YOU MUST NOT WASTE YOUR TALENT, NOT GIVE UP YOUR PASSION

Words: Zuznna Stachura

Illustrations: Katarzyna Baranek-Stachura

My mother – Katarzyna Stachura – graduated as a Master of Fine Arts from the Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice in 1998 with an excellent mark. Over 20 years after graduation, she still works as a graphic designer.

How old were you when you decided to go for the artistic path? What were the signs that showed your deep interest in art?

Art has accompanied me from an early age. I grew up in a house with an artistic tradition – both parents were artists, I watched them while working. Nobody encouraged me to draw at the time – I was reaching for crayons and paints myself. I’ve spent so many hours.

Why did you decide to go for graphic designing instead of more traditional ways of making art, like painting or graphic techniques?

Have you had any background before entering the Academy of Fine Arts? Or were you self-taught?

I’ve been drawing at home ever since, for pleasure. However, it turned out that before taking entrance exams, it is necessary to have a kind of training, systematic work (just like a musician or an athlete). That is why I decided to take an intensive, 3-year preparatory course in drawing, painting and composition.

What would you recommend for young artists? Did something in the time of your education help you? Do you have any tips that they could find helpful?

It seems to me that you must not waste your talent, not give up your passion, but above all, work very intensively, gain experience. Every new project, order enriches us, teaches us.

Have you met female artists who have influenced or inspired you?

How do you define an „artist”? Is it the education that makes one, or just the talent is enough?

For me, it is primarily a state of mind, sensitivity, the ability to see the world ambiguously. And a great sense of freedom.

If you could go back in time, would you still choose graphic design?

I guess so. But another area that interests me too is landscape design – I could do that.

In conclusion, what’s your favourite memory from the time at the Academy?

Surely the people I’ve met – friends, students, lecturers… the unique atmosphere at the university. And working in a graphic studio, where I learned the most.