1. Could you tell us a bit about your journey as an artist? What led you to study at the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, and how has your experience there shaped your work?

I have been interested in drawing and painting since a young age. My siblings and I would spend hours painting, drawing inspiration from one another. Then things unfolded naturally. First, my sister and then my brother were accepted into the art high school in Nowy Sącz. I followed their footsteps. I immediately fell in love with oil painting, so choosing to study Painting was an easy decision. During my five years of study, I was able to fully focus on painting and honing my skills.

2. What are some of the key influences or inspirations behind your artwork? Are there particular artists, movements, or personal experiences that have significantly impacted your style?

I draw inspiration from various things. Sometimes it’s an image I find on Instagram or a piece in a museum. Of course, I’m inspired by many old masters, especially lately by Renaissance and Baroque artists. I think this influence is visible in my latest works.

3. Could you walk us through your creative process? How do you usually start a new project, and what steps do you take to bring your ideas to life?

I start with the figure. Painting the body is time-consuming; I want to do it as well as I can. After a few days of work, I decide what’s next. I take risks. I cover the nude figure with a transparent material. I hold my breath—I can’t afford a single wrong move. At first, it’s difficult to control the heavily diluted paint, but there’s no turning back. I watch as the painting changes rapidly, coming to life. I transform the previously painted materials’ meaning. The delicate fabric—paradoxically—becomes a layer meant to protect the fragile, delicate body. Or maybe it’s only seemingly fragile? Pearls cease to be mere decoration; they become a protective chainmail. Flowers seep poison, becoming as dangerous as arrows.

4. Are there specific themes or concepts that you find yourself returning to in your work? What messages or emotions do you hope to convey through your art?

For some time, my work has revolved around the broad theme of femininity. I used to be afraid of incorporating elements considered typically feminine into my paintings. It’s easier to place arrows in a painting than pearls. I wonder why things that appeal to women are often deemed silly or infantile. Pink, pearls, dresses aren’t seen as moving. I ask myself questions: Is it even possible to talk about important things through them? How can I capture the complexity of the female experience?

5. What mediums and techniques do you prefer to work with, and why? Have you experimented with different approaches over time?

I prefer oil painting on linen canvas. It’s the technique I have the most experience with and feel most comfortable in. Recently, I started creating installations. The first one I made was a dress from aluminum mesh, presented at my diploma exhibition “I Am Not Transparent.”

6. Could you share some insights into your most recent projects? What was the inspiration behind them, and how did they evolve?

I’m continuing a series of paintings that I started for my diploma exhibition, which marked a new phase in my work. Martyrs, who used to be a frequent motif in my art, have been transformed into Knights. Peasant women have become Heroines. Transparent materials, often associated with weakness and fragility, paradoxically became symbols of strength.

7. What does a typical day in your workshop look like? How do you balance creativity with the practical aspects of being an artist?

Every workday looks similar. I try to start painting as early as possible because of the light. Depending on how much time I have that day, I try to make the most of it for painting.

8. What are your aspirations for the future? Are there any upcoming exhibitions, projects, or collaborations you’re excited about?

At the end of October, I’ll be participating in my first international exhibition in Lisbon, and in November, my first solo exhibition will be held in Krakow.

9. What advice would you give to young artists who are just starting out in their careers?

I’m only at the beginning of my own creative journey, having recently finished my studies. But if I can give advice to younger artists, I would suggest following your intuition and painting as much as possible.