Ethel Voronkova’s expressive, dream-like paintings transport the viewer to a moment out of time. With their distinctive calming palette and gestural style, the Ontario-based abstract artist is becoming an artist to watch and collect. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the mind and artistic journey of Ethel Voronkova, offering a glimpse into the world of her stylized abstract art.
And now from the artist herself, ETHEL VORONKOVA
All images courtesy of Ethel Voronkova
A conversation with Ethel Voronkova
Caroline Erez : What is your earliest memory of art?
Ethel Voronkova: I was always a creative kid, always making something, but I can recall a moment from my childhood when I was around 5 or 6 years old. My mom, who was living in Canada at the time, sent me a box of crayons. I was so excited to open the box and see a wide array of colours all in one place. I spent hours colouring with those crayons until they were stubs and eventually, I melted them into a vibrant pool of technicolor.
CE: Tell us a little more about your journey? How did you become a painter?
EV: My journey has been quite a lengthy and gradual one. When I graduated from high school, I found myself at a crossroads, uncertain about the career path I wanted to pursue. To buy some time and explore my options, I enrolled in the Fine Art program at Centennial College because painting and drawing was something I really enjoyed and was good at. Little did I know that this decision would ultimately lead me to my true purpose and passion. I was hopeful and excited to pursue Art as my career. Life, however, had a different plan in mind. Following my graduation from Centennial College, about 14 years ago, I found myself working in a variety of jobs, ranging from waitressing and telemarketing to administrative assistant roles and even making pizzas for a small business owner. I felt utterly lost during this period of my life.
In 2015, I decided to make a change and enrolled in the graphic design program at Humber College. I got married the same year I started the program and became pregnant during the second year. The experience of studying alongside much younger peers while expecting a child intensified my feelings of disorientation. Later, I made the difficult decision not to return to school and instead focused on my growing family.
During this time, I channeled my energy into my artwork, creating more pieces than I had ever done before. In 2017, I made a life-changing choice to pursue art full-time, sporadically participating in exhibitions and shows. In 2020, I had a breakthrough when I participated in the One-of-a-Kind Winter Online Show and established my online shop. This endeavour has not only allowed me to continue creating art but also provided collectors with direct access to my work from my studio. Every year my passion for my craft grows along with my creative business. Something that I am so grateful for every single day.
CE: What inspires you?
EV: What inspires me most is my family, cooking, tending to my garden, spending time in nature, and exploring new places. It’s in these moments that I find myself captivated by the finer details of life, and I soak in every bit of it.
CE: Your work is known for its distinctive use of colour. Can you tell us about your creative process and how you choose your colour palettes?
EV: I love working on raw canvas when I paint. There’s something about the texture and how the paint stains the canvas that adds an interesting layer to my art. In my latest body of work, I’m using a more muted colour palette. These subtle, understated colours have this magic that helps me convey the quiet, contemplative moments in life that often get drowned out by the noise of the world.
I also paint intuitively. I don’t plan things out meticulously letting my feelings and memories guide me instead. Those muted colours play a big role in helping me create this sense of stillness and focus. My colour palette acts like a filter, silencing all the distractions so I can really hone in on those tranquil moments that help me find serenity in my art.
CE: What are your favorite tools and brands to use for your paintings?
EV: I use a variety of tools and brands, my favourites are Winsor & Newton Acrylics, Golden and Liquitex brands. I use the most.
CE: Do you have any other creative pursuits?
EV: I love pottery and working with Clay. I created a line of Artist Ceramics which varied from palettes to brush rests and inkwells, but because I’ve been so busy with my Fine Art, I haven’t had much time to create more of it. I would love to expand that down the road. I have a few more creative pursuits that I’m working on and I’ll share more about that later. But right now my main focus is growing as an Artist.
CE: What’s exciting you most about the creative industry right now?
EV: The current state of the creative industry, more specifically Art, is marked by an exciting fusion of tradition and innovation. We are at a time where we have multiple platforms we can use to improve accessibility, increase collaborations and connections. Creatives are constantly pushing boundaries, experimenting with ways to blend Art and technology, and as a professional Artist, I love seeing the different ways I can turn my creative vision into physical reality, whether that be a painting and other physical displays or an immersive experience.
CE: For someone considering investing in art for their home, what advice would you offer in selecting a piece that resonates with them and their space?
EV: Art, like your space, is an extension of your personality, so when you have people over, What do you want them to know about you? Are you eclectic, traditional, modern, minimalist, maximalist etc. Also, I think collecting Art never goes out of style. Being surrounded by Artist stories is pretty awesome. There’s a personal connection to original art, so choose Artwork that you love and you want to be surrounded by.
CE: What do you hope viewers take away from your art?
EV: My goal is for those who experience my art to leave with a sense of calmness and a deep appreciation for life.
Final Favourites with Ethel
Colour? Green
Place of inspiration? Iceland ( Because it inspired the new direction of my work)
Quote? “Art is not what you see, But what you make others see”-Degas
Work you’ve completed? My last series ‘Dreamscapes- A series of fluid landscapes”
Guilty Pleasure? Pastries. ALL OF IT!
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It was such a pleasure to hear directly from the artist herself. Ethel’s calming works truly do captivate the eye and resonate with the soul. To view more of her dreamy work, please visit her website (clickable link) or instagram (clickable link).
At Caroline Erez Design we recognize the transformative power of art in creating unique and inspiring spaces. If you’re intrigued by Ethel Voronkova’s work and wish to incorporate her art into the interior design of your home, contact us today for a consultation. Together, we’ll weave the tapestry of art into your living space, creating an atmosphere that reflects your appreciation for beauty and living an artful life.
