My Beginnings:

I was born in the Czech Republic in 1960 and left in the early 80’s to live in several Western European countries. In the mid-90’s, I relocated to Southern California and have lived here ever since 1998.

I discovered my interest in painting after an 8th grade art teacher approached teaching in an unconventional way. I continued to paint and took extra art classes throughout high school and wished to continue during my college years, but studied business instead. When I was 26, I visited an art fare and was reminded of how much I missed painting and I began to paint again.

 

Developing My Own Style:

In the beginning I experimented with different techniques using water colors and oils. I migrated to the use of acrylic paints and mixed techniques. My early artwork was realistic as I painted using real settings. At times it was inconvenient, so I began to simplify my processes by composing my own arrangements. In doing so, I created my own style. In addition to my paintings, I recently ventured into the painted embellishment of furniture. I love modern furniture but like to add a couple of special pieces to soften the edges.

As a Gemini, I have two personalities and two approaches to my work. One part of me is rather romantic, secretive, and likes surprises. The other part has a desire to have strict answers, closure, and a hard and distinctive edge and real shape.

My goal is to create art that is nice to look at. I don’t want to change the world or solve big problems. I just want to make people happy.

I have always admired and am inspired by nature, its colors, shapes and materials. It connects me to my other hobbies of landscaping and cooking.

 

Artists That Inspire Me:

The artists who inspired me are Friedrich Hundertwasser, Gustav Klimt and Anita Wachmeister.