Stephanie Konstantinou is an artist who was born in Limassol (Cyprus) in 1991, a popular tourist destination that is located on the south coast. By the age of ten she moved to Paphos, a small city where she finished high school. Paphos is a city with beautiful attractions from Greek mythology. Stephanie got the talent and passion from her father. He always makes creations using wood or stone with his hands. In 2009 she came to the UK to study on a fine art course at the university in Wolverhampton. In 2011 Stephanie had her first studio so she can now create as much as she wants
I got my talent from my dad. My dad always creates sculptures and different designs using stone and wood. At the age of 15 I went to an art school until I was 18 and during that time I was able to develop my techniques in a better and professional way. I was drawing and painting all the time so I was able to prepare a good portfolio and a better knowledge of art. After I finished the school I used to go to evening art classes. There were many talented kids there and adults who love to experiment and learn about art. I learn a lot of techniques for charcoal, pencils, oils, soft pastels and we were introduced to other materials. In 2009 I went to the United Kingdom to study Fine Art at Wolverhampton University. I fell in love with the beautiful Britain and since then I decided that I want to stay. I have since started renting my first ever art studio at the White Tree Gallery in Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton.
When I started drawing at school, I mainly did portraits of my family and friends. I also found portraits in my research and tried to recreate them in my own way. However, as I became more aware of my love for nature, I started to focus on landscapes, and did a lot of work with rivers and trees. When I started my university course, we were introduced to abstract art, and I have also done quite a few abstract pieces. I have also tried to combine abstract and nature in some works. I would say that my favourite genre is landscapes. I am always taking photos when I am out and about and when I get back to my studio I try and paint them.
I would not say I am an expert yet as I am still learning and getting experience. I am still learning how to exhibit and have done a few exhibitions and got involved with art festivals and I am getting better. I am very enthusiastic and I believe that I have a lot more experience than other people who are my age. I have already planned a lot more exhibitions for the next year and will not stop.I am also networking with other artists so that I can get more help and advice. Eventually I want to sell my work on a global scale. I know it will be hard work to get myself known but I am prepared to do it as art is my passion.
I have done a few exhibitions. I am also about to participate in two art festivals, one in Paphos in Cyprus and one in Wolverhampton. I have also had my work exhibited in 2 different exhibitions for local artists in 2 empty shops in the main shopping centre in Wolverhampton. Now I am renting my studio at the White Tree Gallery, I will be in regular contact with other artists who are a lot more experienced.They have already told me about future festivals and exhibitions that I can participate in. Also, they will be promoting me on their website. I am always looking out for other events that will be beneficial to me and my future career.
My family have been a big part of my success as they have always supported me and paid for my evening classes, allowed me to go to the UK for my studies, and of course given me their opinions on my art. As I said earlier I believe that my father gave me my artistic skills. I also believe my evening art teacher, Marie Constanti, who is often exhibiting across Cyprus, taught me a lot of skills. Also Harris was also my teacher for two years was helping me to make a good portfolio and have the confidence about drawing. He had an art school in Paphos which had a good reputation. Also Matthew Sambrooks, my fiance who I met in Wolverhampton. Everytime I have an exhibition he helps me to display the work and most important communicate with other people. It was difficult for me for the first year to talk because I didn’t have much confidence. He often translates for me.