Alex Kyriakacis (PACT Art Collective)

Over 12 months, the PACT Art Collective, four Western Australian artists Alex, Laura, Kirsten and Emma met weekly in Hyde Park to paint "en plein air", to celebrate the park, highlight current challenges it faces, and inspire a conversation.

PACT Collective: (left-right) Alex Kyriakacis, Laura Peden, Emma Nolan, Kirsten Hocking (photo credit: Josie Nolan @art_amidae)

Alex Kyriakacis

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am an artist/teacher living in Perth. I make oil paintings, love painting from life and outdoors. I teach part-time at Tresillian Arts Centre and at home in my studio. I am Greek Australian and love my culture and love my family.

What does your work aim to say?

I am influenced by everything going on around me in my everyday life. I hope my work says I love colour and light and strive to represent and explore in my work. I love painting from a range of subject matter.

Alex Kyriakacis (photo credit: Josie Nolan @art_amidae) and artwork.

Who or what are your biggest influences?

Australian women artists past and present including Margaret Olley, Judy Cassab, Mirka Moira, Lucy Cullition. Impressionism as a movement I am very grateful for!

How has your career developed or evolved?

I loved art at school. My mum painted and so I grew up in a creative household. I studied a year of Graphic Design at Curtin and completed a Bachelor of Education at Edith Cowan University in 1997. I taught for 10 years in state and private schools in WA, including specialist art programs. I ran my own art business from home - taught children and adults. For 3 years, I worked as a Volunteer Co-ordinator with the Lester Prize for Portraiture (previously known as Black Swan). I have always created - began my oil painting journey 13 years ago and have been creating paintings ever since.

Describe your studio or workspace.

I have a home studio where I teach and work. It's cosy, creative, sometimes hectic and messy but I love it.

Describe your dream project

Going overseas and painting in Greece from life for a month - maybe more!

What is the best piece of advice you've received?

Keep going - despite setbacks, and it’s ok to have a lot of stuff/equipment!!

How do you overcome creative blocks?

At the moment struggling with too many ideas. If I have a block I make art for fun - different materials - I have an art ‘playdate!’ going to an art workshop or reading an art book helps too.

How do you stay motivated in your art practice?

Do a little every day and I find being an art teacher at Tresillian Arts Centre keeps my head in the game - I love coming up with exciting lessons for my students!

How do you balance your personal life and your art practice?

I struggle and would love to make more art but I'm often needed by family and that’s ok - I feel very lucky to be able to do what I do

Connect with Alex:

Website: www.alexkyriakacis.com

Email: akyriakacis@bigpond.com

Instagram: @alexkyriakacisartist

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