Ewa Matyja was born in 1985 in Poland and has been focusing on her art since 2016. She has exhibited her work in several solo exhibitions at various locations in Poland and also been featured in several important group exhibitions in New York City, London and Berlin.
How did you get into art?
Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by art thanks to my mom who exposed me to art group classes, events, and competitions. It was a big part of my childhood, but I never imagined that it could be more than just a hobby. Living in a small town in northern Poland meant that going to college to study art would require moving to a different city, something I couldn't afford at the time. So, I ended up studying business and worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years.
It wasn't until six years ago that I finally summoned the courage to quit my corporate job and pursue my passion for art full-time. It was a terrifying decision, but one that has been incredibly rewarding. Looking back, it was the best decision I ever made.
The journey to get here wasn't easy, but it's been worth it. Art has always been a part of me, and I couldn't ignore it anymore. Quitting my job was a scary leap of faith, but it allowed me to focus on what truly makes me happy. It's been a wild ride, and I'm grateful for every step of the journey.
How would you describe your style? What makes your work special?
My style is best described as intuitive abstract painting that is deeply personal and expressive. Each of my pieces is like a page from my diary, where I transfer my thoughts and emotions onto the canvas without the need for words. Instead, I use brushstrokes, marks, and colors to convey a story that can be felt and understood by the viewer.
What sets my work apart is the play between a limited color palette, bold strokes, heavy textures, and contrast. These elements come together to create a three-dimensional effect that draws the viewer in. In addition, I love experimenting with traditional materials like acrylic paint, charcoal, pastels, and ink, as well as elements from nature to add unique textures and structures to my work.
My creative process is dynamic and involves working on multiple pieces at once to create a dialogue between them. This allows me to develop my ideas and push the boundaries without the ability to go back or make corrections. Overall, my work is a representation of my innermost thoughts and emotions, and I hope that it connects with others on a deeper level.
How do you go about developing your work?
For me, art is a never-ending journey of discovery. As a self-taught artist, I am constantly pushing myself to learn and experiment with different art styles, materials, and media. I believe that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process, and I embrace them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
My work evolves over time as I explore new ideas and techniques. The places I visit, whether it's a bustling city or a serene natural setting, have a profound impact on my art. Sometimes these influences are subtle, but they shape my paintings in ways that may not be immediately apparent.
Overall, my creative process involves a lot of trial and error, as well as a willingness to take risks and try new things. Whether I'm working on a series of paintings or a single piece, I always strive to remain open to new ideas and approaches, and to let my intuition guide me.
Who or what influences you?
As a self-taught artist, I’m influenced by a variety of sources, both internal and external. I paint to challenge myrself and tap into the vast reservoir of creativity that I have stored inside me. My work is an abstract visualization of all my previous experiences, reflecting the emotions and chaos of life that we are all living.
Nature, architecture, people, culture, and the emotions they evoke are some of my main sources of inspiration. I’m drawn to the natural world, with its endless variety of textures, colors, and shapes. The built environment also fascinates me, with its intricate details and interplay of light and shadow.
But perhaps most importantly, I’m inspired by the people you encounter in my life, and the emotions they evoke. Whether it's joy, sadness, hope, or despair, I seek to capture these feelings and convey them in my paintings. Ultimately, my art is an ongoing journey of discovery, a learning process that involves experimenting, making mistakes, and pushing the boundaries to create powerful, expressive works that reveal the beauty in imperfection.
Make us curious. What is planned next?
As an artist, I believe it's important to keep creating new and original work. That's why I'm currently working on a fresh and exciting series of paintings. Due to the pandemic, some of the art shows I had planned to participate in were postponed or cancelled. But I'm not discouraged - I'm actively seeking new opportunities to exhibit my work across Europe, America, and Asia.
I'm excited to showcase my art to a wider audience, and I'm committed to putting in the hard work required to make it happen. If you want to keep up with my latest news and exhibition details, you can follow me on Instagram @ewamatyja.
