Welcome to the inaugural post of Take 5, a new AFA occasional-theme-post. These series will feature one blogger answering five random questions about themselves. The video above displays my first guest’s watercolor art. She’s a talented woman from Greece who posts at Art Towards a Happy Day. An AFA welcome Marina Kanavaki.
Which happens the most, painting influencing your music or music influencing your painting?
The latter, never the other way. Music inspires me when I paint and sometimes I use a loop of just one piece of music until the painting is done. With music, it’s very different as I swim in a sea of notes with no breath. No images, ‘just’ notes.
(AFA: I enjoy both her art and her music)
For anyone visiting Athens, do you have a storefront studio?
I live in a country going through a financial crisis. That means people are reducing ‘unnecessary’ extras and I’m no exception. A year ago, I closed my little studio/workshop to move it at home. From there I started my Imagekind art print shop. I have had offers for an exhibition, but not decided yet.
(AFA) Most of us outside of Greece probably didn’t realize the ranging effect of the financial crisis.
Greece is a land of many islands. Greece is a land of many islands. You have won a contest to visit one island for one week. You can pick any Greek island that you want, as long is you haven’t visited before. Where would be go?
As a true introvert, I’d choose to hire a yacht and harbor in secluded paradise beaches with my husband and our dog. With ample of those islands, traveling by yacht would allow us the advantage of visiting many islands. I’d avoid Mykonos and Santorini. I am aware of their rare beauty, but they are not places for quiet people [like us!] – Maybe in winter.
(AFA: Greece is a land I have yet to visit.)
If a blogger met you for the first time, what would surprise them the most?
I speak very little, honestly, ah, and one more: I wear glasses nowadays!
(AFA: Now this surprises me!)
If my wife and I came to Greece as your guest, what meal would you cook for us? Beware because my wife doesn’t like fish.
A very Mediterranean meal with a vegan twist – so I’ll let your imagination run wild. I cook as I paint – I improvise!
(AFA: Your culinary improv doesn’t surprise me.)
In closing, here are some extra points to note
- Her art is for sale at this online store
- Marina also offers her art as posters and transforms them into clothing, handbags, pillows, and more here
- Her Society6 site twice a month offers free shipping worldwide
Marina is a classically trained pianist and vocal soprano who stretches her creativity in her musical project known as MK-O, a collaboration of original music with her musical husband. With that in mind, enjoy these original works. For Android users like me, here’s the scoop on the free MK-O app.
Marina, thank you for being willing to be the premier feature on Take 5. We’ll leave you with a chance to enjoy her music.
Great idea! An excellent interview…
LikeLike
Clan,
Glad you enjoyed my first in this series. If you visit her blog, tell her I sent you.
LikeLike
I have been following Marina for some time – she really is remarkable. She brings beauty to our world. I enjoyed this post – a wonderful way to bring the blogging community together…
LikeLike
Thank you, Rebecca! 🙂 Frank is a brilliant interviewer!
LikeLike
I agree – and he had a remarkable person to interview!!! 🙂 Love following your blog.
LikeLike
Clan … that a way!
LikeLike
Nice to meet you, Marina! Love your art and music. Frank, thanks for the series–great idea!
LikeLike
Patti,
Hope you visit her site, and if so, tell her I sent you. BTW – she’s a gracious host.
LikeLike
Thank you very much, Patti. It was an honor having Frank as a host! 🙂
LikeLike
Wow what an interesting Lady… this should be very popular series for you Frank… a great idea…
LikeLike
Bulldog,
Not only a talent, she’s also a good host on her blog. If you visit, tell her I sent you.
LikeLike
Thank you, Rob. Frank is full of great ideas!! 🙂
LikeLike
Such beautiful art and music Marina! I just saw someone else start a new series of 5 random questions with a blogger recently, was it the Hook? Is it coincidence or is it a new thing? Either way, it’s a great idea! Nice to find out a bit more about other bloggers! I’ve never been to the Greek mainland, but I love the Greek islands – my kids and I have gone to them for the last three years. The last two years we’ve gone to Corfu and the year before we sent to Zant/Zakynthos. Even though we stayed in fairly touristy areas, they’re small touristy areas so you don’t feel overwhelmed with people, plus we chose small apartment complexes to stay in so there’s plenty of room around the pool. And wherever you are on those islands, it’s so easy to walk a short way and find some tranquility and a secluded beach, the climate is wonderful, the people are so friendly and laid back. I want to go back now!
