ART AND LIFE

Sometimes people say the reason that artists don’t speak much is that they have a better way of expressing themselves: through images. A small part of me agrees with this statement, but I also believe that a good artist should be able to verbally express the conceptual aspect of his or her own work. A piece of art is much more than colors and forms. It involves an individual’s thought process and is a unique visualization of the human imagination, whether it is presented in a realistic, impressionistic or surrealistic way.

My artistic journey so far has been one of great discoveries. I have been told that my first experience with a drawing tool, when I was very young child, left my parents with looks of astonishment as they witnessed me holding the pen the proper way an experienced adult does. My own memories from this time reveal images of a child with an intense affinity for colors and pretty pictures. At this point, convinced of my artistic potential, my parents introduced me to the professional methods of an art teacher. Slowly my interest in recreating an existing picture was replaced by the desire to create a story with images. My Bulgarian education provided me with an academic understanding of art. Four years at Ringling School of Art and Design in the U.S. allowed me to perfect various techniques, embrace a more pleasing palette, and dig deeper into the core of the conceptual side of my visual representations. As I matured as an artist and gained knowledge about the theories and rules of drawing and painting, correct anatomical proportions and a believable perspective with bold figures and landscape compositions became the most important aspect of my work.

My current body of work consists mainly of themes of fantastic creatures in realistic settings and situations. I am drawn to create works that are theatrical and dramatic, yet calm and soothing to the eye. Grace and beauty are the main features I strive to incorporate into my works.

Even as I flow through the comfortable state of a skillful, experienced mind, I seek the unattainable perfection sought by artists. As I continue my journey through life and art, I eagerly await the visions and ideas yet to be revealed, waiting to be provoked in their proper time and way.