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Artist Statement
Stillness of Life

   I delve into human experience through enlarged subject matter, including still lives, nature and abstract forms, primarily using oil mediums.        

   Growing up close to nature was a true blessing, as it allowed me to witness the vibrant explosion of colors each spring, the cheerful blooms of summer, the warm, nostalgic hues of fall, and the tranquil shades of winter.             Among the myriad wonders of nature, I've always been particularly captivated by fruits and flowers. They embody the continuous cycle of life, filled with joys and challenges, echoing the unasked questions we all seek to understand. The beauty of nature around me stirs childhood memories and invites me to pause, capturing the delicate and often fleeting beauty of each moment, reminding me of life's inherent balance.         

   My current body of work centers on the stillness of life. Through my still-life paintings, I aim to encapsulate simple moments from everyday life—whether it's a ray of light gliding down a mug in a drying rack, a sunlit café corner in the early morning, or a bowl of fresh cherries on a sunny afternoon. My art aims to convey warmth, reflect emotional experiences that shape us, capture the stillness of life, and showcase its simple beauty.         

   How often do we take a moment to honestly notice and appreciate the little things that fill our lives with joy, coziness, warmth, or even tranquility? What if we took a closer look at everyday objects and uncovered an entirely different world of colors, textures, and details?        

   The process of creating my art begins in my mind, starting as a clear mental image that I can see. I then translate that image into the canvas using oil paint. I often compare it to the process of image rendering in photography, especially the old method that required a separate room with a red light and various trays filled with chemicals for the image to appear on a blank piece of paper. I absolutely loved watching this process as a child, and it seems quite similar to the process of oil painting. The image gradually appears on the canvas, layer by layer. And even though I'm no longer a kid, it still feels magical.         

   The beauty of creating art lies in the way it can make everything else fade away. In those moments, it feels like the mind turns off, and I become completely absorbed in the canvas—a state of being fully present in the moment, without any thoughts, while still being aware of the world around me. It's a truly magical feeling.        

   My initial inspiration came from macro photography, which I enjoyed and practiced extensively. I find it fascinating how "ordinary" objects, like a banana peel, can be perceived in a completely different way when enlarged. By looking more closely, I can discover a whole new perspective on the fruit (or vegetable), simply by noticing the finer details. I want to show others how to see ordinary things in a new way.   

   With my still-life paintings enlarged in size, I strive to direct viewers' attention to a fresh perspective on the "ordinary" and familiar elements that surround us. I also view art as a constructive means of communication. Each viewer interprets my works based on their own experiences, and that's the beauty of art. If my art resonates with them and brings a smile to their face, then I have accomplished my goal.   

   My artwork shows off the incredible power of color, texture, and line, creating vibrant and expressive pieces. I draw inspiration from my own experiences to create art that feels personal and resonates emotionally. On top of that, I am passionate about creating art that is both engaging and meaningful.

ABOUT ANNA ILIEVSKA

 
 
Artist Biography

 

    Anna, deeply connected to nature since her childhood, finds endless inspiration in its beauty and harmony. Her art, which primarily consists of large-scale still life, delves into themes of stillness, light, and emotion, bringing forth the extraordinary within the ordinary. This is evident in her portrayals of everyday objects, such as a sunlit mug or a bowl of cherries. Beginning her artistic journey with macro photography, Anna learned that enlarging commonplace items could unveil striking colors and intricate textures—this curiosity continues to shape her oil painting technique today. After receiving her MA in Fine Art from the Academy of Art University in 2023, she moved on to pursue an MFA, honing her skill in conveying emotion through stillness. Her work has gained international recognition, highlighted by participation in events like the Tokyo International Art Fair in 2024 and the Pacific Art League’s 104th Anniversary Exhibition in 2025. Among her noteworthy achievements are a Second Prize at Gallery 4%'s Still & Lifeless competition in 2024 and two Honorable Mentions from the Teravarna Art Contests that same year. Anna's ongoing journey of exploring stillness beautifully celebrates the quiet wonders found in daily life.

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