So Eleni, tell us about yourself and your concept…

My name is Helen, aka Coocoovaya, and I paint colorful animals and bizarre scenes always with a playful touch. Using my hands, credit cards, toothbrushes, by spraying with water and color with brushes, I create abstract designs which develop into donkeys, goats, chimpanzees, foxes flying with gliders, and animals gangs fleeing from their glass prison.

What is the inspiration behind your work?Β  Who are some people/ what are some projects that have inspired you?

I am inspired by whatever is around me, from nature, from everyday objects, from one of my children’s paintings, and from basically anything that makes me smile.
The person who is my greatest inspiration for my artistic career was my grandmother. She was a painter and taught me to love art, but above all taught me that it’s never too late to chase your dream.

Whats your experience of the Meet Market?

The first time I took part in Meet Market was October 2014. It was my first market, and my first contact with the world to exhibit work (I had only online shop). I started terrified and left excited! The Meet Market is the perfect place for me to share my work, socialize with other exhibitors, and enjoy the mood, the music, the atmosphere. It is a wonderful celebration that I can never get enough of!

Where do you realistically see yourself in 5 years?  If you didn’t have to be realistic, where would you dream to see yourself in 5 years?

In five years I hope to see myself as I do in my dreams… Smeared with my colors, and painting as my permanent occupation. Also I hope I find a way to make days longer.

Whats the one tool in your workshop that you cant live without?

Old credit cards that I use to stretch the canvas color. I never imagined that plastic money could have such a beautiful alternative use.

Whats the strangest job you have every had?

Selling my work at The Meet Market.Β  If you had told me I would be doing that ten years ago, I wouldn’t have believed you.

Describe the color blue to somebody who’s blind.

The color of the sky and the sea, the color of infinity, freedom and creativity.

I do not need luck, I have ________.

I do not need luck, I have a crazy appetite and stubbornness

And the award for ________ goes to ________.

And the award for the best gift go to basket Meet Market.

________ + ________ = ________

painting + cake = happiness