{"title":"Ekaterina Polyakova","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg style=\"max-height: 300px; max-width:55%\" src=\"https:\/\/helloart-prod-bucket.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com\/media\/artist\/ekaterina-polyakova\/ekaterina-polyakova-profile.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI am a passionate illustrator specializing in capturing the architectural beauty of Portugal, particularly old and abandoned houses, as well as hidden sights in towns that hold historical and emotional significance. My illustrations, crafted with fineliners, watercolor, and pastel pencils, aim to preserve the charm and stories behind these structures. I translate my artwork into postcards and posters, offering a tangible connection to the past.\r\u003cbr\u003eAs a former Russian Language Teacher as a foreign language, I transitioned to a full-time artistic career during the COVID pandemic.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eARTIST’S STATEMENT\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eMy work is a visual exploration of architecture as a living presence — not merely structures, but silent witnesses of time, memory, and human experience. I am drawn to places that are often overlooked: forgotten buildings, quiet streets, and aged façades that carry emotional weight.\r\u003cbr\u003eThrough my illustrations, I aim to preserve the atmosphere of these spaces and reveal their hidden narratives. For me, buildings are like faces — each one holding expression, character, and a story waiting to be seen.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"blue-tiles-in-porto","title":"Blue Tiles in Porto","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoft pastel pencils and watercolor on watercolor paper 300 gr.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e15.70x15.70\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMy work traces a visual dialogue between past and present, using architectural fragments to reveal how history quietly persists in everyday spaces. Inspired by azulejo traditions such as Avulsa Figura tiles—once marking the shift away from repetitive patterns—I reinterpret these isolated motifs, discovered on an ordinary house in Porto’s historic district, into compositions that bridge memory and contemporary perception.  A framed piece features a grid of blue floral motifs with a central basket filled with flowers. Each square contains a unique design of Avulsa Figura. I found this tiles on one ordinary old house in historical district of Porto. \r\u003cbr\u003eI attempted to keep \"time\" in this drawings, as some tiles are damaged and cracked. It's precious to observe rich unknown history through Portuguese tiles.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ekaterina Polyakova","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42375204503655,"sku":null,"price":495.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0063\/3038\/4487\/files\/1_1776342242_74095.jpg?v=1776342276"},{"product_id":"blue-tiles-with-wine-bottle","title":"Blue Tiles with wine Bottle","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoft pastel pencils, watercolor on watercolor paper 300 gr.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e11.70x16.50x0.30\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis hand-drawn artwork with soft  pastel pencils and watercolor presents timeless patterns around a vintage bottle and glass. I use motives of the Avulsa Figura tiles, unknown gem of Portuguese heritage. These tiles are known for their solitary, story-like compositions—flowers, animals, and scenes suspended in still beauty. I added wine bottle of Vinho Verde and olives in the center. Rendered in soft shades of blue, this piece is more than decoration; it’s a tranquil moment captured on paper, perfect for gracing any space with quiet charm and historical elegance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ekaterina Polyakova","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43753340633191,"sku":null,"price":490.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0063\/3038\/4487\/files\/1_1778426235_62981.png?v=1778426268"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0063\/3038\/4487\/collections\/1_1776342242_74095.jpg?v=1776342278","url":"https:\/\/helloart.com\/fr\/collections\/ekaterina-polyakova.oembed","provider":"helloart","version":"1.0","type":"link"}