By Karl Houghton: Editor
Constantine Zeus pictured at his gallery and workshop space in Edinburgh
Folklore, Gods and heroes. From the ground up…
Being a self-taught artist is undoubtedly a journey with numerous challenges, an ever changing experience of pressures and learning to find that unique, sometimes ephemeral style, to constantly improve and create, especially when there is no formal training or guidance on which to rely.
Despite these obstacles, self-taught artists possess a unique sense of determination and passion that drives them to continue pursuing their chosen craft and artistic signature, as they navigate the ups and downs of the art and not only find their place, but their own audience too. For those who choose this path, the road is enriching, and the rewards of self-discovery and creative fulfillment are worth it in the end.
One such artist, Constantine Zeus, has not only undertaken this journey but has metaphorically arrived, firmly placed his flag on the art landscape and is getting noticed; as for guidance and training, he is now the trainer and mentor for others in the field.
Constantine originally arrived in the UK from the birthplace of arts, Athens, with the intention to study Geology, but soon swapped the hand lense to an arts easel in his pursuit of artistic expression.
This is artist who is clearly naturally talented, with work that could easily be described as something that is nudging the status quo, with a slightly wry tenor. He is interviewed by Karl Houghton, the editor for Houghton & Mackay.
The core of the collections are his self portraiture pieces
My philosophy is that I will go all the way in for something that I believe in without being too attached to the outcome.
Tell us more about your background and how this has influenced your artistic direction.
My first memory from childhood is one of me holding some kind of a colour pencil and drawing animals, sitting next to my older brother. I have never been officially trained in any form of art but I have always been driven in developing and exploring these natural skills of mine.
As I was growing up I would try to copy anything that I saw on things like from cereal boxes to magazines and movies.
As I got a bit older, I started playing the drums and got involved into the music scene of Athens, where I grew up. Additionally I dabbled with making short films.
To this day I am fascinated by the same things, including, which have influenced me to having an interdisciplinary approach into my art.
What would you say was the trigger, the inspiration and the driver for your artistic direction?
The things that drove me then still drive me to this day. I have a very strong desire to do things the way I want without worrying about external opinions. The feeling of satisfaction I get from doing so is enough to keep going forever. My philosophy is that I will go all the way in for something that I believe in without being too attached to the outcome.
They say that people in the expressive fields constantly feel a sense of frustration with their work, never satisfied with the quality and output. What do you feel your biggest obstacles are and how do you build strength to get past them?
I personally can’t really say that I feel frustrated with my creative practice. I perhaps can relate to what some people say about feeling frustrated, however, I choose to see it as part of the process and it actually feels quite exhilarating and thrilling, thinking about ways to approach my art. It’s the feeling of the unknown that makes it seem like a fun adventure I am about to embark on. It’s a nice feeling!
I guess an aspect that might feel like an obstacle to me is the amount of work that it takes, once the artwork is produced, to put it out there. But even then, it’s about a matter of being creative with it, finding some good assistance if possible, and being willing to do the work required.
Continued below…
It’s about captivation, self portraiture and autobiography.
What would you consider your best work?
Best work is hard to say as I have quite a few series of projects that I am rather proud of. For example “Jazz Mafia Project” that I have toured along with, internationally, “Myth and/or Mythology.. Extravaganza” that I have also toured nationally with, as well I have fund-raised with. I am currently working on a new project that I am particularly excited for that is called “Tales of a Fake Friendship”. I can’t reveal much more other than the fact it is a multi-disciplined project. More to be revealed soon.
Would you say this is due to it being visual, the reaction from the audience, or an emotive piece that drove its production?
I would say that it is due to the latter, as I tend to produce things that matter to me.
What is your aim as an artist?
My aim as an artist is to be sincere at all times. It’s the only way that I can go a long way and that people will relate to for the right reasons. Otherwise it would become tiring very quickly.
Beyond that, in respect with my creative process and its results, my aim is to show that it is preferable to think outside the box, without restrictions. I also want to show people that it doesn’t take much to make something out of nothing, if they put their imagination to use and believe in themselves. That will motivate you to experiment.
Tell us more about any awards or recognition you have received, and how they came about.
I have had numerous recognitions over the years that I am proud of, but that I am particularly proud of getting press cover for my project “Constantine..’s Stairwell Project”. That took place during the “lockdown” period when the restrictions eased up a bit, in Scotland. I had a strong desire to bring real life artwork close to people so I decided to go and exhibit in the stairwells of residential buildings, for a month at the time. That way people could look at the artwork on their way to their flats, in their own time, without gathering up all together. It was all done on trust-basis. I strongly believe that people cannot afford to be deprived of art. The project attracted the attention of numerous press organisations and it was eventually covered by “Snack” Magazine.
Finally….what is your ambition from now on? Is this fixed or changes, led by something else?
My ambition at the moment is that I keep refining my skills and make them available to greater audiences. I don’t believe that ambitions change but they expand.
Constantine is a delight to work with and interview, he is an individual with a deep mind, a fast developing artistic repertoire, all signed off with an energy of joviality. Readers would be well placed to follow his work over the coming years. I would not be surprised if his network extends to the higher echelons of the arts world collectorship. This is art with its own signature, tone and ever growing orbit. Much like a Trojan Moon.
Meet the Creative
See up and coming events, purchase original artworks, prints and merchandise. Workshops are also available via the website.
House of Zeus / Gallery
151 London Road, Edinburgh,
EH7 6AE
© 2024 Houghton & Mackay. All Rights Reserved. The content in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without prior permission to the rights owners. Images published for this article with kind permission of the artist, Constantine Zeus
