George Tzimas: A Chromatic Revolutionist

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” -Degas

Take a moment to see the art of George Tzimas and you will see a world of color, beauty and sheer joy. George Tzimas was born and raised in Athens. At the young age of 7, he began painting. Following his studies, he went on and received his fine arts ABC Diploma in France. With a spirit of humor and imagination, he began his artistic journey.

Q. When did you realize you wanted to be an artist?

I have always been an artist, but the turning point for me was at the age of 17 when one of my high school teachers (who had noticed my talent and my obsession to draw anywhere and anytime, even during her lesson), urged me to change the focus of my studies.

So I studied freehand and line drawing at the Plaka School of Arts, at ΙΕΚ Petra, as an apprentice to the sculptor Nikos Stefos with Anna-Maria, Vasso Maraliou, Antonis Apergis, Koursaris, Mytaras and George Katsoulis as my instructors.

Q. Do you have a favorite piece of artwork you have created?

It is hard to decide on a favorite piece. Everything that I have created is like my “offspring”, a piece of me.

Each project was created at different times and periods of my life; even pieces created on the same day differ depending on the mood and music I listen to. How can someone pick out a favorite child?

Q. Where do you draw inspiration from?

I am inspired by commonplace situations, by a smile, a burst of a cry, experiences I have lived or narrated, the wind, nature… everything is potent as inspiration, even smells!

Q. Are you working on a new project?

In general, I am working on various projects and different techniques, preparing for new exhibits and custom orders!

Q. Tell us about the school “graffiti” project.

During these hard times of recession, our society finds itself in a grey, miserable and pessimistic environment, characterized by tension and violence. Wouldn’t it be better if we could change this environment, revolt using colors, and give our children hope that anything can be achieved without the negative influence of others?

A revolutionary message for life.

Therefore, I decided to initiate a chromatic revolution, filling schools with color and especially primary schools where children take their first steps. The idea was endorsed by fellow artists who formed with me the team of seven; a team that hopes that other artists will contribute to the creation of an optimistic school environment.

Q. What words of advice do you have for young artists?

Everyone is an artist to me, all of us are dreamers, and even those who think they are not, they contribute to art through their actions, their emotions. Above all we have to be dreamers and young at heart.