Ioanna Efthimiou

Royal Artist www.ioannaefthimiou.gr

Were you interested in art at a young age? Where did you grow up and where do you currently reside?

Art has always been my refuge since a young age; either by painting or making things by hand

I was born in Perth, Australia to Greek parents, so my first images were from the sea; the beautiful landscapes, as well as from TV screen images of a young Queen Elizabeth II, having a very lovable face for Australians, as well as for my mother who admired her a lot

I returned to Athens, Greece with my family after a 45 day long trip on a large ocean liner We passed through the largest ports in the world with last destination in the port of Piraeus in Greece

Since then, my life has always been in constant motion but I think that’s how an artist’s life should be!

I finished my school years in Athens, and then I passed in the National School of Fine Arts

I finished the painting department, continuing my art studies in painting and design in New York and London.

After numerous exhibitions in Greece and abroad, I stayed for an extended time due to work in London in previous years, but my base was always Athens, Greece with my family

Since 201, I lived mostly in Athens, Greece, Monaco and Monte Carlo.

Who, or what, inspired you to start painting?

I ‘ve always been fascinated by great Artists like Picasso and Dali - both for their work and for the life they led

From a young age, I believed that all artists stood out for their personality and life They are the ones who, through their works, praised life and especially things that the common man cannot comprehend

How did you become a Royal Artist?

In 2010, and after a long time of hard work and effort, my biggest dream come true

A huge exhibition in London of Her Majesty’s most significant portraits from all of Her life and under Her own permission entitled: “All The Portraits of H M Queen Elizabeth II”

I will never forget the visit of Her grandsons William & Harry, and their impression in front of my paintings. I was completely impressed!

After London came Monaco and then another great and very honorable exhibition - the unforgettable Princess Grace of Monaco, with very significant portraits from Her lifetime

This all led me to London in 2017 to be awarded the honorable title of International Royal Artist

Tell us a bit about International Action Art

International Action Art is a nonprofit organization founded in 2010 It aims to preserve, rescue, disseminate and protect traditional and modern culture - free exchange and circulation of cultural information and ideas. It organizes initiatives and programs encouraging cultural development, and the promotion of peace, friendship and mutual cooperation, social solidarity of equality and the rights of women and understanding among people who serve the cultural development of their country

International Action is a global art community with representatives in all countries of the world.

The General and Global President and founder is Mr Ioannis Maronitis

Me, I have the great honor to be the President of International Action Art in Monaco, and I am looking forward to present our latest work projects on this - hopefully after the Covid virus subsides globally

One of this is Maria Callas Gala and awards MONACO, 1st Edition

Can you give us a few details about the Maria Callas Monaco Gala?

Maria Callas Gala and Awards

MONACO is a tribute, which is a high-standard event to the Greek origin and unforgettable Opera Soprano Maria Callas We are trying to revive the myth of the first legendary Gala was held in Monaco 60 years ago under the auspices and presence of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco.

It will be presented it under the auspices of the Greek Community of Monaco.

We were scheduled to present it from April 2020 but as the Covid virus still exists, we must move it to 2021. We plan to have the even in the beginning of May 2021 at the Salle Empire of Hotel de Paris - aiming to become an Institution to present it every year in Monaco

The Gala will consist of a unique Opera concert by famous International artists like Elena Kuszheleva and Roman Lopatynskyi And, an awards ceremony for distinguished persons of different areas, such as arts, sports and social offers

Also, there will be an art exhibition of a very well-known art gallery in Monaco Followed by jewelry presentation of the unique artwork of the famous Greek designer Xaris Apergi, and also an elegant fashion show showcasing executive designer brands under the sounds of the Opera

My acquaintances with Prince Albert, as well as with local art galleries, were truly fortunate collaborations and amazing factors for me to stay in Monaco and work there for long periods of time until today

After all, Monaco and Southern France are the places where the most important artists lived and created