What is the best thing that I love about my work?

Once, I organized an exhibition for one of my finest artists in Rome, and everything went awry from the plan. Starting from personal life circumstances that allowed me only two days in Rome instead of the planned ten, just to set up and open the exhibition. Then, a renowned delivery company mishandled the artworks, damaging frames and piercing a canvas out of all five packages. The partner gallery also disappointed with its wall preparations. I managed an urgent restoration with incredibly charming and heartfelt Italians, figured out how to turn the wall issues to the exhibition’s advantage, and found myself alone in the gallery for a while as everyone else went for coffee. It was precisely in this moment of disarray, I realized this was my calling, my place in life. I find it thrilling to resolve chaos and disorder around me, turning it into something beautiful!

What is my idea of happiness?

My idea of happiness is undoubtedly harmony and style! Harmony and style in everything you do. For even a bird’s droppings on the glass can be so artistic that it inspires you to create something beautiful. And as for style, well, Bukowski once said, “Style is the answer to everything, a fresh way to approach a dull or dangerous thing. To do a dull thing with style is preferable to doing a dangerous thing without it. To do a dangerous thing with style, that’s what I call art.”

What is my greatest fear?

My greatest fear is losing love, especially the love of my family, the strong and friendly relationship with my husband and my four children. I grew up in an unfavorable atmosphere and know what it’s like to live without love. Losing love for what I do and for everything. After all, when you love – whatever you do, even if it’s baking buns when you’re really pressed for time – it changes your world and fills it with meaning.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

The desire to control everything infuriates me the most. Many things are much more pleasant and easier to achieve if they are given freedom, but that’s hard, isn’t it?

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?

It’s hard to say. Looking at this question, the first thing that came to mind were the names of two famous clothing designers who have passed away, as, in my opinion, they moved and sold art to the masses. However, after revisiting the list of living art dealers, I can answer: Massimo De Carlo. I am inspired by people with good taste and determination, for he was a pharmacist before abruptly changing his path and achieving success. Also, Elba Benitez, who opened her first gallery without any connections or experience in the art world, reminds me of my story.

What is my greatest extravagance?

Oh, I have a profound love for cars. Old, modern, stylish, and not necessarily expensive ones. To be honest, I really love fixing them. That’s why modern cars, filled with electronics, slightly disappoint me—they have fewer broken parts. One day, when there are about 30 hours in a day, I’ll be able to spend at least 2 hours daily in the garage, working on repairing or tuning cars.

On what occasion would I lie?

Lying is generally offensive, unless it’s about the Easter Bunny, or if it can save a life.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

Ever since my assistant came along, such issues have ceased to exist.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

Of course, during successful exhibitions! It’s exhilarating! Once the event starts, everything else fades into the background, and you become part of this movement where art reigns supreme.

If I could, what would I change about myself?

If a woman – a heroine – is answering this question, then manicure and hair color! I manage those well. But if we’re talking professionally, then remembering important details in advance, not at the last minute.

What is my greatest achievement in work?

It seems my defining moment hasn’t happened yet. I’ll be able to answer this question in many years!

Where would I most like to live?

Where else but Venus! Just imagine – cultivating a planet from scratch! It’s incredibly exciting!

What is my most treasured possession?

The most valuable thing to me is myself. I’ve recently come to realize this, and it’s true.

What is my most marked characteristic?

Stubbornness. If I am sure about something, I will never back down.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

What inspires me? There are a couple of secret places by the sea, hidden behind rocks. I love driving there alone and sitting for a long time, staring into the distance. Generally, the best ideas come to me when I’m riding a motorcycle with my husband, as the passenger. In those moments, my brain completely relaxes and soaks in the beauty, and about 15 minutes in, the ideas start to flow!

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?

There are several places I love to visit: the first is by the sea and overly popular, usually requiring a reservation two weeks in advance if it’s the season. They serve the most delicious oysters and offer a beautiful view of the sunset over the sea. The second is the complete opposite. Tucked away in one of the city’s narrow streets, it’s an Asian takeaway. Tables are set up across the road from it, next to an abandoned building covered in graffiti. It feels like you’re sitting between the road and an abandoned building, with neon signs providing light, adding a touch of urban flair. You become part of the city’s architecture.

What books influenced my life and how?

I have many favorite books! I adore reading! I’ve been reading since childhood and believe that each book finds you at the right time, exactly when you need it. I usually read 2-3 books at the same time: one related to art (for work), one challenging, and there’s always a good detective novel tucked away, as I relax by reading them (my favorites are, of course, Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle). But if I had to choose a book that has been with me throughout my adult life, it would undoubtedly be Goethe’s Faust. I sincerely believe that Mephistopheles was right about everything!

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?

Elvis. I genuinely don’t know anyone cooler than Elvis!

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

As I wrote above, undoubtedly – Mephistopheles. But my heroine is Snow White! My story is very much like hers!

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

It’s probably my academic advisor. The most intelligent, beautiful, and interesting woman! I’m very proud to be her protégé!

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?

Fight Club.

What role play stories in my life and work?

Huge! Everything I lived through in my youth now reflects in my taste at work, all the movies I watch now, the books I read, the stories I see in my travels, they all influence my sense of aesthetics and taste and expand my horizons, allowing me to perceive the world a bit differently than yesterday.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?

Regardless of what anyone says – everyone builds their own life and future. So how we think and what we do reflects on our future. You wouldn’t claim that the fat layer on your sides is because your neighbor ate a cake, would you?

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

My husband, of course! We’re always together and get up to all sorts of nonsense together too!

Which people or companies would I like to work with ?

It’s too ambitious a question. I’m too modest and shy to talk about such things. And besides, you never know how a particular person will affect your fate. Sometimes a homeless person might whisper something to you, and everything changes. But meeting a couple of good contemporary art collectors wouldn’t hurt 😉

What project am I looking forward to work on?

I really want to open a real contemporary art center in Limassol, with educational programs and interesting events. So that Limassol is associated not only with beaches but becomes a cultural center of our region. Like Cannes in the film world.

Where can you see me or my work ?

Instagram @hauteart.lab, our website http://www.hauteart.eu (currently under reconstruction), Twitter @hauteart

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

Well, it’s probably a passion for life. You either nourish it in all aspects: passion for food, for a loved one, for books, for work, or not. It’s a bit scary if it fades…

Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?

My academic tutor – Professor Kotelenets Elena. I think Mata Hari would find it interesting to listen, but we’re unlikely to get anything from her 🙂

How can you contact me?

Feel free to contact me on any of the social networks mentioned above.