Today, we present our laureate of the annual Travel to Art Award, Grishina Alevtina, in the “sculptor” category. The creator presents a conceptual sculpture: console table “Gaudizm.”
What are three interesting facts about creator?
The first thing you should know about me is that I’m a veterinarian with 15 years of experience in small pet therapy. This stage of my life has had a big impact on my creativity. I love animals and nature, so it’s no surprise that I use animalistic and floral motifs in my work. I also use bionic principles in my designs, inspired by natural forms and structures.
The second fact is that I travel a lot and am inspired by the incredible architecture and furniture of different countries. These travels are an amazing source of new ideas and stylistic solutions, which I then incorporate into my art objects. Each country’s culture provides a new and unique perspective on how art can interact with the environment, which is so exciting!
The third thing I’d like to mention is that my mother had a big impact on my creativity. When we were struggling financially, she made me a bedside table with a shelf and a hinged door from the headrest of her and my dad’s bed. The only tools she had were a hacksaw and a rotary hacksaw. Our house was always different from other people’s apartments. My mom painted the kitchen door glass with colored nail polish, sewed bedspreads and knitted doilies, made a lampshade out of a basket and a child’s skirt and decorated it with beads. One day she painted the floor in my room yellow! Her approach to interior design still inspires me today.
Ocean Drive in Miami Beach is one of the most famous Art Deco streets in the world. What artwork do you have in this area?
Ocean Drive in Miami Beach is a true icon of Art Deco, and I find that style really inspiring. My work draws on this trend. The bright yellow color of the legs and frame evoke the rich, sunny hues of the Florida coast, while the tropical birds nod to the fascination with the exoticism of faraway lands.
Parrot prints were all the rage during the Art Deco era, as this style was all about combining luxury and exoticism. In the 1920s and ’30s, the world was fascinated with the unusual. Orientalism, rainforests, and colorful animals became popular elements in art and design. Parrots represented not only the exoticism of far-off places but also a kind of refined luxury. Their bright feathers and grace fit perfectly with the Art Deco desire for bold, bright decorative solutions. That’s why you’ll often find these motifs used in furniture, textiles, and jewelry from that era. This tropical bird table captures the same exotic and colorful vibe that was popular in Art Deco and brings a fresh look to an interior inspired by the luxury and sophistication of the last century.
Lots of boutique hotels use console tables. Can you tell us about the three hotels that inspire you most?
When I think of places that really get the creative juices flowing and provide inspiration, the first place that comes to mind is Casa Batlló in Barcelona. It’s not just a hotel. It’s a living organism created by the genius of Antoni Gaudi. Every curve and detail in this building seems to have a life of its own, as if stone and glass could be alive. The whole structure seems to have been created by nature: the walls resemble waves, and the organic shapes seem to grow out of the ground. This place is truly magical. It makes you wonder how art and nature can come together in such a perfect way. I create unique, living objects that are more than just furniture.
Azulik in Tulum is another source of inspiration. It’s a hotel where nature and civilization blend, letting your imagination run free. At Azulik, you feel part of an ancient rainforest. Everything you see is inspired by nature. Azulik gives you the feeling of being part of a great natural canvas. I bring this inspiration to my work, striving to create organic objects.
Last but not least, The Dolli in Greece is where luxury and serenity come together. The interiors are praised for their simple elegance and perfect proportions, evoking the timeless beauty of classic design. Every interior piece is selected with impeccable taste, and every detail speaks of craftsmanship and love for art. In a space like this, you feel like you’re part of something great, historical, and modern all at once. That’s exactly the kind of combination I look for in my projects—so that each object conveys a sense of refined simplicity, but also has a deep meaning.
All of these hotels inspire me to create works that don’t just decorate a space, but become its soul.
Can you tell us a bit about the philosophy behind your artwork for the Travel to Art Award?
My work for the Travel to Art Award reflects my belief that travel is not just about getting from point A to point B. It’s also about transforming yourself on a deeper level. This console table shows how nature, humans, and art are always connected, creating amazing forms and stories.
Its smooth, flowing lines seem to grow out of the ground, reminiscent of the roots of ancient trees reaching for the light. The intricate, almost organic cutouts on the legs evoke natural structures such as coral and tree branches. But these natural shapes show that there’s a human design hidden in nature itself, creating a balance between the natural and the man-made. This table represents the journey of the soul. Each curve and opening represents a stage of the journey, new worlds to explore, and the depths of self-discovery. When we travel, we not only discover new places, but we also learn more about ourselves and find a balance between nature and modernity. My view is that art is a way of combining the beauty of natural forms with the creativity of thought. Each piece reflects this harmony, encouraging people to explore their own thoughts and feelings.
Which artists’ motifs inspire you to create your work?
One of my main sources of inspiration is Antoni Gaudi. His one-of-a-kind approach to architecture has really shaped the way I view my work. Gaudi was able to mix the organic shapes of nature with human ingenuity to create structures that look both natural and amazing. His knack for incorporating bionic motifs into his work, whether it’s undulating lines reminiscent of water movement or textures inspired by flora and fauna, has had a significant impact on my artistic philosophy. In my projects, I try to use a similar approach to what Gaudi used when he created his architectural masterpieces. For instance, I frequently incorporate flowing, natural forms that appear to emerge from the ground as if they’ve always been a part of the environment. His attention to detail and his desire to combine nature and art inspire me to create works in which organic elements, such as plants or animals, become an integral part of the overall composition. Like Gaudi, I try to create designs that are in harmony with nature and serve a practical purpose. I try to make my work look good and feel like it was made with nature, like it’s an extension of the natural world.
Svitlana Frolushkina
