CHLOE Magazine Spring 2016 | Page 208

CHLOE MAGAZINE What were some of your most important early influences that you decided to be a Painter? When I was a kid I loved coloring, painting and creating things that’s how I was spending my free time. I’ve always had this need to do something creative. But I think that I started painting because it was the only form I knew to express myself in, deal with my emotions and find some way to describe my world. In my paintings I share my personal stories and everyday observations. I feel like this is something I know I just do to stay true to myself. Is there any work you are currently working on that you would like to tell us about? At the moment I am working on a very colorful piece with many layers of textures. I haven’t worked with mixed media for a while and I am excited about this new project. It is quite different from my other painting definitely more optimistic and cheerful, very dynamic and full of life. I can’t wait to see where my imagination is going to take me this time. Maybe this one will start a new series. Tell me about your process where things begin, how they evolve? Do you create paintings in Chicago, Illinois or travel and paint as well? My art is created in Chicago, I don’t paint when I travel but some moments are embedded in my brain and later can be found in my work. When I start working on a new piece I don’t have any specific concept or Expectations, although I have more or less specified ideas of my work. I let my imagination roam free and I’m often lead by emotion. I am spontaneous, I go with the flow and try to keep my mind open, many times without knowing where this is going to take me. During the creative process I often get frustrated especially when I feel that I am stuck and cannot move forward. Then I need to take a break, clear my head and take a look at my canvas from a different perspective. That usually works. Many times when I come back all the shapes and forms I didn’t notice at first loom up and guide me onto the right path. It is a very exciting moment and it gives me a lot of satisfaction. Do you remember your first interaction with art? I grew up in a communist country (Poland) and everything back then was mad R