Artist in conversation: Keyra Kaklimani
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
What inspired me is my love for connecting with other people. I found my personal style during a difficult phase in my life. At that time, I was searching for a way to connect with strangers, and photographing their reflections through glass was very therapeutic.
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset when starting a new project?
The truth is, inspiration is always present for now. For me, it’s enough to witness a simple everyday scene unfolding in front of me—and a key requirement is that my subject must be unaware they are being photographed at that exact moment. From there, of course, a lot of organization and consistency are required.
How do you hope your audience connects with your work, and what emotions or reflections do you want to evoke in them?
For an artist, having even one person connect with their work is both a reward and a purpose. I hope that through my images, people can become more socially aware and identify the deeper meaning behind the photograph.
What role do emotions play in your creative process, and how do you channel them into your work?
I believe it’s somewhat of a myth that we can only create when we are unwell. However, when I do struggle with my mental health, photography becomes my only outlet—a deeply creative escape that harms no one and helps me evolve.
Can you describe your favorite piece you've created and why it's meaningful to you?
Each photograph is unique and special in my mind. However, my first favorite image was the reflection of a woman on a city bus, blending beautifully with the tree branches of the surrounding landscape. I’m excited by the idea that something unnoticed by others can become captivating through my lens.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
Feedback is a significant factor in both my artistic and personal growth. In the beginning, I struggled to find balance, but now I feel more confident in the path I’m following. It’s beautiful to hear other people’s opinions, but it’s even more healing to know and trust your own. Most important of all is keeping my mind and heart open.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
The key to continuing to do what I love is accepting that sometimes I need rest. By taking a step back and organizing my material, I give myself the time to understand what my next step should be.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
It is a great honor for me to collaborate with young people with whom I share aesthetic and artistic values. When the paths of many artists come together, that’s what makes everything worthwhile at the end of the day in art.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My main goal through my art is to raise awareness of social issues—specifically around disability. My ultimate aim is to help people believe that we are all equal, regardless of background, through my work.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your artworks?
Emotions are a fluid concept. My goal is to make that concept tangible. It’s something that the Impressionists also attempted to do. In order for someone to feel what I feel when I photograph, I need to be able to visualize the emotion I experience—not just the image I see.
