April Psonis’s Bold Geometric Female Forms: Abstract Art Rooted in Motherhood
people • ARTISTS
April Psonis is a Melbourne-based abstract artist whose motherhood-inspired work explores emotional depth through bold geometric compositions and layered materials. A self-taught creative with roots in Tasmania, she draws from natural surroundings, lived experiences, and the transformative journey of motherhood to create pieces that reflect identity and inner strength through a distinctly feminine lens. Her practice focuses on geometric composition in abstract art, expressing a balance of softness and strength through an intuitive mixed-media technique.
Working primarily with acrylic ink, April often begins without a sketch, allowing colour and form to emerge instinctively. Her female figures are both personal and universal—art that conveys resilience, vulnerability, and autonomy.
In this interview, April reflects on her evolution as a contemporary artist in Australia and shares the philosophy behind her introspective canvases—revealing how material, motherhood, and meaning converge in a practice shaped by presence and quiet power.
Words: designeers
june 2025
WEBSITE: www.aprilpsonis.com
INSTAGRAM: @aprilpsonisart
DESIGNEERS
You’re a self-taught artist; can you share what first drew you to painting and how that journey unfolded?
April Psonis
Inspired by my grandmother, my love for drawing and painting began in early childhood. Creativity has always been a natural part of who I am, though for many years, painting remained a casual, intuitive practice. That shift marked the beginning of my journey into motherhood-inspired painting—art driven by the emotions, strength, and complexity I experienced. The experience awakened a powerful urge to create, intentionally and meaningfully. I felt compelled to explore themes I cared deeply about, particularly the strength, grace, and complexity of the female form. This led me to experiment with various styles, including geometric composition in abstract art, and explore mediums that allowed my voice to emerge organically. Though my evolution as an artist has been gradual, the slow, intentional pace has shaped both my aesthetic and my connection to the work.
DESIGNEERS
Can you describe your process? How does a new piece begin for you?
April Psonis
My intuitive mixed-media technique means I rarely start with a sketch; instead, I move straight to canvas, letting instinct guide the composition. My women and concepts come to me intuitively, and from there, I like to go straight to canvas and allow my ideas to come to life. This is the same with how I use colour, the palette is usually a vague concept, and it’s not until I begin to play with different bold hues that my women start to take shape.
DESIGNEERS
Much of your work explores femininity, strength, and presence. What draws you to these themes?
April Psonis
Motherhood gave me a profound sense of awe for the strength and resilience of the female body. It awakened a deeper awareness of what women endure and overcome with both grace and power. This experience reshaped my artistic focus. I felt an urgent need to reflect these truths in my work and challenge conventional notions of beauty and femininity. Today, my art is a celebration of empowered women, portrayed as bold, autonomous figures who reject outdated stereotypes. Each piece is a tribute to their inner strength—art that conveys resilience, autonomy, and emotional truth.
DESIGNEERS
If your artwork were a season, what would it be?
April Psonis
Autumn. Not because of its colour palette, but for its poetic balance of contrast: crisp, cool air meeting the warmth of soft, lingering light. That contrast mirrors the essence of my work—the balance of softness and strength I aim to express through colour, form, and presence. It’s a season that feels deeply feminine to me, quietly powerful, emotionally rich, and layered with meaning.
“Art is an opportunity to share a story with a complete stranger and connect over what resonates as important.”
April Psonis
DESIGNEERS
If you could have dinner with any three artists, living or dead, who would they be, and what’s on the menu?
April Psonis
I know it’s a bit of a cliché, but I’d have to start with Picasso. I’d love a glimpse into that extraordinary, chaotic mind. Henri Matisse would be next, his bold, expressive lines were a huge influence when I first began painting the female form. And finally, Peggy Kuiper, a contemporary Dutch artist whose haunting, figurative work resonates deeply with me.
As for the menu? I’m not sure of the dishes, but there would definitely be flowing wine, deep conversation, and a table full of creative energy.
DESIGNEERS
Finally, finish this sentence: “Art is...”
April Psonis
Connection.
Art is an opportunity to share a story with a complete stranger and connect over what resonates as important.
