The artist's creative path is a unique combination of different cultures, techniques and art forms. From painting to floristry, from Ukrainian traditions to African motifs - all of this is reflected in her works. In this article, we will tell you about Devora Otuonier's development as an artist, the influence of different cultures on her work, her collaborations with famous brands, and what art means to her.
Tell us about your childhood in Ukraine. At what age did you realise that art was your calling? How did your family influence your decision to become an artist?
I was born and raised in Ukraine, where art has always been a part of my life. My parents encouraged my creativity from an early age. As early as kindergarten, I started attending art classes, where I was enthusiastic about drawing and developing my skills.
From a young age, I felt that drawing was my true calling. Art has become a way of self-expression for me, an opportunity to convey emotions and tell stories through colours and shapes. Thanks to the support of my family, I was able to develop in a creative environment, and this helped me choose the path of an artist.
Which artists or works of art had the greatest influence on you when you were young? Who or what inspires you now?
In my youth, I was greatly influenced by Western European masters of painting, especially those who worked in the genre of realism and impressionism. I was fascinated by the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, John Singer Sargent and William-Adolphe Bouguereau. Their mastery of light, texture and emotion was a real inspiration to me. I was also impressed by the Impressionists, such as Claude Monet and Mary Cassatt, who created amazing compositions full of life and lightness.
Nowadays, I am most inspired by real people’s stories, their emotions and unique moments in life. I look for inspiration in simple but significant details of everyday life that can convey deep feelings. I am also inspired by contemporary artists who experiment with techniques while maintaining the power of realistic imagery. Travelling, the culture of different nations and communication with people also play an important role in my creative process.
How did you come to combine visual art with floral design? How did you end up working for a prestigious florist company in Miami?
Combining visual art with floral design was a natural step for me, as I have always felt a special connection with the harmony of colours, shapes and textures. Floristry, like painting, allows you to create compositions that convey emotions and mood. It was interesting for me to work with living material, to experiment with natural shades and shapes, which greatly expanded my artistic vision.
As for working for a prestigious florist company in Miami, it became possible thanks to my professional experience, portfolio and artistic vision, which helps me create unique floral arrangements. I was able to attract the company’s attention with my creative approach, ability to work with details and harmoniously combine flowers into aesthetically pleasing shapes. My projects for well-known brands also played an important role, and they became a kind of calling card for my style.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
I find inspiration in human emotions, real stories and simple moments in life. I am inspired by travelling, nature, the culture of different nations, as well as music, literature and cinema. Observing people plays a special role – their feelings and experiences become the basis of my work.
How do you develop your artistic style?
I am constantly experimenting with techniques, light and colours to improve my style. I analyse the works of masters, study current trends and look for new ways to convey emotions. Practice, observing people and their stories, as well as interacting with other artists and participating in exhibitions are of great importance.
How do you think your national identity (growing up in Ukraine and having Nigerian roots) influences your work?
My national identity and cultural background play an important role in my work, as both of them shape my view of the world. Growing up in Ukraine has given me a deep understanding of its traditions and customs, rich history and artistic heritage. This allows me to convey an emotional and spiritual connection with the culture and people in my work.
My Nigerian roots have brought a wealth of colour, symbolism and unique elements to my work that reflect African aesthetics and a deep connection to nature. These two cultural heritages combine in my work to create a style that harmoniously blends Eastern European and African traditions while maintaining a universal expression of emotion and experience.
What projects or works do you consider to be the most significant in your career?
One of the most significant moments was the collaboration with such prestigious brands as Dior, Jo Malone, Acqua di Parma and Creed. Working on their art installations and event decorations gave me the opportunity to combine art and floral design at a high level, creating emotionally rich compositions that complemented the aesthetics of these brands.
International art awards and participation in exhibitions in Miami, including Les Couleurs Art Gallery and White’s Art Gallery, are also very important to me. These events confirmed that my work resonates with the international art community.
Another milestone was participating in an exhibition at FIU. It gave me the opportunity to present my concept of art, which focuses on emotions and people’s life stories.
All of these projects have become part of my journey, shaping me as an artist and allowing me to expand my creative self-realisation.
How did your collaboration with such well-known brands as Jo Malone, Acqua di Parma, Dior and Creed begin? What interesting projects have you implemented as part of your collaboration with these brands?
My collaboration with Jo Malone, Acqua di Parma, Dior and Creed started thanks to social media – they saw my work back in Ukraine and invited me to work with them. Since then, we have been working together for three years.
The main projects I take part in are related to exclusive events dedicated to the launch of new lines or festive events. Brands invite me as an artist to engrave and illustrate perfume bottles and packaging, creating unique personalised products for clients. This allows me to combine art with the luxurious world of perfumery, adding a special creative touch to their events.
Tell us about your experience of participating in exhibitions in Miami. What emotions do you experience when your works are exhibited in galleries?
Participation in exhibitions in Miami became an important stage in my creative career. My works were presented at Les Couleurs Art Gallery, White’s Art Gallery, and at an exhibition at FIU.
When I see my work in a gallery, I am overwhelmed with pride, inspiration and gratitude. It’s a special moment when art leaves the studio and takes on a life of its own, interacting with viewers, evoking emotions and reflections. Watching people’s reactions, hearing their impressions and discussing my work is an invaluable experience that motivates me to move on and develop my style.
What awards do you consider to be the most important in your career?
The most important awards in my career are the international art prizes I have received for my work, including the Tavel to Art nomination for Best Artist 2023. They confirmed that my art is recognised on a global scale.
What do you think is your uniqueness as an artist?
My uniqueness as an artist lies in my ability to combine a deep understanding of human emotion and experience with realism, creating works that go beyond mere representation. I focus on conveying not only the appearance, but also the inner world of people, their experiences and dreams through portraits and compositions.
Another unique feature is my combination of visual art and floral design, which allows me to work with natural materials and create compositions that convey emotions through colours, textures and shapes. This allows me to push the boundaries of traditional art by creating integrated art projects that combine different mediums and approaches.
What are the challenges facing contemporary artists working in the field of visual art and design?
Contemporary artists face several major challenges:
Competition: The large volume of creative works makes it difficult to stand out from the crowd.
Commercialisation: Finding a balance between creativity and market demands.
Technology: The need to master new tools and platforms.
Search for authenticity: Preserving uniqueness in the face of mass culture.
Social and environmental issues: Reflecting current issues in art.
These challenges require constant development and adaptation to change
