Beyond.
'Beyond' is a collection of paintings and ink sketches that are based on my travels, and it was on display at +Tova gallery/cafe in Sofia, Bulgaria. My goal with this project is to share my freedom to explore the unknown, my courage to buy a one-way ticket, and my willingness to give up comfort. And to quote my favorite travel writer, "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
The idea for this project came while I was planning my long-awaited trip back home to Bulgaria. For me, this collection of work is emotional but also a visual retrospective of the past years I have spent beyond the borders of my home country. A visual trip through the landscapes of my travels and what they made me think about.
When I decided to create an exhibition, I knew I wanted it to be more than just a bunch of old paintings. I wanted to push myself to the limit and see what I was truly capable of.
Of course, there were those who told me it couldn't be done - that there was no way I could arrive in Bulgaria and create an entire exhibition in just over two months. But, call me crazy, I thrive on the impossible. I promised myself I would give it my all, and damn, I made it happen! Sure, working with acrylics helped speed up the process, but let me tell you, countless revisions and tweaks still went into each piece. I had to organize my daily routine, my sleep schedule, and the meetups with friends and family, all to maximize my painting time. And while I would have loved to include even more works in the show, just getting the exhibition up and running was the most important thing for me.
Mission accomplished!
As an artist, I believe that simplicity means everything has purpose and that it gives way to the message rather than details. Simplicity means boldness, commitment, and showing an understanding of what you do. And let me tell you, I made some bold choices here. I questioned the boundary between a super flat and simplistic poster design (to a certain degree reflecting my graphic design education) and a realistically rendered impressionistic painting. I chose to use acrylic paint in my landscapes because it reflects the business of the modern world. I can't wait for a week to work on a painting again, and compared to oil painting, acrylic feels fast, permanent, and very reflective of the nature of our world.
Dunes of Newcastle, Australia 70x50cm
This piece was created to capture the striking contrast between the boundless nature and the fleeting existence of humanity. Through juxtaposition in scale and colour, it highlights the vastness of the natural world while emphasizing the smallness and transience of human life.
By inviting the viewer to contemplate this stark contrast, the artwork prompts reflection on our place in the grand scheme of things and the power of nature to inspire and humble us.
Seemingly endless, these dunes stretch over 32km along the coast. As with most beaches in Australia, these dunes are so vast, you could easily pitch a tent and spend the night, looking at the stars, undisturbed.
Otira Viaduct,
New Zealand 70x50cm
As I stood on this bridge, nestled in the picturesque Arthurs Pass of New Zealand, I couldn't help but marvel at its organic flow. It's not just a bridge, it's a testament to the delicate balance between humans and nature. The engineers who crafted this were not just seeking aesthetic appeal, but were also mindful of the impact on the surrounding environment.
The bridge's design seamlessly integrates with the surrounding hills, as if nature herself lent a hand. It's a reminder that progress doesn't have to come at the expense of our planet, and a blueprint for the kind of sustainable infrastructure we need to build for the future.
The Kea,
New Zealand 70x50cm
I was fascinated by the fact that, when introducing themselves in a formal setting, Maori people often begin by stating their name, their tribal affiliation, and the mountain or river that they identify with. This reflects their belief that their identity is deeply connected to the natural world around them.
Hiking in the mountains of the South Island, I felt a connection to the land and a fascination for this bird.
Kea is the only alpine parrot in the world and endemic to New Zealand. It’s not only a unique and fascinating bird, but it also holds a deep cultural significance in Maori traditions. For the Maori people, the kea is seen as a highly intelligent and curious bird, often associated with mischief and playfulness. In fact, in Maori folklore, the kea is often portrayed as a trickster figure, with many stories describing its playful antics and ability to outsmart humans.
The Kea is considered to be a messenger from the spiritual realm. They believe that the Kea can travel between the physical world and the spiritual world and is a symbol of wisdom and intelligence.
As a woman, I've been told time and time again that I'm too emotional, that I should be quiet, stop crying, and not exaggerate. But why is it that showing emotions is so often seen as a weakness? For me, my emotions are my most real and sincere experiences. And though my actual voice may have been silenced at times, no one can tell me how to paint. I have found that color is my way to scream, to celebrate, to cry, and to express myself emotionally. In 'Beyond', my emotions are not hidden, they are woven into the very fabric of my paintings… and very few things are louder than my yellows.
Lake Bratan, Bali Indonesia 70x50cm
This painting holds a special place in my heart. As I was creating it, I found myself drawn to a more muted color palette, which gave the piece a melancholic energy. The process of painting this image required me to revisit my emotions and feelings from that moment and assess them from my present perspective. It was a cathartic experience, one that allowed me to process my own personal growth.
Looking back at the finished piece, I can see how much of myself is captured within it. The soft, muted tones reflect the introspective nature of the piece, while the imagery itself speaks to my desire to explore and experience new things.
As I approached the Ulan Batar Temple in Bali, I was struck by its ethereal presence. It seemed to float on the surface of the lake, as if suspended in a dream-like state. This painting is my attempt to capture the emotions that welled up in me during that moment. It was a pivotal point in my life, my first solo trip, feeling like I was navigating my own boat on the open waters. And as I painted, I infused the water with the same sense of exploration and energy that I felt during that transformative experience.
As a lover of Impressionism, I believe that capturing emotions in a painting is just as important as capturing the physical world. And in my exhibition 'Beyond', I strive to do just that. At first glance, one might dismiss my paintings as simple and "happy", but I assure you, they go beyond that. It takes skill and understanding to create a work that conveys joy and wonder without falling into the realm of kitsch. My goal is to bring the landscape into the contemporary world while maintaining its integrity and referencing traditional approaches and techniques used in painting a landscape.
Fiorlands,
New Zealand 30x40cm
The idea that if a place is too beautiful, people will destroy it is a common theme in many cultures around the world, including the Maori culture. The story goes that when the Maori people first arrived in the Fiordland area, they were in awe of the beauty of the landscape. They marveled at the towering mountains, the deep blue waters, and the lush green forests. However, they soon noticed that the beauty of the area was being marred by the swarms of sandflies that plagued them day and night.
In an effort to rid themselves of the sandflies, the Maori people decided to make a deal with the gods. They prayed to the gods for relief from the sandflies, and in return, they promised to keep the beauty of the Fiordland area a secret from the rest of the world. The gods agreed to their request and gave them a special herb to ward off the sandflies.
However, over time, some Maori people started to share the beauty of the Fiordland area with others. They would take visitors to the area and show them the stunning landscapes and vistas. As more and more people came, the land started to become damaged. Trees were cut down, animals were hunted, and the natural balance of the area was disrupted.
Eventually, the gods became angry with the Maori people for breaking their promise and as punishment, they took away the special herb that had protected them from the sandflies. From that day on, the sandflies returned in swarms, making it difficult for anyone to enjoy the beauty of the Fiordland area.
Mt. Cook,
New Zealand 50x70cm
This painting is part of a recurring theme in my work that celebrates the extremes of nature and the contrasts of our own experiences.
It's inspired by the extreme landscapes of our planet, and how those extremes - the mountains and valleys, the highs and lows - give our lives depth and meaning. The contrast is what gives them context. With its vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes, and simplicity this piece captures the energy and vitality of those extremes, making it a powerful reminder to embrace all of what life has to offer.
