Personal Influences 

 

Creativity often begins with the people and environments that surround us. For me, early influences played a crucial role in shaping my artistic vision. Living in New York, I had the unique opportunity to know Ilya Bolotowski, (our landlord), had art throughout the home and studio we lived in. His works are in the Guggenheim, High Museum, and many more famous galleries. He was on the cutting edge of modern art. It was his self expression, but we do take art into our heart and look at it through our own lives and experiences. Ilya Bolotowski's abstract art and use of color opened my eyes to new possibilities. My aunt Elaine Mars, with her refined taste for beauty, and use of many mediums, taught me to appreciate the subtle details that make art meaningful.

 

Family connections also brought me closer to art history. Lloyd, (my father), and Grandpa Leon Paioff, skilled in photography, sculpture and ship painting, showed me how technical skill and form can tell stories. Through my grandmother Lynda Wismer, I learned about Cezanne, an artist who changed the way we see shapes and perspectives. Man Ray, my grandfather’s cousin, introduced me to experimental photography and surrealism, expanding my understanding of creativity beyond traditional boundaries. Dear family friends that went to college at Pratt with my father Lloyd, had their own ways of creating art. Cynthia Winika, (my step-mom), showed me to skip perfection and be fearless with my craft. She effortlessly created art through collage and many other mediums.

 

These influences combined to create a foundation where art and design are not just disciplines but ways to explore identity and emotion. 

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Photos: (top left to right and top to bottom) Lloyd Elliott Paioff (father graduated Pratt Art Institute in Brooklyn), Encaustic Award Winning American Encaustic Teacher's Organization, Cynthia Winika (Step Mother extremely talented works with multimediums including Encaustics), Aunt Elaine Mars, (Beautiful paintings, needlepoint, crochet, and many more mediums),  Grandma Lynda Wismer, (taught the style of Cezanne through one of Cezanne's students), Louis Paioff (great Grandfather violin maker), Ilya Bolotowski, (A progressive modern artist, professor land lord), Cezzane, and bottom right Man Ray in the dark suit as a child. My Great Grandmother, Katie Paioff, is the woman on the top left.

How Art and Design Shape Identity

 

Art and design both communicate ideas, but they do so in different ways. Art often focuses on self-expression and emotional impact, while design emphasizes function and clarity. When these two come together, they create works that are both meaningful and useful.

 

• Art expresses identity: Through painting, sculpture, or jewelry, artists reveal their inner world, cultural background, and personal stories.

• Design organizes identity: Design uses structure, balance, and usability to make that expression accessible and relatable.

   

For example, my custom jewelry art in shadow boxes combines artistic creativity with design principles. Each piece tells a story for everyone, blending personal symbolism with careful composition. This approach shows how art and design can work hand in hand to create objects that carry deep meaning and practical beauty. 

 

Nature as a Source of Inspiration

 

The natural world offers endless inspiration for creativity. My love for beaches and the ocean has led me to create seascapes that capture the movement and mood of water. After visiting New Zealand, I found new inspiration in the landscapes of both the North and South Islands. The rugged coastlines, lush forests, and dramatic skies influenced my color choices and forms.

 

Nature teaches us about balance, contrast, and harmony—key elements in both art and design. Observing how light plays on waves or how trees grow in patterns helps artists and designers create work that feels alive and connected to the world.

 

The Role of New York City in My Art

 

Growing up, we lived 2 hours from NYC, and we spent a lot of time there. The aromas of a hot dog stand, the hustle and bustle of the people, yellow cabs, sirens, ship yards, iconic statues, unique beauty and the people had a heavy influence on me. New York City remains a vibrant hub where art and design constantly evolve. The city’s energy, diversity, and history provide endless material for creative work. From street art to gallery exhibitions, NYC challenges artists and designers to push boundaries and explore new ideas.

 

My current artistic interest in New York reflects how this place has influenced my identity. The city’s architecture, cultural mix, and pace inspire me to blend traditional techniques with modern themes. This dynamic environment shows how creativity is not static but grows with experience and surroundings.