The Interview as Art

http://www.flickr.com/photos/maria_apostolou/

So today we get to travel to Greece and meet with Maria Apostolou!

1. What was your first work of art and how old were you?
Well that's a very scary term to use for myself!

2. What did you do for fun when you were a teenager?
I mostly remember going out a lot with my friends. Funny thing, I can't remember doing anything creative, I must have been in hibernation as a teenager. I have many memories of crafting as a child though.

3. What and when was your first job?
I was a research assistant during college. We were collecting data for a longitudinal research project on institutionalized and adopted children and their families.

4. What was your first work that really pleased you as an artist?
What I do now, design and make jewelry for people to wear is what pleases me the most. I love seeing my pieces worn by other people. Last year, I also came to realize the joy of making stuff that are not considered practical or wearable.

5. Who was the first artist to influence you?
That's a tough one, I can't name only one. I've always been fascinated with art history and I think that studying the work of great artists has somehow influenced and shaped my style.

6. Who were your favorite movie stars growing up?
The first person that comes to my mind is Johnny Depp (!). 21 Jump Street was a great success back then :-) I still like watching most of his movies.

7. What were your favorite TV shows growing up?
My favorite when I was 6 or 7 was a japanese anime series called "Candy Candy".

8. Has your work gone up in price compared to when you first started?
Yes, inevitably it has because the materials and techniques that I use have changed considerably. When I first started I was making a lot of beaded and wirewrapped jewelry. I still enjoy doing this sometimes, it's fun and relaxing.

9. Where do you get your ideas?
It might sound as a cliche but I get my ideas from everywhere. I just try to be as open and receptive as possible.
        

10. Who do you think is the best business artist in the world?
Tough question. Can't really think of anyone in particular although I'm sure that there are plenty.

11. Do you think that there are any art movements now?
So many that it's impossible to be informed about everything that is going one. Although contemporary art can be hard to figure out and often controversial, I love the fact that there's freedom to express ideas in a variety of different mediums.

12. Do you think kids should get grants to decorate subways?
Sounds like a good idea.

13. Have you or anyone you know been involved in street art?
My brother has been involved in a great street art project as a teenager. 

14. Do you ever think about politics?
It's hard not to think about politics.

15. What is your favorite color?
I love all things colorful but my favorite must be blue, especially the shades of teal and aqua blue.
                                              

16. Do you do all your own work, or do you have people working for you?
Well, now that I think about it, I should be paying my boyfriend for all the computer work that he has done for me!

17. Do you have an interest in films or video?
I enjoy watching a good film but I've become very hard to please lately.

18. What kind of toys do you have?
Hammers and that sort of things! Can't think of anything better to play with right now!

19. Do you have any habits you’d like to kick?
For starters, I would like to reduce the amount of desserts that I'm consuming. 

20. What do you do when you’re not working?
Reading, biking, walking, cooking, daydreaming are a few of my favorite activities.

21. Do you play any games?
I used to play volley ball in high school. Now I love playing games with my little nephew.

22. How old were you when you got your driver’s license and is there a story attached to it?
I must have been 19 or 20. Nothing special that I can remember, besides the fact that I was intimidated by driving initially. On my first lesson, I pressed the clutch instead of the brake…..fortunately I had the best teacher! What a patient man, I still remember him. 

23. What time do you go to bed and what time do you get up (most of the time.)
I usually go to bed around 1 a.m. and get up at 8:30.

24. How much time do you spend on the computer?
My computer is such a valuable tool, I don't know what I would do without it. Having said that, I'm constantly trying to reduce the amount of time that I spend on my computer and focus on other activities instead.

25. Do you watch TV, (if so, what are your favorites?)
I admit that I'm a TV junkie. My recent discovery is 30 Rock….yes, I know I'm 5 seasons behind but I've been watching it obsessively over the last days and I'm almost caught up now! I also love TV shows about cooking. One of my favorites is the "Jamie at Home" series and "Jamie's 30 minute meals."

26. What do you eat?
Apart from desserts that I mentioned before, my diet is pretty healthy actually. I love cooking with fresh vegetables from my father's garden and trying new recipes.

27. Do you believe in flying saucers?
Sure!

28. Do you believe in magic?
As a child I never really liked magicians and their tricks but as an adult I came to realize that magic - in the broad sense of the term - is potentially everywhere.

29. Do you think Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone?
Very doubtful.

30. Do you look in the mirror when you get up?
Almost never.

31. Do you think the world can be saved?
I used to think so but not anymore.

32. Do you think there should be censorship?
Censorship?Why?