Early inspiration and education

All my life I’ve known that I wanted to be an artist. I was born in Prague, a very cultural city. I used to see exhibitions frequently from a very young age, first with my mother and later on my own. Fascinated by paintings, I dreamed of making my own. Eventually, I started reading biographies of artists and imagined that someone would write a book about my life and my art.

I began drawing as soon as I could hold a pencil. Now, I envy how I drew as a child—with a freedom I now have to search for consciously. My mother, an illustrator, supported my sister and me by enrolling us in art workshops. When I decided to attend a high school focused on visual arts, she fully supported that choice.

After graduating, I wanted to continue studying art. As life would have it, I discovered textile art and decided to pursue it. In 2000, I began my studies in Textile Design at the Academy of Architecture, Art and Design in Prague, combining it with painting and illustration.

Techniques and creative process

During my studies, I had the opportunity to explore various textile, graphic, and painting techniques. Over time, I’ve come to appreciate that my decision was the right one—not only did I discover a new artistic medium, but I also gained the ability to teach it and connect with wonderful people in my classes. This continues to bring me great satisfaction.

Today, I work with several techniques. I am a painter, illustrator, printmaker, and textile artist. Each medium allows me to express different aspects of my ideas and emotions. I enjoy them all and continue to explore new creative approaches.

When I was younger, I used to carry a sketchbook and draw scenes from daily life—in the subway, cafés, or on the street. Although I haven’t done this recently due to lifestyle changes, I think it was excellent practice and I’d like to return to it.

Painting and perception

My paintings usually stem from real life—portraits, landscapes, or natural elements transformed into abstract compositions. I prefer working from life or outdoors because I value the connection with the subject.

When I paint, I become intensely focused. Suddenly, I notice small details, light and shadow interplay, and subtle color variations. It’s as if my brain switches to another channel.

Of course, it’s not always possible to work this way, so I also use photographs as references. My preferred media include watercolor, acrylic, and oil. While painting, I think constantly about color mixing, composition, and form. The focus is so deep that it leaves no room for other thoughts.

Printmaking and linocut

When working on prints, I start with sketches and keep the design open so it can evolve during the engraving process. I let the linoleum speak to me. My first project in Mérida was exhibited at Galería La Eskalera and focused on the theme of water. Part of it included plein air watercolors of local cenotes; the other part featured studio oil paintings inspired by water’s reflections. In the past, I worked with tempera, but here it dries too quickly and is hard to find.

Over the past four years, I’ve fallen in love with linocut. It began with an illustration contest about Shoshone myths and legends. To develop a unique style for this theme, I drew inspiration from North American petroglyphs. Initially, I used brush and ink, tempera, and dry pastel. This work was shown at the Merida English Library (MEL) and Galería Tapanco.

However, I soon realized the style needed more texture and physicality. It was only a matter of time before I found a printmaking studio and began a new chapter of linocuts. Eventually, I moved on from the Shoshone theme, and now other subjects inspire me.