LikeLike
Vanessa,
Many thanks for endorsing the Greek islands and sharing some of your experiences there. Sounds wonderful! Over the years, I’ve seen various interviews, including some tied to awards. Also noticed some that (to me) have too many questions … hence the idea of Take 5. Otherwise, this post and something similar from others is just a coincidence. I encourage you to visit her blog, so if you do, tell her I sent you.
LikeLike
Thank you very much Vanessa for your kind words! I see you have already experienced life in the Greek islands! 🙂 Frank’s Take 5 is another beautiful way of making his friends feel at home! 🙂
LikeLike
What a great introduction. Enjoyed the interview and the videos.
LikeLike
Audra,
Crazy as it is, I had a lot of material to work with in this case. Whew … music, art, selling, let alone personal stuff. Give her a visit, and tell her I sent you.
LikeLike
Thank you very much, Audra! 🙂
Frank, I know first hand how hard this one must have been and I am doubly grateful! 🙂
LikeLike
Ah heck …. you made it easy!
LikeLike
😳
LikeLike
What a wonderful idea Frank and what a great start. Marina, beautiful music and wonderful art; thank you for sharing. I am popping over to the store.
LikeLike
Val,
The store offers many choices, so enjoy. She also promotes new creations on her blog, so if you stop by, tell her I sent you.
LikeLike
Ah, thank you so much, Val! I will be very happy seeing you at my ‘home’ too! Frank is a wonderful host, with a wonderful blog and a home to wonderful people! 🙂
LikeLike
Just went shopping (love The Woods I Pink so bought a large print). Signed up for your site, so will become a regular visitor.
LikeLike
Oh, wow, Val… thank you so much!!! 🙂 I hope you like it and -more importantly- I hope it brings a smile always! Thank you also for signing up. It’s a pleasure meeting and having you over! 🙂
LikeLike
BTW happy to be your visitor too! 🙂
LikeLike
Val,
Woo hoo! Glad you enjoyed her work!
LikeLike
My dear Frank,
I am honored and very grateful for:
a. being a premier feature on Take 5,
b. for the hospitality and
most i m p o r t a n t l y
c. your FRIENDSHIP.
Thank you from my heart.
a big big smile: 🙂
LikeLike
…and thank you from both Oannes and me for sharing our music! 🙂
LikeLike
It was fun incorporating both your art and your music with only 5 questions!
LikeLike
Marina!
My guest of honor!!!! Many thanks for the kind words and participating through the back-and-forth emails. No obligations, but feel free to interact with any of the comments here if you desire.
LikeLike
My friend, thank YOU! 🙂 Trying to gather all the info must have been very challenging and time consuming! I wish you a good weekend rest!! 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
I hope you have received my mails…
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
Wow, what a cool post, Frank, and a fabulous launch for this series. Marina’s work is stunning. Thanks so much for the introduction.
Hugs from Ecuador,
Kathy
LikeLike
Kathy,
Glad you enjoyed her work. Amazing the details she delivers through watercolors.
LikeLike
Kathy, thank you for your kind words! 🙂
LikeLike
Hello Marina, What a prolific artist you are… The fortune tree video es lovely… I just want to congratulate you on your amazing artwork. Keep it up!
Cheers Aquileana 🙂
LikeLike
Aquileana,
Welcome first-time commenter. Glad I was able to introduce an artist that is new to you.
LikeLike
Well to be more precise… I already know Marina from Twitter . But her artwork is still to unravel, isn’t it… She is very talented
Thanks for her feature.
Cheers, Aquileana 🙂
LikeLike
Hi Aquileana! 🙂 Thank you so much for your beautiful words and encouragement!! 🙂
LikeLike
It is my pleasure, as you totally deserve these words, Marina.
Cheers! Aquileana 😉
LikeLike
I understand, and glad you stopped by to see your friend!
LikeLike
Beautiful Marina! And thanks for introducing her to me, Frank. This is a terrific start for another series.
LikeLike
Elyse,
Marina’s art is interesting, so thanks for taking a peak. Of course I wonder if John will like the music. 😉
LikeLike
He will like the instrumentals. He’s less enthusiastic about vocals. Sigh. (Of course, he wasn’t very enthusiastic about instrumentals when I was taking piano lessons way back, either, come to think of it. He seemed relieved when I gave it up after my teacher died. His death had nothing to do with my playing, though. Really.)
LikeLike
Thank you, Elyse! Proud to be hosted by Frank!! 🙂
LikeLike
Marina, I didn’t recognize you without your gravitar picture. Silly me.
