April

Visual Female of the Month – April

– Marta Julia Piórko

Marta Julia Piorko is a Polish artist whose work focuses around people and animals. Using oil paint as her main medium, Marta also enjoys graphic engraving, graphic design and photography to express her inherited creativity. Her work is filled with fantasy, drawing you into new worlds where animals hold as much importance and people. With a skill for realism and detail, Marta’s work can invigorate our sense of wonder and allow our imaginations a childlike freedom. Within her portfolio there is a lovely range of emotion and subject matter, with some of the more macabre and sexually driven paintings particularly peaking my interest. It was a pleasure getting to know more about Marta and her art.

Now for the interview…

How old were you when you decided you wanted to be an artist?

I was born into an artistic family. My mother is a painter and father is an architect. Creativity has always been my part of my life. I don’t remember the moment when I became an artist. Art has always been part of my life.

What is your favourite thing to draw and why?

I like to paint portraits. I depict people and animals. Life is my favourite subject.

What is the art scene like in Poland?

There are a lot of talented people in Poland. The art scene is still developing, but the art market is difficult.

You often use animals in your work, do these animals act as symbols or representations of something bigger?

Animals symbolize human character traits and feelings. I use animals as metaphors, but also I love to paint them. I like the structure of the hair, their form and mystery.

What, if any, challenges do you feel female artists face?

I don’t feel that sex [gender] has any meaning in my work. There are more female artists in Poland, so I don’t see any problem.

If you somehow hurt your vision, would you choose to wear glasses or contacts?

I alredy have both. I’m short-sighted.

Excluding sight, what two other senses are your favourites?

Smell and touch.

 

5 most pleasant things to look at:

My cats, Yoga poses, art, victorian photography, nature

5 least pleasant things to look at:

Polish winter, human stupidity, mess, bad paintings, some of my thoughts

Who is the most inspiring woman you know and why?

What is inspires me, is the power of femininity. I can’t name a single woman.

What is your favourite thing about yourself?

My sense of humour, creativity and sensitivity.

What is on your bedroom walls currently?

My nude portrait painted by my boyfriend, collection of crystal mirrors and antlers.

 

Favourite clothing / accessory / product at the moment?

Right now I’m preparing a clothing collection with themes of my paintings, so I’m obsessed with it.

Favourite artist at the moment:

I don’t have favorite artist. At the moment, I admire the XIX portraits, dutch still life and flowers. Especially memento theme: insects, skulls, rotten fruits and dark colors.

And finally, any words of advice for people stepping into the creative sector?

Find your own style and do what you love.