Today we’d like to introduce you to Victor Bokas.
Hi Victor, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Victor Bokas grew up in the Florida Panhandle against a backdrop of palm trees, beautiful beaches and sunbathers. These influences are apparent in his paintings which boast vibrant colors, tropical icons and a good measure of whimsy. Victor also pays homage to his Greek heritage with statues, columns, olives and vases appearing in his work.
An avid collector. Victor’s studio is filled with objects he’s collected over the years. A vintage jukebox plays records while other flea market finds become a great source for inspiration. His collections often are incorporated into his works.
As a boy in Gulf Breeze, Bokas followed destiny when he rode his bike to an outdoor art exhibit. Enthralled by art, Bokas bought the $1 winning ticket for a collaborative painting created by several local artists. That was truly a day in the sun for the 11-year-old, he asked his parents if he could take lessons and never stopped.
A graduate of the University of Florida, Victor is a graphic designer and full-time painter. Victor Bokas moved to Orlando in 1987 where he still lives and works from today. His unique artistic style is enriched by his journey through the creative field. Now, he gets to focus on his production process. His studio itself is an extension of his work, covered top to bottom in drips and splatters of paint giving a behind-the-scenes glimpse to his lively creative process. His work can be found in numerous corporate and museum collections as well as an 85 foot long mosaic floor featured in Orlando International Airport. His career path in Orlando includes 9 years as Senior Art Director for Sea World and 20 years as Senior Art Director Tupperware Brands.
Victor Bokas creates artwork that is not only joyful and warm, but incredibly well executed. He has a deep understanding of composition and color which when combined, provide the most memorable viewing experience. He often incorporates wild, organic elements with grids and structure. This hybrid approach acts as a guide to assist the viewer in their journey across the canvas. It is this sort of mastery of skill that is so special when it comes around, Victor Bokas is truly a one of a kind artist.
Permanent Collections include:
• Orlando International Airport
• Mennello Museum of American Art
• Darden Corporation
• Tupperware Brands
• City National Bank
• Orange County Convention Center
• Winter Park Library
• Pensacola State College
• Container Corporation of America
• Maitland Art Center
• Orlando City Hall
• Walt Disney Productions
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was fortunate to have a career in Graphic Design for 35 plus years. A corporate job during the day—weekends and evenings spent painting.
10 years ago I was laid-off from Tupperware Brands as Senior Designer, so at age 55 I decided to put all my energy and focus into painting. It’s been a good run, represented by several galleries and big commissions but this year seems everything is slowing down in galleries. Just the Times we are living in—art is a luxury. What I’m experiencing now are very few sells or it just might be my artwork…
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I always said, painting is my therapy to graphic design. As much as I love graphic design, you always have a client and that client always makes changes. Fine art is for you, your own freedom to paint whatever you want, whatever color you like size, shapes etc.
With that being said, graphic design has been a great platform for me. I understand deadlines, presentations, budgets, technology, so many tools that help play a role in my art career and have been beneficial getting into galleries and helped me get several large public arts projects.
I enjoy working on a series. It allows me to complete a large body of work.
• In 1994, I painted 100 abstract paintings on paper. They joined together to make one consecutive piece 62 yards long.
• In 1999, I did a drawing a day to document the millennium, 365 pen and ink drawings the size of a CD case.
• In 2011, I painted 50 images to celebrate turning 50 a personal journey of my life.
• In 2021, I painted 60 images to celebrate turning 60.
ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
In 1999 my artwork was selected to be part of a 15-foot x 88-foot mosaic floor that welcomes visitors to Orlando International Airport. Located “A” terminal Southwest airlines.
In 2018 I was commissioned to design a wall installation at the Orlando International Airport.
Located “C” terminal.
I’ve designed 3 posters for the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival.
1995, 2020 and 2021
Current 2025. I just designed a 254 foot wall mural for the city of Lancaster, South Carolina.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Podcasts: Art Juice and Florida Spectacular
Quick read books:
Artists Will Find A Way a Studio Navigation Guide and Artists Will Find A Way: & Practical Concepts for Deep Connections by Fran Gardner.
Pricing:
- paintings $500 to $8,000.00 range
- prints $25 and up…
Contact Info:
- Website: https://victorbokas.com
Image Credits
photos of me:
Taken by Rick Kilby
