Krista Sullivan will be exhibiting her latest works on Friday 22 May 2015 as part of the international "ART COLLECTIVE II" at KuDeTa, Le Meridien Hotel & Spa, Balluta Bay, St Julian's.  Here she speaks to Erika Brincat about her art and passion

How did this journey as an abstract artist begin for you?

I have always enjoyed other people's art and the use of colour and texture so really I started at a very young age but only started showing my work to a larger audience relatively recently when I decided to "get out of the artistic closet" and risk feedback from more people. I'm glad I did - it has given more confidence to develop my style which I'm told is quite unique. Art in itself is a journey, it's an expression of the inner world of the artist and it develops over time, even masters like Picasso, Monet, Matisse and Dali have their different phases over time. Every day is just the beginning really, every canvas is a new adventure.

Do you think your background as a yoga instructor has influenced your work?

Interesting question, coming to think about it, it probably has, but there again each experience has contributed to what I am doing today and the way I express myself. However yoga taught me to silence my mind and I use this technique when painting, my mind is silent, the colours speak, they move and I help them along silently. So to answer your question, yes, I suppose it has.

Do you use acrylics or oils or a combination of different mediums?

I am developing my own painting technique mostly by layering many delicate and individually almost invisible coats of acrylic paint and ink on canvas. I will most definitely experiment with different media such as oil paints and other materials as time goes by.

I find your work refreshingly 'light'.  How would you describe your style?

My influences come from nature and the nature of feeling. A hot summer's day, pollen in spring, the texture of rocks, the patterns on feathers...and other naturally occurring beauty which I find fascinating. I don't consciously try to create forms, I want to free the mind from recognisable objects such as boats or flowers I prefer to convey a feeling or a mood, I want to inspire curiosity and to encourage the viewer to see and feel what their own mind sees and feels when looking at my paintings. Many would describe my style as 'abstract expressionist' and to a large extent I feel that is pretty accurate, however I also feel that my form of expression is very much influenced by the natural world around me.

Which renowned artists inspire you the most?

Hand on heart, Monet has captured my artistic heart especially after visiting L'Orangerie Museum in Paris recently. But it doesn't stop there, Klimt has been a favourite ever since I can remember, I love the patterns on the garments and his delicate faces. Van Gogh's textures, O'Keefe's petals, Rothko's hues, Modigliani's subtle quirkiness, there are really too many to mention but these are certainly the first that spring to mind.

Who have been some of your happiest clients so far?

My pieces are mostly with private collectors although I have a few pieces in a couple of public buildings and in some restaurants in Malta.  I think artistic taste in Malta is slowly changing.  Most of the market is still dominated by scenes of Maltese countryside or seascapes; but as artistic tastes evolve, the demand for abstract art is growing and more and more people are recognising the vibrancy, beauty and harmony that can exist in a good abstract piece. 

What drives you to keep on creating more art?

Art makes me happy, I love the time I spend in my studio, I love to surprise myself with different colour combinations that emanate from my techniques and I love the results of creative yet gently directed spontaneity. Of course my close friends and family's support and encouragement is priceless.

For more information on Krista Sullivan's Abstract Art please contact the Curator Claude Camilleri on [email protected] or 9946 1598, or contact the artist directly on [email protected] or 9946 3775.

For viewing please visit the international "ART COLLECTIVE II" Grand Opening at Le Meridien Hotel & Spa, Balluta Bay, St. Julian's on Friday 22 May from 8.30pm till 11.30pm. Entry is Free of Charge. Just ask the Reception of Le Meridien and they will guide you accordingly.