We had the good fortune of connecting with Ekaterina Khromin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ekaterina, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think art is something that I was born to do. I discovered from an early age that I felt a need to explore my own artistic drive and my creative ambition. My art laid the groundwork for me to pursue my vision as a lifetime goal. My professional needs dictate my decisions about a budget. My work and my life balance often change to meet the demands of my art projects. Each art project has its own step by step process. I strive to have an equilibrium between my art projects and my life balance. I enjoy book talks, lectures about the art history and learning about different cultures, and I make time to rest and take care of myself. I believe as an artist and a creator that risk has always played a prominent role in my life and in my career. Moving to a new country was a huge risk for me. I came to the USA in 1990 after I already established myself as an illustrator. I had a professional career in Russia but once I moved to the USA I had to reinvent myself as an artist. Initially, I was invited to have an exhibit in New York City, it was my first and my only chance to start a new life for myself and my family. Our trip was during Perestroika, we had our first opportunity to look behind the Iron Curtain and see the world. The decision to permanently move to the USA impacted me and who I am today. We constantly evolve from the starting point of where we come from and where we have been. It had a profound effect on who I became as an artist and as a person. I continue to strive toward my goals of developing a new language in art. Introduction to the American Contemporary Art was a real cultural shock for me. I was totally paralyzed by this new experience. One thing was obviously clear to me, I had to develop my own language of art in order to be able to speak as an artist again. My Synergism method was born. By examining and dissecting different types of objects I am creating base-relief compositions, and employing a combination of traditional art methods such as drawing, sculpture, painting, and collage to bring unique works to life. The recognition as an artist came to me in 2017, it was an invitation to exhibit my artwork at one of the most prominent and important museums in a country, Museum Of Contemporary Art in North Miami, Florida. As an artist I value hard work the most. I believe that if you work hard you will achieve your goal and succeed in any endeavor.

What book influenced you the most and why?
Recently I read a biographic diary of Andy Warhol. It lifted a veil and revealed his thoughts and ideas during his creative process. It had a profound effect on me because it convinced me that as long as I persist and strive to accomplish my goals I will succeed.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was working on creating anew art form for over 20 years. Eventually, the Synergism method was born., when the sum of the whole created system in the art image is greater than the sum of its separate parts. The decision to permanently move to USA impacted who I am today as an artist. We constantly evolve from the starting point of where we come from and where we have been. It had a positive effect on who became as an artist and as a person, who continues to strive toward my goals of developing a new language in art. I would like to share my artwork with the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
PAAM, ICA Miami, Design District Miami, Wynwood Walls street of murals, MOCA of North Miami, Betsy Hotel-cultural art hub, Zaha Hadid One Thousand Museum building in downtown Miami.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Artour Parmakian my former student and dear friend. He is currently the Executive Director of Experience Design Healthcare & Life Science company image for IBM iX.

Website: ekaterinakhromin.com
Instagram: Ekaterina Khromin, #ekaterinakhromin
Twitter: KhromArt
Facebook: Katerina Khromin
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoMR6rVxGmY&t=85s

Image Credits
Arthur Parmakian

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