LikeLike
😉
LikeLike
Great post for an humble great artist! I do love very much Marina’s art…
Although in a country in crisis (Greece) Marina show great determination and exceptional willpower. The multiplicity of her “art” and delicacy of the colors together with refinement of execution, makes her an artist with a “capital A”! It’s representational art, as per her choice of music, which gives the listener and viewer certainly “positive” and meditative emotions.
I hope to soon have the opportunity to meet her in person (next summer both our boys will be in the Aegean for a couple of weeks for sailing).
Congratulations Frank, for this interesting post interview-sound&visionart 😀
Wish you a lovely weekend Claudine
LikeLike
Claudine,
Seems like you are already a fan of her various artistry. Meanwhile, your time sailing in the Aegean sounds wonderful, so I hope you get to meet her!
LikeLike
My goodness, Claudine!!!!!!! …what a comment! So utterly flattered, my dear and yes, I hope to meet you too on your next visit here! 🙂
LikeLike
Marina … cheers to your friends noticing!
LikeLike
So good! So good!! Thank you aFA. You are a wonderment.
Marina’s ART and MUSIC…providing just one more opportunity for making this planet we share a wee bit smaller. Bravo!
LikeLike
Raye,
Hey hey … Portland artist meet Greek artist! Ah yes, cheers to the smaller world of good people in contact with other good people.
LikeLike
Indeed, cheers to a smaller world!
Raye, I couldn’t agree more about Frank being a “wonderment” and thank you!! 🙂
LikeLike
What a lovely idea, Frank, and a great interview. Marina’s art is beautiful. Thank you for introducing her to us. 🙂
LikeLike
Robin,
Photo artist, meet painting and musical artist! Stop by her blog and tell her I sent you.
LikeLike
Thank you, Robin! 🙂 Frank is a great host!! 🙂
LikeLike
I enjoyed this very much, Frank. Thanks for introducing us to Marina! What a delight!
LikeLike
Cathy,
As a well-rounded person yourself, she offers a lot. Hope you stop by to visit her blog.
LikeLike
Cathy, thank you! It’s a delight [to say the least] being hosted by Frank!! 🙂
LikeLike
Congrats on your initial post for this series. There promises to be more to look forward to.
Marina is a very talented person. I wish her well. May she and her art flourish.
LikeLike
Jim,
Glad you enjoyed this. You might find some holiday gift ideas for Melanie at Society6!
LikeLike
That is a beautiful wish, Jim. Thank you! The brilliant person that Frank is, has undertaken a wonderful albeit hard task, of bringing us together and surely there is a lot to look forward to!
🙂
LikeLike
take 5 is a great idea. i’m glad i thought of it.
LikeLike
Rich,
I’m speechless.
LikeLike
i have that effect on people. some people.
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
That was fresh, fun and different, Frank. I enjoyed the Marina’s Fortune Tree video very much; it doubled as a fix of Saturday animation! Lovely post about a woman who is clearly very talented.
LikeLike
Thank you very much V! Your comment comes as a great relief, you can’t imagine how guilty I felt that there would be no cartoon this Saturday! 😥 BTW that banner of yours is …whoosh brilliant! 🙂
LikeLike
Awwwwwww, thank you back Marina. If I could I would have animated my banner. Maybe one day …
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
looks already animated to me!!!! 😉
LikeLike
Lame,
What an interesting perspective. After all, she also did well with the video!
LikeLike
She’s an overall very creative person, Frank — and a great first choice to start this series.
LikeLike
Off the charts creative!
LikeLike
What a beautiful and very talented lady. I admire her work very much. 🙂
LikeLike
Aww, thank you so much, my dear Sylvia!!! 🙂
LikeLike
AD,
Absolutely … and a gracious blog host as well.
LikeLike
This is wonderful, Frank, & Marina is a very worthy artist to interview. I literally just recently bought a few things off her Society6!
That fortune tree is so beautiful. Love how you did the video.
Beautiful! 🙂
LikeLike
Noeleen,
Yippee … glad to know that you enjoy her work a lot!
LikeLike
Very nice new feature, Frank! And Marina is a great way to begin. Such a talented woman and it’s delightful to be introduced. I’m already interested!
LikeLike
Thank you for your kind words, Debra. Very nice to meet you too, thanks to Frank! He is a wonderful host! 🙂
LikeLike
Debra,
I have no doubt you will enjoy her blog … and potentially a version of her art. Besides, she a gracious blog host.
