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Artist’s Statement
My work is not intended to shock or startle; it is a reflection of my emotional response to the world around me. Whether working in oils, acrylics, pastels, or photography, I seek to capture the essence of my experiences in the natural landscape. Nature captivates me—the interplay of color, form, light, and atmosphere continually inspires my imagination. Travels throughout Europe and the United States have deepened this fascination, each landscape leaving an indelible mark on my artistic vision.
I do not confine myself to a single style. My appreciation for a wide range of eras in art history informs my work, which I describe as “Emotional Realism.” This approach allows me to simplify detail, highlighting what first moved me, while inviting the viewer to connect with the feeling behind the image.
Portraits, both of people and animals, are a special passion of mine. Each portrait is an exploration—an effort not only to capture likeness but to reveal an inner emotional state. The act of observing, painting, and refining a subject is deeply rewarding, and when the work finally reflects the spirit I set out to portray, I experience profound joy.
Biography
I was born and educated in Warsaw, Poland, where I first studied at the School of Fine Art before earning a master’s degree in art history at the University of Warsaw. This decade of intensive training provided the foundation for my career as both an artist and art historian.
After my studies, I spent seven years as Art Specialist and Designer at Ars Christiana, Poland’s premier company specializing in religious art.
Since relocating to Tennessee in 1997, I have found deep connection with the local community by sharing my artistic skills through volunteer work. Over the years, my work has continued to evolve across mediums and styles, with highlights that include:
- An oil painting presented to U.S. Ambassador to Poland Victor Ashe by the Polish-American community in Knoxville, later exhibited at the Ambassador’s Residence in Warsaw for six years.
- Three solo exhibitions at The Emporium Gallery (2014, 2019, 2022).
- Fifteen paintings selected to decorate the Knoxville Mayor’s Office—seven chosen by Mayor Madeline Rogero (2015–2018) and eight by Mayor Indya Kincannon (2020–2025).
- Finalist in the national Knoxville Photo Competition (2018, 2021, 2022), with fewer than 10% of more than 400 submissions selected.
- Photography finalists: “Are You My Uber?” in the National Juried Exhibition (2023) and “Evening Stroll” in Art in the Airport (2022).
- Selected for the final national Open Show exhibition at the Oak Ridge Art Center (2024, 2025).
- Six photographs exhibited in Through the Lens at the Oak Ridge Art Center (2020).
- Paintings featured in the University of Tennessee’s Ready for the World Music Series on Poland (2016).
- Designed the promotional poster and painted a portrait of internationally renowned double bassist Edgar Meyer at the request of the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association (2006).
- Portraits of composer Ludwig van Beethoven and Maestro Serge Fournier exhibited during intermissions of Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra and Oak Ridge Chorus concerts (2003).
- Exhibitions at Peter’s Jeweler’s Saloon in Oak Ridge (November 2006; February–March 2014).
- Featured as Artist of the Month in Visions Magazine (March 2014).
- Nominated for YWCA’s Women of Distinction award for volunteer artwork (2001).
