We met with Sandra Choremi on the Greek island of Paros, where this multifaceted artist and photographer offered us a glimpse into her creative process, the profound influence of her surroundings, and her evolution from cookbook author to passionate photographer. Her latest project, “Fragiles & Findings,” features a series of still life photographs inspired by her collected objects and the interplay of light and shadow. Sandra also shares how she balances her various creative endeavors, the role her environment plays in shaping her art, and her favorite spots in Paros and Athens. She is truly one of Europe’s creative talents.
IRMA: What are you working on at the moment?
SANDRA CHOREMI: I am working on a new series of photographs called “Fragiles & Findings”. They are still lifes; objects that are mostly collected, captured and surrounded by shadows, light and shapes. “Fragile” refers to glass objects. Old bottles or antique buoys and glass house objects collected over the years. “Findings” are things I have collected with fascinating shapes that have inspired me to capture them with light and shadow.
IRMA: You live in Athens and spend the summer in your house in Paros, where you also work on various projects. How does the island influence your work and why do you prefer to work here?
SANDRA CHOREMI: The island has the light & shadow and above all the atmosphere and the clear horizon.
IRMA: How do you balance your creative day, can you tell us about a typical working day?
SANDRA CHOREMI: My day starts with a cup of coffee and my journal where I keep all my inspirational notes. Where I will set up to photograph and chase shadows around my house in Paros, where I will set up my still life and how I will experiment with different lighting.
Then comes a long swim in the sea to clear my mind and make room for more ideas and inspiration…
And usually in the afternoon I go to the studio where I meet up with John Pack, my photography mentor, and we discuss and go through my photographs, editing and making lots of test strips… Then comes the moment of “command P” aka printing! That’s when the magic happens…
Late in the afternoon I go back to my still life, photographing and observing the differences between the shots.
Of course I can’t do this every day… but I make it a priority to take my time and work at my own pace.
I really feel most fulfilled and happy when my photograph is framed and hanging on the wall.
IRMA: You are well known for your cook book, SANDRA LOVES, and when I see your kitchen I see a lot of images from the books. Do you still research and develop recipes?
SANDRA CHOREMI: My book Sandra Loves was a creative project where I shared my lifestyle, recipes and photographs… It was the “door” that opened and led me to my real passion, photography.
I love to collect recipes and books. Cooking is also creativity for me.
IRMA: Do you work in different creative fields at the same time? If so, how does this help you achieve your goals?
SANDRA CHOREMI: Sometimes I need a break and I turn to my monoprint art collages. These are made in a more intuitive and subconscious way… that’s when the other side of my brain is at work…
IRMA: Are you a visual collector? Is there a habit or a concept of how you collect?
SANDRA CHOREMI: I am a visual collector and always have been. My aesthetic was nourished by my mother, who had an antique shop, and we used to work together, finding decorative objects. I have always loved interior design and studied it at art school.
My concept is everything that attracts me… from a dried branch to a beautiful ceramic vase or an old carpet to an earthy cashmere or linen material.
IRMA: Looking at your house, beauty and nature are effortlessly part of your life, how does your living environment influence your work?
SANDRA CHOREMI: Everything has to be in line with my vision and I am happy… colours, shapes, tranquillity and clean vibes…
IRMA: Tell us your favourite place in Paros in summer and your favourite place in Athens in autumn.
SANDRA CHOREMI:
My favourite place in summer, especially in the early morning, is Laggeri beach, where I enjoy walking and swimming, listening to the soft waves, birds and crickets.
My favourite place in Athens, especially in the early mornings, is the old centre of Plaka or Anafiotika, right under the Acropolis.
