Daniel Kowacki, an illustrator and painter, was born in 1997 in Częstochowa. He lives and works in Warsaw. In his work, he explores the theme of light called KOMOREBI (a Japanese term meaning “light filtering through the trees”). The shadows created by this phenomenon evoke the bliss of childhood, which served as the starting point for his paintings. Kowacki combines this sense of bliss with a feeling of unease, a recurring theme throughout his work.

What’s the first thing that inspired you to create — and does that source of inspiration still guide you today?

My mom was the one who let me try everything when it came to art. She saw how much energy I put into painting and sketching since I was a child. It gave me so much joy — it was my way to escape from reality. Now I’m not running away anymore. Instead, I try to show both the bright and dark moments of my daily life.

How would you describe your current work in three words?

Light, motion, nostalgia.

What role does emotion or intuition play in your creative process?

Emotion: For me, emotion shows up in the moments when a painting isn’t going well — it’s the reason I don’t throw it away. I try to stay patient and connected to what I’m feeling rather than what I expect the work to be.

Intuition: It’s everything for me. My process depends on trusting it, even when it leads me in unexpected directions. I’m still learning to listen to it fully, but every piece teaches me a bit more about letting go and following instinct.

Where do you find beauty in the everyday?

In the nature and my loved ones.

How do you balance tradition and experimentation in your practice?

I don’t set boundaries in my creative process. I like to try everything and stay open to experimentation. I’ve learned not to listen to the noise or the haters

What’s one misconception people often have about your work or the art world in general?

People often ask if I can draw their portrait. I can — but only if you’re someone I feel close to.

How has technology (or the digital world) changed the way you create or think about art?

When I first bought my iPad years ago, I completely fell in love with digital art. But now it’s hard for me to create that way – I’ve returned to traditional techniques like ink, oil, acrylic, and paper. You don’t need all those fancy digital brushes to make great art. They can help you create something beautiful, but I believe everything starts from tradition.

If you could collaborate with any artist — living or dead — who would it be, and why?

Matisse, Picasso, Basquiat, Lee Krasner, Sailor Jerry and living one – Tony Diterlizzi.

What do you hope people feel or think when they encounter your work?

That they realize that they were kids once.

What’s next for you — any projects, dreams, or directions you’re excited to explore?

It would be great to tell but I can’t. NDA 🫢