Meet Juliana Kokolari | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Juliana Kokolari and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Juliana, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I think if you’re doing something you genuinely love, giving up isn’t an option. I mean that in the sense that regardless of if you are making money, or showing as much as you’d like, etc, you’ll be doing it anyway. So why ever stop trying to make that goal work out for you in the end?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work focuses primarily on the subtleties of daily life portrayed from my point of view. I think the thing that sets me apart is that of course it is my interpretation of the world around me and how I express it, but also the 3-D components I incorporate into my works that give them so much interesting texture. It’s never an easy road to go into any kind of business for yourself. I think I still face the same challenges now as I did then, they’re ever present in this industry but with time comes experience. That experience along with knowing when to ask for help has made all the difference for me. I will always continue down this path, for me there is no other way – whether I hit my craziest goals or not the ride will be a fun one.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
That’s a hard one, there are so many choices! For food, I’d have to go to Il Rione they have my favorite pizza hands down and the ambiance is amazing, Guarino’s in Little Italy to sit at the bar and have some snacks and listen to the live pianist and singer they have in the lounge, and of course steak night at Frank’s Place in Akron! For a night out you can’t beat karaoke at Tina’s Nightclub, and the Literary Tavern for sure. Cleveland also has some great vintage and home shopping, a trip to Slow Union would be a must! And a trip to Cleveland wouldn’t be complete without at least one trip to the beach and the Art Museum of course. I could go on and on but we can start there!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My sister Alexandra has always been the biggest part of my support system. She never lets me get away with giving up or undervaluing myself, and if I have a crazy idea she is the first one to jump on the train and support me seeing it through.

Website: https://www.julianakokolari.com

Instagram: faux_fauna