Watercolor is Georgia Kandiko’s favorite medium. She also paints with acrylics, alcohol inks, and Sumi ink and creates through collage and mosaic. Georgia’s art is vibrant and bold, often drawing upon the natural environment. “I love to make many different types of art: botanical, representational, impressionistic, abstract, and photography,” she says.
Knowing as a child that she wanted to be an artist, Georgia explored many of her talents and career interests before returning to her love of art: “My path to art was complicated. … I was a good student but did not excel in drawing. Lured away from art, I majored in biology, got a master’s degree in business, and had many non-art related jobs. In my thirties I got back on track. I started by taking classes, then workshops. I painted whenever I could. I felt I was called to art. I could not resist the urge.”
As a local art instructor and exhibiting artist, Georgia teaches at the University of Minnesota Arboretum, Minnetonka Center for the Arts, and other local art organizations. She also leads independent art workshops.
Georgia’s belief in Simpson Housing Services’ work has fostered her connection with Art 4 Shelter; this is her sixth year of creating and donating artwork for the event. “The organization is near and dear to my heart. Providing shelter is essential. So many people experience life situations beyond their control. If I can help make a difference to someone in need, I am delighted to do my part.”
Georgia has signature status in the Minnesota Watercolor Society, NorthStar WaterMedia Society, and Red River Watercolor Society. Her watercolor paintings may be enjoyed at her current exhibition at the Chanhassen Library through April 2019. She has a painting juried into the Minnesota Watercolor Society’s Spring Show (3/21-5/1 2019) and another painting on display in the Transparent Watercolor Society of America’s international show (5/4-8/4 2019.)
Georgia is originally from the Chicago area, and she has lived in the Twin Cities (Chanhassen) for 40 years. In her spare time, she enjoys rollerblading, cross–country skiing, kayaking, swimming, hiking, and snorkeling, all of which greatly influence her art.
Click here to visit our Art 4 Shelter home page.