Art is Life, Life is Art
As a young adult, my experience working in the fields of international development and public health allowed me to explore faraway lands and the challenges and rewards facing diverse cultures. As a Master Gardener, Master Food educator, and beekeeper, I've delved into connections between people and the places we inhabit. I've studied intensively with established artists and fine art professors in abstract painting, watercolor, and mixed media at the Art League in Alexandria, VA, the Workhouse Art Center in Lorton, VA, and the Glen Echo Art Center in MD. I also frequently attend virtual classes with Golden Artist Educators and Leading Edge Workshops. I've won numerous awards for my work in recent years and continue to hone my skills through rigorous study and practice.
My studio, Earth Atelier, is named for the natural inspiration I find through hiking, cycling, and kayaking in America's national parks and beyond. I invite you to share the journey with me and hope that my work inspires you to explore landscapes near and far.
I am a juried member of the Art League of Alexandria and am active in Del Ray Artisans, Capital Hill Art League, Fairfax Art League, the League of Reston Artists, and the Vienna Arts Society. For more information on my work, please contact me at ckouyoumdjianart@gmail.com.
My goal as an artist is to portray the symbiotic relationship between the natural world and the living universe. When possible, I visit ecologically sensitive areas, learning about indigenous cultures and the environments on which they rely. I frequently depict nature through the lens of environmental sustainability, capturing the point of view of the flora and fauna that inhabit a particular landscape.
My inspiration often begins with a specific location or moment, but as I paint, I let go of intention and allow my intuition to guide the process. The final painting may bear little resemblance to the setting on which it is based; each painting develops a life and a story all its own.
While my formal education includes a Master's degree in international development, a Bachelor's in English and economics, and extensive artistic studies, my most steadfast learning stems from a lifelong engagement with nature. I grew up exploring the mountains and plateaus of the Blue Ridge mountains, as well as the eastern seaboard. From a young age, I was keenly aware of humanity's impact on our environment.