Demitra
Demitra is a talented Melbourne based artist. At only 22 years of age, her passion shines through each stroke as she has a unique style to her portraits and murals, making her life-like paintings unmistakably look like a photograph. Having won countless awards at Roberts McCubbin Primary School Art Show, granted, since her talented skill is one to be noted. The attention to detail is out of this world, looking at her paintings lets your mind wander because of the integrated graphics she incorporates when painting. Her colour palette varies depending on her influence during the time of creation, with the use of different textiles and mediums she enjoys when experimenting with different projects. Demi enjoys painting Frida Kahlo to The Notorious B.I.G. and more so recently, she has painted portraits of peoples pets, which has been a big hit amongst her followers. Another interesting concept she has been part of is commissioned murals. Demi was able to meet up with me for lunch to chat about her incredible talent more over eggs benny and coffee.
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I'm 22 and I live in Melbourne. I've been into art since I was little, but never really took it seriously until later on. My mum had her own craft business for some time, so I'd always watch her work throughout my early days.
I actually decided to start painting while I was studying my second year of Fashion Design and Technology at Kangan. One of my assignments was very art based; we had to do lots of research on different art movements and that sort of triggered something in me to get back into it.
I only really received drawing lessons while I was still in primary school in Greece, but I love having the freedom to learn at my own pace, so I decided to teach myself how to paint a couple of years ago.
How would you describe your technique, because I've noticed a lot of your portraits, you don't include the eyes and leave them blank, tell us about that?
The blank eyes are more so a personal thing. I don’t always do it, but sometimes I feel like it suits my mood at the time. I think that because I use such light, playful colours in my work it comes as a bit of a shock and gives each painting a dark twist.
Do you work from a studio or......?
No, ha! I actually work from home, sometimes in the kitchen or lounge room. It's all spread out and there’s paint absolutely everywhere! I'd love to have my own studio one day though.
How long does it take you to finish off a portrait?
It really depends on the size and level of detail. My pet portraits usually take about 10 hours, but my bigger pieces could take up to 100! I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so I try my best to get each piece up to a certain standard.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Well, it comes from anywhere and everywhere really! I get a lot of my inspiration from other creative industries: fashion, photography, music etc. I’m constantly thinking of new paintings. Sometimes I’ll stop halfway through one project and get started on another... I’ve been working on one particular painting since last October because I just keep getting distracted by other ideas and I think I’ve finally finished it.
What's one thing you'd tell everyone they need to do in life?
To travel overseas! I decided to take my first solo trip last year and it was the greatest thing I could’ve possibly done for myself. I was able to explore at my own pace and just really enjoy the time I had there.
If you're looking for a portrait or a mural to be painted contact Demi HERE or check out her Instagram at @demitra.com.au