No one Ever Really Dies'. Did someone say bass? What are you up to? ❤️❤️❤️

Oh and... have a BEAUTIFUL day! New rules are coming into force regarding COVID this week in the U.K. so interesting times ahead. Stay well and safe peeps Xxx

p.s. apologies for the inconsistent posting times - FB Creator is not playing fair with my vids!

#THEARTISTVOICE #surfacedesigner #hardedge #hardedgeartist #thoughtsonwalks #sockrangeinthemaking #COVIDmotivation #awalkaday #markthistime2021 #covidcolourtherapy #covidcolortherapy #covid_19 #abstractcollage #abstractlover #automaticabstractcollage #colourfulabstract #colour #collage #collageart #collageartist #complementarycolours #geometricabstract #opticalart #originalart #colourfulcollage #papercollage #papercut #analoguecollage #kikapierides #neoncollage

And... in the face of COVID, I just wanted to send this little note of inspiration to anyone who may be feeling the need for rejuvanation and perhaps seeking a way to enhance their experience of it. If you could 'Create Your Own Reality' (which you can), what one thing would add or deduce from it? Feel free to respond at leisure on this one :)

Oh... and as a little bonus i've added 1 of 3 poems by Charles Bukowski which really resonates!

“Invent yourself and then reinvent yourself, don't swim in the same slough. invent yourself and then reinvent yourself and stay out of the clutches of mediocrity. invent yourself and then reinvent yourself, change your tone and shape so often that they can never categorize you. reinvigorate yourself and accept what is but only on the terms that you have invented and reinvented. be self-taught. and reinvent your life because you must; it is your life and its history and the present belong only to you.” ― Charles Bukowski, The Pleasures of the Damned

Lots of Love,

Kika Xxx

#THEARTISTVOICE #surfacedesigner #hardedge #hardedgeartist #thoughtsonwalks #sockrangeinthemaking #COVIDmotivation #awalkaday #markthistime2021 #covidcolourtherapy #covidcolortherapy #covid_19 #abstractcollage #abstractlover #automaticabstractcollage #colourfulabstract #colour #collage #collageart #collageartist #complementarycolours #geometricabstract #opticalart #originalart #colourfulcollage #papercollage #papercut #analoguecollage #kikapierides #neoncollage

Me - yes, I've always loved the idea of integrating art and technology. I spent 18 years locating my practice within an analogue framework and when presented with technology as a mainframe concept decided to integrate it within my work, because life reflects art and vice versa. Process for the win! So, I've included a link in my biography to demonstrate my previous work on 'Bridgeman Images' which also attempted to (ahem) bridge the gap between the analogue and tech world - using painting and photography. Very different stuff indeed and a very different world at that!

But... this one is not really about me. I am genuinely intrigued to know more about what you think! Whether you are an Artist or not, I would love to know what using technology means to you? As always, please comment below - can't wait to hear more and discuss :) Xxx 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇

#THEARTISTVOICE #surfacedesigner #hardedge #hardedgeartist #thoughtsonwalks #sockrangeinthemaking #COVIDmotivation #awalkaday #markthistime2021 #covidcolourtherapy #covidcolortherapy #covid_19 #abstractcollage #abstractlover #automaticabstractcollage #colourfulabstract #colour #collage #collageart #collageartist #complementarycolours #geometricabstract #opticalart #originalart #colourfulcollage #papercollage #papercut #analoguecollage #kikapierides #neoncollage

Loving the Immersion Course In Surface Design that I am on @bonniechristine and loving envisaging the next stages of how I will be transforming my collages through Illustrator really coming to life!

As anyone who has followed me for a while will know, an outcome for my collages was one I struggled with, yet, things could not be more aligned for me and I am so looking forward to working on uncovering my own personal work flow based on what I have learnt about Illustrator over the last couple of weeks.

There’s so much to look forward to and so many unlimited possibilities!

I’d love to hear more about any decisions you have made that have really moved the needle for you within your artwork or life in general. Or even, out of curiosity, a time where everything came into alignment for you. As ever, place in the comments below 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

And... have a FABULOUS evening❤️🌈

#THEARTISTVOICE #surfacedesigner #hardedge #hardedgeartist #thoughtsonwalks #sockrangeinthemaking #COVIDmotivation #awalkaday #markthistime2021 #covidcolourtherapy #covidcolortherapy #covid_19 #abstractcollage #abstractlover #automaticabstractcollage #colourfulabstract #colour #collage #collageart #collageartist #complementarycolours #geometricabstract #opticalart #originalart #colourfulcollage #papercollage #papercut #analoguecollage #kikapierides #neoncollage

So, here are some I love and I’d love to hear some that you do to, whether it be a phrase passed down from a family member, a quote that struck and altered your perceptions, a thought that drives you or a poem penned by a famous literary figure 😍

