Color, Mythology, and Motherhood: Building a Dreamlike World with Emi Avora
In this week's episode of the Create! Podcast, host Kat (Ekaterina Popova) sits down with painter Emi Avora, a London-trained and Singapore-based artist whose work beautifully blends architectural structure with lush, dreamlike abstraction. Drawing from her upbringing in Greece, Mediterranean light, and mythology, Emi creates immersive interiors that feel both opulent and quietly haunting.
The Influence of Mediterranean Light
Emi shares how growing up in Corfu, surrounded by the work of her painter father, deeply influenced her artistic foundation. While she didn’t fully realize it at the time, the Mediterranean light has remained a primary tool in her work, signifying a sense of "clarity" that she constantly strives for in her paintings.
A Journey Back to Roots
In a fascinating twist, Emi discusses how moving away from Greece actually drew her back to her roots. Since relocating to Singapore, she has found herself much more interested in mythology and symbolism, themes that were less present in her work during her time in London. We explore how relocation and lived experiences across cultures can radically reshape an artist's visual language.
Building a Sustainable Practice
Beyond her artistic process, Emi gives us a thoughtful look at the realities of building a sustainable career. We discuss:
Balancing Motherhood and Studio Life: Navigating the demands of a dedicated practice while raising a family.
Professional Milestones: Her recent recognition as the winner of the Women in Art Prize and her participation in Art SG.
Trusting the Process: The importance of staying open to change and trusting the slow, natural unfolding of your work.
This conversation is a must-listen for any artist looking to deepen their connection to their ancestry while navigating the modern art world.
Listen to the full episode on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!
Connect with Emi Avora:
Website: www.emiavora.com
