We are honored to have Teoko share her story and artwork with us. Her illustrations are more than just pictures; they are a heartfelt tribute to the moments that define us.
If you could revisit one specific moment from your childhood, which moment would it be?
My sister and I are in the village on a hot summer day. The yard is full of colorful flowers, and among them, we find many small bugs. We collect them in glass jars, counting to see who has more. Afterward, we let the bugs go back into the fields. I remember these childhood moments clearly, and they come alive again in my paintings.
Reflecting on your childhood, what smells, sounds, or textures evoke the strongest memories for you? How do these sensory experiences influence your creative process?
The smell that lingers with me is the scent of the healing plants my mother collected. I remember how she hung these plants on the walls to dry. This sensory memory is vivid, and it’s reflected in my paintings, where I often depict human-like plants.
Imagine your hometown as a color palette. What hues dominate the landscape, architecture, and overall ambiance, and how do they influence your artistic choices?
I don’t paint buildings and city architecture in my work. Instead, my paintings are full of flowers and plants. Green is the color my city is missing, and I would love to see it not only in my paintings but also in real city architecture and landscapes.
If your hometown were a character in a fantastical world, what magical powers or abilities would it possess?
Tbilisi has a superpower: it laughs at everything sad and tragic. This is how Tbilisi survives.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with Tomoyasu Murata. He creates a world that is very close to Teoko’s. It would be fascinating to work together on an animation project.
Imagine your art as a recipe. What ingredients would it have, and what would the final dish taste like?
My art is like a simple lemon confiture—you only need sugar and lemon. It's straightforward, yet something everyone can feel. It tastes like the souresweet essence of nature.
If your art could travel through time, where would it go?
My paintings would travel back to the golden age of fairy tale illustrations, from 1880 to 1930. I love fairy tales, and I believe my paintings follow the same style of storytelling.
If your art was translated into a scent, what would it smell like?
The scent of my art evokes memories of my childhood, when my mother dried healing plants and flowers. I can still smell the lavender and calendula, mixed with the fresh air of early morning.
Imagine your art came to life as a character in a story. Describe its personality and what adventures it would embark on.
My characters are often girls, and if I were to choose a story character, it would be a brave girl empowered with courage. She travels through a magical world filled with mystical creatures and horrifying beasts. In her hands, filled with flowers, she can conquer anyone.
Find out more about Teoko on her Instagram page
