Figurative art with Despina Symeou

Despina Symeou is painter and printmaker who lives and works in London. After the study of art forms focusing on fine art, printmaking and photography, Despina specialised in Jewellery Design, gaining a B.A.Hons Degree from Middlesex University. In recent years, she has returned to the two dimensional formats that had originally fired her imagination, predominantly in etching.

Despina is one of a core group of artists who regularly works with BobCat Gallery, a small scale gallery specialising in original art at affordable prices.

Here we chat with her about her journey so far…

Tell us more about your journey into the art world.

From the start drawing and painting have been my source of expression – primarily figurative matter captured my attention. Over the years I have come to understand that drawing from life is an inclusive part of the narrative for individual identity, and the emotional experiences that shape people’s lives. It is this essence that is so satisfying to capture.

To relieve the intensity of my figurative work, I look to nature for inspiration. It is always there and yet is always changing. I like to incorporate images of butterflies, birds and animals in my work, including abstract impressionist land and seascapes.

From this starting point I expanded my discipline to include the many different forms of printmaking – everything from monoprints to aquatint etching. I am now at the point where I am alchemising these different techniques to create new work, and having great fun in the process!

How would you describe your signature style and technique?

My figurative paintings are free and expressionistic; I layer different media which at times organically create happy accidents and variations. I apply a similar approach to printmaking to bring about unexpected results – I may use the scrim that’s wiped clean my etching plates to create a different effect on part of a piece, or hand finish an etching with a dash of watercolour to make things really shine. So I would say that my signature style is mostly conventional, with some unexpected twists.

Can you tell us about your latest work? Where did you find inspiration and what is the story behind it?

Recently I have questioned the message I want to convey regarding my figurative works. My latest nudes show a vulnerable yet assertive woman confronting her emotions via ‘the narrative of the flesh’. Despite working with a life model, I still managed to make her resemble myself. On reflection it feels cathartic.

Right now, I am working with etchings I made of different size butterflies and moths. I’m experimenting with hand painted watercolour, Japanese and textured papers for collage and depth… Bringing a 3D element to a 2D medium. The theme is both playful and introspective. The butterfly / moth image traditionally represents transformation and release to a better place. This is a resonating feature in my life over recent times and without doubt universally felt by all humans at some point.

Are there any exhibitions or events you are planning in near future?

A range of my etchings, monoprints and paintings are available from BobCat Gallery at The Putney Exchange Shopping Centre, and in October 2024 I am also back at The Battersea Affordable Art Fair with contemporArti.

What is the best advice you’ve been given as an artist?

A life drawing tutor continually advised us students to look and draw what you actually see, not what you know or assume is there. This is the difference between an accurate portrayal of a person and a generic figure. It took a while for the penny to drop but once your mind works that way, it’s there for good.

Find out more on Despina’s website: https://www.artbydespina.com/

Follow Despina on Instagram: @despinasymeou_art

Cover art: Sunset on My Horizon

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