Andrea Tyrimos: Interview With Contemporary Artist And Painter.

How do you approach mental health in public art? How do you combine a passion for the environment with being an artist? Well, in this fascinating interview with Andrea Tyrimos you’ll listen to an artist doing both. Stephen talks with Andrea Tyrimos about her practice as an artist, how her project Bipolar Picasso started an important conversation about mental health and why using leverage is important to the business side of her work. This is essential listening for anyone involved in the cross-section of wellbeing and contemporary art.
 
Key Takeaways
What is your background and how did you develop your vision to become an artist? I always loved art and some teachers picked up on it early it on. I remember loving it at school and not really considering it as a viable option. My teacher at the time really pushed me to do A level art. I started to realise that certain stresses in my life were countered by art, I found it relaxing and meditative.
 
Do you think university helped you as an Artist? I definitely don’t think you need to do it to be successful. If you have got natural talent, then you’ve got it. University isn’t what people think it is. They don’t teach but guide you to find your own voice in art. It gave me a really thick skin because of the levels of feedback you receive, which is good practice for the art world which can be difficult.
 
How important is networking for you? I’m quite obsessed with painting and can be in the studio for days at a time without leaving. But I’ve realised more recently that you need that time away from the studio, to get energy from others. I love people, and I like to support other people.
 
Explain how the ‘Telephone Box’ piece came about? I do public art and it often has an environmental theme. I’ve been commissioned by different people including councils. There is a phone box which was going to be removed. To rescue the phone box we decided to provide an art piece to promote cleaner air in London. The more greenery we have the cleaner the air. I wanted it to be interactive. I wanted to show what the constellation of the stars are in that sport if you looked up. So, if the air was clean you’d be able to see them. The beauty of public art is that its in people everyday experience.
 
Bipolar Picasso, how did that come about? It was inspired by people close to me, who have mental health challenges but they feel they can’t open up about it. It involves me creating art installations from the experiences of the people who have gone through mental health difficulties. Each painting has audio, and I felt that their stories needed to be an essential part of the exhibition. It’s celebrities and members of the public so I’ve interviewed Ricky Hatton alongside others.
 
Was there a common thing between everyone who was involved in the project? After doing the pieces I was able to reflect. There is a range of issues that are covered from Depression to Bipolar. Most people try to find triggers when they look back on their childhood. Some people are more vulnerable, and it can be hereditary. Sometimes you are able to look back and find an event which is a catalyst or trigger. However, I believe that we have to be a bit more matter of fact about it. It might just be that there is a chemical imbalance in our brain.
 
What next for Bipolar Picasso? It’s an evolving project. I did think it was one of the projects but the feedback was really positive so I’m going to continue it. Mental health is a bit of a hot topic, and when I did do it originally it wasn’t so galleries were as interested but it’s becoming more and more prevalent. I did it all myself, all the press, and renting out space. Since then I’ve had different support from various galleries.
 
What advice would you give to become an artist? Make sure you love it. It’s not all going to be daisies and sunshine. You have to be so dedicated, and because it’s just you have to be your own boss. You have to make sure that you are true to yourself.
 
What're your recommendations for people wanting to be an entrepreneur? You have to explore different avenues. You have to do the social media, and networking, it's not just the product, it's everything else that goes with it. The product should be your main focus but always put time into the other aspects.
 
What have you been able to leverage? I’m not a techie person, hence why I’m a painter. I struggled with my own website but now I outsource it. I’m trying to learn to leverage. I’m one of these people who likes to learn new things. It’s hard to make that transition to not doing everything yourself. 
 
What have been the main challenges for you? As an artist, it was probably trying to get into the art world. It was perseverance that helped me overcome it. Personally, I realised I wanted to do things that make me happy. I like to hope that one person who views the artwork and it helps or changes then it’s worth it.
 
Be happy, never content. What does that mean to you? Find your calling and purpose. Once you have found that, you’re sorted.
 
Best Moments
‘I found art relaxing and quiet meditative.’
‘I always loved art.’
‘I had a bit of love, hate relationship with university.’
‘Your net worth is determined by your network.’
‘I love people.’
‘I’ve realised more recently that you need time away from the studio.’
‘I’d definitely call myself a contemporary artist.’
‘I love the accessibility with public art.’
‘Not everyone wants to go into a white wall gallery space.’
‘Art should bring people together.’
‘I was inspired by people close to me.’
‘I wanted to start a conversation.’
‘There is no shame in seeking help.’
‘I talk to my therapist and the world becomes beautiful again.’
‘I wanted lots of different people involved in Bipolar Picasso.’
‘Sometimes we have to just look at mental health a little bit more matter of fact.’
‘Everyone deals with their mental health in different ways.’
‘I get lost in my painting.’
‘We all flicker between overdoing it.’
‘As long as you love it, go for it.’
‘Stay true to yourself.’
‘You have to make sure that your product is central.’
‘I’m one of these people that likes to learn new things.’
‘You have to accept the loss of control.’
‘You can be more productive with more help.’
‘We should never stop learning.’
‘Stepping outside your comfort zone is important.’
‘Keep painting and be happy.’
 
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-steven-sulley-study-podcast/id1434828547?mt=2
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1pbXdmYJkgm4uvVmXIFyvA 
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ed-mylett-show/id1181233130
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mfceo-project/id1012570406
 
ABOUT THE HOST
The Steven Sulley Study is my take on success. My view is you should have multiple focuses to be a well-rounded individual. Success shouldn't be just one thing like money, for example, it should also consist of a healthy fit lifestyle and thriving relationships. As a person who has made a success in life and also made huge cock-ups I feel I can offer suggestions and tips on how to become successful or at least start your pursuit. My 'Study' has taken resources from reading and education plus being around, my perception, of successful people and I know a lot of successful people from all walks of life. My 'Study' coming from my experiences in business, investing, sales (my core background), training, boxing and education has enabled me to become well rounded and successful.
 
CONTACT METHOD
http://www.instagram.com/sulley.steven
 
About the Guest
Andrea Tyrimos graduated in Fine Art from Central St Martins in 2009, and has exhibited extensively since then. She has been mentioned in publications such as ‘Time-Out’ and ‘a magazine’, and has won awards including the ‘Signature Art People’s Choice Painting Award’ and the ‘Art & Escape Award’.
 
CONTACT METHOD
https://www.andreatyrimos.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andrea_tyrimos/?hl=en
Twitter - https://twitter.com/andreatyrimos?lang=en
This show was brought to you by Progressive Media