Today we’d like to introduce you to Aleksei Koren.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born in Soviet Union and my parents noticed my abilities when I was around 3 years old. At 7 years old I was enrolled by my father in a special school (with in depth art education). When I finished art school, I wanted to go to the art academy, but my dad persuaded me to choose a more practical profession — architecture, just like him. He said that I would have more opportunities for work. By the time I finished Institute and obtained Master’s degree in Architecture, Soviet Union fell apart and there were many jobless architects, including me. I wasn’t sure what to do, but I wanted to choose something that I was good at and that would let me do art or illustration. I learned computer and computer programs and started working as a Graphic designer in various advertisement agencies of Minsk, Belarus.
Even though I had opportunity to use my art and illustration skills, I realized that it was very commercial and not the type of art I was after. I quit my job and started woking as a volunteer for non-profit organization. This allowed me to travel to Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Mexico and United States. In Ukraine I met my future wife and we married some times later. I was able to use some of my art and graphic design skills in production of magazines and publications. Eventually we decided that we’ll stay in Houston, where my wife’s parents lived. I was looking for work for some time and eventually ended up working for Schlumberger as graphic designer. My true passion is illustration and art, but I wasn’t able to find a job in that capacity, so I do it now more as a hobby, as I need to have that avenue of expressing myself through art.
Please tell us about your art.
My art is an expression of my thoughts about this life, people, God, creation, inspiration and hope. I do want people who look at my art to experience something good, whole, wonderful, to understand a character of God, His love, mercy and forgiveness that He extended to us. I believe true art is inspiring, uplifting, has creative power and building person up, gives him or her hope and strength to go on and persevere in this life, show the truth and wonder of the world around us, of what we can achieve when we are guided by God and live in harmony with him and people around us. Basically art reflects beauty and harmony of God and His creation, sees the invisible and powerful presence of His intelligence and creativity all around us and makes us think about important things in life, to search our heart and soul, and to seek what is true, noble, honest, loving, merciful and what brings peace and understanding in this world. Sometimes I use computer software for painting and drawing, but often pencils, watercolor, ink, pastel, even markers. I like the tactile feeling of paper and pencil, and brushes and paint, and to have “accidents” that I can’t undo, which makes it more natural and human.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
I don’t think success is defined by monetary amount, or which galleries your work is displayed at. As long as I can create and share my work, to express what is in my heart and my mind, and have some way for people to leave the feedback, I feel that I am successful.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Most of my work is on my website: www.alexkoran.com, www.behance.net/alexkoran, and https://dribbble.com/aliaksei-koran. People can leave their feedback and comments at [email protected], or send me message through Behance or Dribbble websites. I also have a page on Facebook, www.facebook.com/aliaksei.koran where people can leave suggestions, or ask questions, etc.
I always welcome open dialog and love to meet new people and share my vision.
Contact Info:
- Address: Spring, TX, 77386
- Website: www.alexkoran.com
- Phone: 281-301-4624
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/aliaksei.koran
- Other: dribbble.com/aliaksei-koran
Image Credit:
Jennifer from Canada, couldn’t find her complete name. Image was used for the illustration of the carpenter from Galilee. (buddygirlgoeseast.blogspot.com/2010/11/galilee.html)
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