LikeLike
Pingback: Frank’s “Take 5″! | marina kanavaki
In the very short time I have come to know Marina at WordPress, I just love her beautiful talent as both an artist and a Singer/Musician.. Her easy brush strokes caress the paper.. Marina always has time for you, and has a wonderful sense of humour too I have found..
Thank you for more insights given within your interview here Frank .. I am new to your Blog.. and you look to have a very interesting site… Thank you for the share..
Sue
LikeLike
Ah, Sue… too flattered to respond, however, I can tell you that I am very very happy you’ve met Frank and that I know you’ll enjoy visiting his pages! Thank you, my kind friend! 🙂
LikeLike
You are welcome Marina, and I can see I will enjoy getting to browse around Frank’s site 🙂
LikeLike
Sue,
Welcome first-time commenter, and visitor from Marina’s blog. As you can tell from the Categories, my little corner of the world covers a wide variety. Meanwhile, take a look at the About pages for a bit more info.
LikeLike
Great idea and a nice interview – Marina’s very cool.
LikeLike
Thank you, Richard!! It’s all Frank doing! 😉
LikeLike
Richard,
Welcome first-time commenter … and it sounds like you (like I) are a regular at Marina’s blog. She does wonderful work and is an outstanding host. Feel free to return!
LikeLike
I am, yes. Thanks very much. Will do!
LikeLike
Pingback: On Take 5 with Marina @ A Frank Angle
Noeleen, so it was you?!!!! Thank you so much!!! 🙂 My wish is that they always bring you happiness and that your book sells like crazy! Yes, Frank is a wonderful person and a great host! 🙂
LikeLike
that was a reply to WordsFallFromMyEyes…
LikeLike
Wow … I didn’t realize the two of you knew each other!
LikeLike
Cool – I feel like I was part of a studio audience at an awesome talk show.
Like the feel & flow of this type of presentation. Wonderful art work & love the intro bit with the painting & the music. 🙂
LikeLike
RoSy,
Thanks so much for the kind words. With Marina’s wide interests, this was an easy one to do.Now I have to decide who will be my second interview.
LikeLike
So happy you enjoyed our conversation, RoSy! Frank has a way of making his friends feel welcome and at home! 🙂
LikeLike
Frank, I love Marina’s art. This a was a great interview. I didn’t know she was a musician. Marina, you are so talented! What a beautiful voice you have.
LikeLike
Amy, thank you so much for those compliments!! Frank is a wonderful host!! 🙂
LikeLike
Bumble,
Many thanks … and I didn’t realize you knew her!
LikeLike
I loved the interview. The questions were interesting and Marina’s response very spontaneous just like her adorable paintings!
Oh those Greek islands must be so exotic. Maybe one day ….:)
Cheers!
LikeLike
Dilip,
Welcome first-time commenter. It seems you are from Marina’s, so many thanks for taking the time to stop by. In terms of the Greek islands, my answer is the same … some day!
LikeLike
Aw, thank you so much, Dilip! Frank is a great host and I hope you visit his fascinating pages often! Agree on the islands. 🙂
LikeLike
It’s been fun seeing some of your blogging friends make it this way!
LikeLike
and overwhelming for me… I did not anticipate such response. I’m also very happy that they had the opportunity to meet you. I know they’ll get addicted to your posts, just like me! 🙂
LikeLike
It’s been a pleasure … but you are going to be a tough act to follow!
LikeLike
nuh! 😉
LikeLike
It’s been fun and the stats show a success as well. Hope it turns into more visitors for you and a few sales.
LikeLike
thank you Frank and Marina – this was a lovely moment. Good to meet you, Marina – such talent and what a beautiful voice…angelic.
great interview ☺
LikeLike
Sun,
Marina is a good one …. and I encourage her to visit her blog as she is a good host. The way she transforms it onto other products is interesting … and to top it off with a strong voice and keyboard skills. I think she has too much talent for one person! 😉
LikeLike
Thank you very much for your kind words, Sun! I am so glad you enjoyed the interview. Frank’s an amazing person and I know he brings out the best in everyone!
Frank…. blushing!!!! Thank you – again, my friend!!!! 🙂
LikeLike
Yep … blushing as my head also swells.
LikeLike
Beautiful interview Marina, so sorry of the financial circumstance that you and my other friends in Greece are facing today. Your ability to refocus and find new markets for your beautiful work is stuff of pure creative idealism, tenacity and determination that I see filtering through everything you do. You give inspiration a run for it’s money – you inspire me. Your voice fills the air with notes of pure silky smooth sounds – it is a quiet powerhouse.
