Hi there!

I’m Katerina Siskou, an artist from Cyprus. The Art Studio is my creative sanctuary. It's located in the old town of Nicosia surrounded by the medieval walls, thousands of years of history and numerous cultural influences. Hidden away in my studio I design and make all my creations. Everything, from my adorable plush animals and art dolls, to my cushions and accessories are handmade with love, care, and attention to detail. I design the sewing patterns, paint the artworks, create the original characters and design my fabrics.I just want to give you something unique that you won’t find anywhere else.

The Art Studio Crafts happened organically. But first, get some coffee, sit back and I’ll tell you my story.

As a little girl I spent hours listening to my grandmother telling me stories about kingdoms, princesses, mischievous creatures, dragons... while watching her sewing evening gowns on her old singer sewing machine. I was captivated by her stories and amazed by her ability to transform rolls of fabric into dresses that only the princesses of her stories could wear. By the time I was 8, I sneaked into her pile of fabric remnants, designed and hand sewn my first fabric toys - a butterfly, a doll, and a rattle. My grandmother was overly impressed by my surprise and that was the beginning of many first creative projects. My true love though was painting.

Soon the little girl grew up and I moved to England to follow my passion, fine art, where I studied to postgraduate level. Then I set up my own studio ‘The Art Studio’, where I spent half of my time teaching art lessons and the other half creating artworks that I exhibited locally and internationally. After a while I chose to concentrate on the creative aspect of my job, the practice. However, I was very much influenced by my experience of working with my youngest students to fully dedicate my time to art and exhibiting. The children's imagination and their ability to move from fantasy worlds to reality evoked my own imagination and my desire to create new things. The simplicity of their artworks, the use of bright colours and the subjects they liked to draw inspired me to start my new project. Thus, I started a series of hand painted cushions that combine all my passions and influences. That was the beginning. As my skills advanced, my work progressed too, and more ideas followed.

Through my work, I give you a little sunniness that children have in abundance, but adults have rather forgotten.

If you are interested in commissioned work, art collaboration, or have any questions about my work don't hesitate to get in touch. I'm more than happy to discuss your ideas with you.

Thank you for your interest in my work!
Katerina
xxx

P.S. I love writing, but you probably already guessed that! :)