MELA YERKA
“‘Fanny and Alexander’ directed by Bergman, and ‘The Master and Margarita’ written by Bulhakov. No albums.”
Where is your studio and how long have you been there? In Copperfield Acme Studios in Mile End in London. I’ve been working there since March 2014.
What is your earliest memory of art? My Dad’s love for paintings by Jan van Eyck.
If you could own any work of art, which would it be? ‘The Battle of San Romano’ by Uccello. Nothing cheers me up as well.
When and where are you happiest? Halfway distance between my home and my studio.
What is your greatest extravagance? Being an artist.
If you could ask one question and receive a true answer, what would that question be? Is there God?
Which natural gift would you most like to possess? Amazing singing voice, which would allow me to sing all day long and annoy everyone around me.
What is your favourite drink? Wine after 9 months of abstention...
Who is your favourite fictional villain? The Devil from the tales by Grimm’s Brothers.
Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island? ‘Fanny and Alexander’ directed by Bergman, and ‘The Master and Margarita’ written by Bulhakov. No albums.
What would your ‘death row’ meal be? Chips, oysters and wine.
If you were a world record breaker, what would it be for? Staring through the window.
What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? I am scared to consider that.
What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes? I am even more scared to think about that.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Getting rid of my impatience. Focusing more on the present. Although it could mean that I would never do anything again.
Which artist do you think is most under-rated? Too many. I guess it is changing daily.
Which three historical figures would you like to have lunch with? Madame du Pompadour, Catherine the Great and Sigmund Freud.
What or who has been the biggest influence to your practice? People I am growing up and old with.
What would you do if you knew you could not fail? Move to a very remote location and try to survive with a minimum of civilization.
www.melayerka.com