Introduce yourself. Where are you from?
My name is Aliki Mikulich and I have been a Brantford resident for over 26 years.
Tell us about your work. How/When did you get started with your art?
Since I can remember I loved to make marks, transform materials and create things from other things. I eventually attended the University of Toronto and Sheridan College for their Art and Art History program where I learned much about many things. My long road of art making has led me to experiment with various materials. I moved from acrylic paint quickly to incorporate collage, fabric, metal, plaster and other found objects into my pieces. I make sculptures as well but mostly my work goes on a wall.
Why did you choose this career path? What made you interested in painting and sculpting?
I don't really recall choosing this career path so much as following a road that gave me fulfillment. I believe that we have to do what we feel compelled to do - that is, we have to be true to our callings. It was pretty much a given that I would study art - really, all things benefit from creative thinking and problem solving. I am most comfortable and also most challenged when creating things - whether it is in my studio or in a group situation where I can see inspiration blossom from others. I have a holistic approach to life - I believe that everything can benefit from creativity - gardening, cooking, relationships, so many things. I do believe that the artist is a problem solver - coming up with non-verbal ways to communicate and get a point across, dealing with new tools and materials, being challenged by the limitations and strengths of a medium; and that translates into most aspects of life.
Who is your inspiration?
Early on I was inspired by my Mom. She was always making something or recreating something- she loved when I drew or painted and was very proud of me. She is the reason that I had the confidence to explore art past high school. My whole extended family (in Germany) is a group of makers - they never stop to think 'I can't do this and that is the best attitude to have - no hesitation and no fear of making mistakes. Creativity inspires creativity.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I have learned from the various twists in life that it is not a good idea for me to look too far ahead. Life has way too many options and paths that I may not even know about yet- I don't want to miss any opportunities by setting myself a path. I have worked as a stay at home mom, an art educator, a paint associate at Home Depot, a Program Coordinator at the Brantford Arts Block and now I run a small social painting business with my good friend Kim DiFrancesco and all of them have brought knowledge and experiences that have informed the place where I am today.. Whatever the next 10 years brings - who knows - but I do know that there will be joy, fulfillment and art. I am quite content with where I am.