LikeLike
Mary,
Welcome first-time comment and seemingly friend of Marina’s from her site. Great points about her talent and ability to refocus!
LikeLike
Thank you – she a gentle spirit and creative soul! I’ve not seen your blog before, I’m looking forward to future posts. Thanks ~
LikeLike
My Categories in the sidebar will tell you that I’m over the map in terms of topics. The two About subpages will tell you more. Meanwhile, good adjectives about Marina.
LikeLike
Ah, Mary… what a comment!!!!!! …but what a comment and coming from such a talented woman!!!!! Thank you ever so much for your kindness, my dear. I am speechless!!! 🙂 Happy you have met Frank and I hope you will be visiting his wonderful pages often! 🙂
LikeLike
So nice to discover more about those you read. Marina – classically trained? Such self motivation and discipline – certainly admirable. You are very talented. Enjoyed this wonderful interview
LikeLike
Mouse,
Marina is a classically trained musician … but I’m not sure about her painting side. Snoop around Society6 because you might get a holiday gift idea!
LikeLike
Thank you very much, Mouse. So flattered! As I say, it is all Frank’s talent of bringing out the best in everyone! 🙂 About the classical trained: Music conservatory: piano, music studies, jazz improvisation and classical singing. Painting… I had the best and worst kind of teacher very very early on, my dad who is a painter and cartoonist. Otherwise studied art and design in London – Middlesex Polytechnic then – University now.
Again: thank you, Frank!!! 🙂
LikeLike
Wow … and I learned something new!
LikeLike
Wonderful to know you a little bit better Marina! Going by your many skills, I have no doubt your culinary improvisations are restaurant quality as well 🙂
LikeLike
And thank you Frank. Love your blog!
LikeLike
… and thanks for coming by, (I assume via Marina’s). This is a place that is all over the place on topics.
LikeLike
Hi, Madhu! Thank you for those compliments, my dear and I am so happy you met Frank! I’m sure you will enjoy reading his blog regularly! 🙂
LikeLike
Madhu,
Welcome to may little corner of the world. Besides, after visiting your blog, seems we have common friends! …. and I’m with you regarding Marina’s culinary skills.
LikeLike
Wonderful interview, Frank, thanks. Brilliant to begin your series with one of the preeminent artists in the world today. I knew she could play the tuba, and I heard a rumor that she taught Eric Clapton how to play blues guitar, but I didn’t know she was a classically trained pianist– amazing!
I think my favorite part was how the audience burst into applause when you introduced Marina. My only complaint: she’s such a big star, they should have applauded for 8 minutes, not 8 seconds.
Great job, thanks again! : )
LikeLike
Mark,
Welcome first-time commenter to my little corner of the world. I figure you must be from Marina’s blog. She is talented and must be a delightful person to know. Quite the way to kickoff the series, but will also be a tough act to follow.
LikeLike
Mark, you probably mean the Fluba and of course your sourses are correct about Clapton, among others… but as you know modesty is a virtue!!!
I’m so glad you have met Frank. I am certain you’ll soon be adicted to his content!!!
Thank you so very much!!! 🙂
LikeLike
A phenominally creative artist in so many mediums. It has been a pleasure to follow your blogs and have you as one of my blog followers, too.
LikeLike
Isadora,
Marina’s multi talents are impressive. Even more important though, I can tell she’s a kind person with a good heart. Cheers to our common friend.
LikeLike
Issy, the pleasure is mine too and… soooooo flatered!!!!! It’s a privilege having friends like you and Frank and I am very happy you two are now friends also! 🙂
LikeLike
I’ve enjoyed hosting your friends!
LikeLike
the depth of your creativity is quite inspiring. i am also trying not to be jealous of your husband. 🙂
LikeLike
Kerryman,
Welcome first-time commenter … and into the archives as well. Marina is a delightful blogger and I’m sure just as wonderful in person.
LikeLike
Pingback: on blue… by Frank | marina kanavaki
A late entrant to your world, Frank, even though I have been admiringly following marina and her many talents for several months now; the interview and the clips here are a new revelation to me of her talent in music…bravo.., raj.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Raj,
Welcome first-time commenter, and a special welcome for coming from Marina’s. OH yes … she is quite the talented musician to go along with her painting.
LikeLike
‘Meeting’ Marina has been on of the highlights of blogging for me, she is a gifted artist and vocalist as well as being a generous spirit.
LikeLike
Pingback: On Retrospect: The Posts – A Frank Angle