We were lucky to catch up with Vasilios Tryphonas II recently and have shared our conversation below.
Vasilios, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
So the majority of my artwork would be classified under pop art. It is the financial foundation in which my art business is built on. During the year I will work on 3 personal paintings that are not motivated by the thought, “Will I sell these?”, but solely for the purpose of self exploration, and expression. This past year I was able to do a small exhibit of these pieces. These paintings and showcase was different than most. I wrote specific poetry and piano music for each piece. I shared a little about the piece and then performed the poem/music that went along with each piece. It was a very meaningful moment for me.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I started painting 5 years ago. When I did my first painting it was for a very logical reason. My roommate at the time asked for something on our walls. We were bachelors and decorating wasn’t our top priority. We made a trip to Big Lots (department store) and while looking through their art, I turned to him and said, “I could paint something cooler than these pictures.” That’s how I began my painting journey. I had so much fun and got such a kind response that I kept painting and it grew into the full time dream job it is today.
I am a huge movie/TV nerd. I love to watch different films and paint different scenes. Painting pop culture characters, musicians, or scenes has grown my art following. I have always loved the show The Office. Over the years I have painted many different scenes and it has become one of my biggest sellers. I travel to different art walks, conventions, and comic cons sharing my pop art and meeting other fans that love the same movies/TV shows as me. The bond I have specifically with fans that love The Office has made painting the show so much fun. I spend so many days talking favorite characters, quotes, and episodes and I love the idea of painting the show many years from now.
I have always wanted to express myself throughout the years, usually coming in the form of playing piano, guitar, or singing. I think many men have a difficult time sharing how they feel. This is one of the main reasons why I love to paint. It is a creative outlet that lets me share some of my emotions, and feelings without me being the sole focus. With my other passions of writing, and music I had this desire to combine all of the things I really enjoy into one visual art performance. A performance that I hoped would show people a different side of who I am but also create this moment where they could have a meaningful conversation with themselves. I think some of the best art is art that spurs an original thought/idea, powerful emption, or helps you recall a meaningful memory. I am a yoga instructor and have been teaching for over 7 years. One thing I have noticed is the lack of alone time, or moments of silence we give ourselves. As my art grows I want to help facilitate more of these moments through my art. That is why I have had such a pull on my heart to try and combine everything that has helped me through some difficult times in hopes it can help others. I hope many years from now this is what I am known for. I don’t want people to say he was a great painter, or piano player. What I would love is for people to say he created a moment in which I had this amazing conversation with myself and found the answer to a question I have been asking myself for years.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
What I would love for society to understand more than anything, is that the creative community is necessary for a city, state, or country’s well being and growth. Making sure there is adequate funding to help local artists grow in their profession is so important. On a smaller level for people that may not consider themselves artists but love art, please take time to support the artist you enjoy. This doesn’t always need to come in the form of money but find a way. A simple message of kindness, purchasing even a small print, sharing their art to your friends, family or on your social media. It can be the reason why an artist continues to make art.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
During Covid I had to stop art and find a normal 9-5 job. All the places I made money were shut down. Art walks, festivals, conventions, comic cons etc. I worked that job for about 2 years. I moved my way up through the company to the point that the owner was talking of making me CEO down the road. I enjoyed the job for the most part but I started by working 15 hours a week and by the time I left I had clocked over 90 hours in a week and was for sure averaging between 50-60 hours. I had a scheduled vacation where I wanted to recharge for a couple weeks. Two days into my vacation my appendix almost burst. I had surgery which I needed a 4-6 weeks of no heavy lifting. My job requires me to lift heavy things. After the surgery the owner wanted me back even though I still had scheduled time off. I came back, worked a shift and got really sick. I realized that no matter how comforting a consistent check is, it’s not worth my health, or dreams. I put my two weeks in and decided to go back to doing art full time. Once I took that leap back into art that very month I got two of my biggest commission around $4000 each. It helped with the transition of building back up my art business. I believe that for most people taking that leap, putting in the work, things will work out.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tryphonas.art
- Instagram: its_tryphonas
- Tiktok: VasiliosPaints