Elena Kochetkova is a Miami-based artist with a strong foundation in architecture. After founding her own firm and completing numerous projects across Russia, the UK, and other countries, she chose to devote herself entirely to painting. For Kochetkova, creativity is more than a profession—it is a vital part of life. Drawing and painting have been constants since her childhood, with some of her earliest artistic expressions dating back to that formative period.
Her architectural background sharpened her technical skills, complemented by guidance from experienced painting instructors. Traveling with pencils and paints, Kochetkova has filled numerous notebooks with sketches that capture the essence of her experiences and joyous moments. For her, painting is a way to channel emotions onto the canvas.
Each new work begins with careful preparation, involving detailed sketches and drafts. This meticulous process leads to the canvas, though success is not guaranteed—many pieces that don’t meet her standards remain hidden beneath new layers of paint. She dedicates 2 to 5 months to each canvas, sometimes returning to them after 1 to 3 years for additional refinement. Her aim is to develop a unique painting technique that aligns with the subject and its intended impact.
Kochetkova's art resists easy categorization, as she draws inspiration exclusively from her own experiences and emotions, avoiding the imitation of other artists. Each piece is signed with her initials, EK, embodying a distinctive style she calls "EKmizm."