Out of the night that covers me

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance,

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

William Ernest Henley

p.s. 10 bonus rainbows to anyone who can guess the reference at the end of the video 😁

#hardedge #hardedgeartist #thoughtsonwalks #sockrangeinthemaking #COVIDmotivation #awalkaday #markthistime2021 #covidcolourtherapy #covidcolortherapy #covid_19 #abstractcollage #abstractlover #automaticabstractcollage #colourfulabstract #colour #collage #collageart #collageartist #complementarycolours #geometricabstract #opticalart #originalart #colourfulcollage #papercollage #papercut #analoguecollage #kikapierides #neoncollage

So, a little quick fire vid reintroducing myself as I set off on my journey as a soon-to-be 'Surface Pattern Designer, starting on @bonniechristine Immersion Course this week!

Name: Kika Pierides

Location: London, U.K.

Occupation: Artist & Surface Pattern Design!

Likes: Scientifically natural based approaches to the healing of the body and mind.

Dislikes: Media sensationalism.

Interests: Recrafting the Artist's voice with Fine Art as its basis and a Design outcome.

Looking Forward To: A trek post Covid.

How about you? Please leave any fun factoids below! I'd love to hear more about you! Have a beautiful day Xxx

#walkingthetalk #progressoverperfection #thoughtsonwalks #sockrangeinthemaking #survivingandthriving #COVIDmotivation #awalkaday #markthistime2021 #covidcolourtherapy #covidcolortherapy #covid_19 #abstractcollage #abstractlover #automaticabstractcollage #colourfulabstract #colour #collage #collageart #collageartist #complementarycolours #geometricabstract #opticalart #originalart #colourfulcollage #papercollage #papercut #analoguecollage #kikapierides #neoncollage

When it comes down to it, we all need to live and the traditional perception of the 'starving Artist' vs 'the thriving Artist' still appears to have a stronghold over common perceptions, sadly not only reeking havoc on an Artist's confidence levels but also constantly perpetuating popular belief than an Artist is just not afforded a 'right' to serve within a universal context! And so the cycle perpetuates!

Thankfully, as a returning Artist following a 16 years break I am more than happy to attest to the face that there are some simple steps which institutions could implement to give, I don't know that 'je ne c'est quoi' or 'booster' to to propel an Artist in the early stages of their Art career - in other words, an education in business! It's really no great mystery - the establishment at its core does not serve the Artist!

I am therefore SO pleased that the internet does serve the Artist! Because now more then EVER, we are witness to an evolution, a break in the norm! We are able to showcase and jet propel ourselves online breaking the myth of the 'starving artist' once and for all, building our self worth and showing the world why Art is beyond a luxury but a service equal to any other. And the reason I am so confident in my assertion is because I've been there - I have seen how abandoning Art for 16 years affected my wellbeing! But now I am back, I can say with full certainty, their is a place for EVERYONE on this planet! And every Artist, just like the hero of every film you may watch and admire has a message to share. It's personal and you may not resonate or understand every single message you hear and that's o.k. too! So I suggest you move on until you find the one that hits you because believe it or not, there is something in that message that may be 'vital' to 'your' journey on this planet and may inspire the change or motivation you need to see whatever it is you need to see, though :) Peace out.

#collage #kikapierides

I always use to do this as a kid. We all become accustomed to following timetables at school and I translated general time keeping habits outside hours (early on) as a way of implementing a work and reward system i.e. at the time it meant finishing off my homework within a timed slot and having loads of time to watch T.V.! I just realised, that I never really stopped doing this throughout my life, with the exception of...

Being a younger Artist, I retrospectively observed that the fine line between work and pleasure became blurred as my hobby essentially became my career! However, it was not until the last 2 years of my life where I implemented working in 'timed bursts' that I started to thrive creatively and make consistent progress in rediscovering my niche because for me, short timed slots meant the enhanced concentration, focus and clarity of thought that I could not apply as consistently as if I were to work throughout day and night.

Therefore, the more aligned my values become with my Art, the more I become truer to myself and to my vision.

So, if you are looking for a challenge and this resonates with you, perhaps try to complete a piece of work from start to finish within 1 hour and up to 3 (I usually take a break 75% through) and see where your inspiration leads. If you feel like tagging me and I get enough responses, I'll post them in my stories! Ciao for now Xxx

#shineyourlight #progressoverperfection #thoughtsonwalks #sockrangeinthemaking #survivingandthriving #COVIDmotivation #awalkaday #markthistime2021 #covidcolourtherapy #covidcolortherapy #covid_19 #abstractcollage #abstractlover #automaticabstractcollage #colourfulabstract #colour #collage #collageart #collageartist #complementarycolours #geometricabstract #opticalart #originalart #colourfulcollage #papercollage #papercut #analoguecollage #kikapierides #neoncollage