What is Art and What it Means to Me?

This month, I signed up for an art contest, and one thing they required was a statement about my art and paintings, traditionally called artist statement. This led me to reflect deeply on what it really means to be an artist, to create something that can be considered art, and who actually determines its value.

What Do Others Say About Art and Artists?

After some extensive Googling and soul-searching, here is what I found from various perspectives:

• An artist is someone who regularly expresses themselves or others, their thoughts, emotions, and perceptions—whether real or fictional—through a medium, which could be painting, music, dance, cooking, writing, and many more forms.
• Art is a way of communication, essential for human survival. If you can express your thoughts and feelings, you are an artist.
• Visual art provides a way to express abstract feelings that words sometimes fail to capture. It’s about putting your soul into your work and creating something from nothing, sparking a reaction in those who encounter it.
• For me, being an artist is not just an option; it’s a way of living.

What Does Art Mean to Me as an Artist?

The more I create, live, study and push boundaries, the more I realise why I do it and what art really means to me. It really is a deeply personal journey, shaped by my a multitude experiences and reflections on what it all means. So let’s dig in a little deeper.

Childhood

Finding what truly fulfils me took years, and so did building the confidence to pursue what makes me happy and content. I was influenced by the environment I grew up in and driven by a hunger to explore everything the world has to offer. My parents taught me that with passion and belief, I could achieve anything. Thanks to their support, I had the opportunity to study at prestigious schools and universities, as well as pursue various creative business ventures. I’m grateful for this foundation, which allowed me to explore my interests fully.

Dreams and Moments of Revelation

After much experimentation in my twenties (you can view my artistic trajectory here), I decided to pursue a career as creator, primarily as a designer, photographer and an artist when I turned 28. This path allowed me to channel my creativity into something tangible. Winning a design award for a fashion watch I created opened new doors, leading to collaborations with innovative manufacturers. I had also received my first painting commission, it was a 16m2 mural painting, imagine! At the same time, I had my first exhibition, at that time with a photograph. By the way, this was also my fifth business attempt but the first driven by true passion, love, and gratitude.

Art & Expression of Emotions

One Love (2024). 72 x 93 cm. Acrylics on canvas.

But of course my true calling I felt was art, specifically painting; it became the youngest child in the family if you will. Art became my way of expressing emotions and ideas that were difficult to communicate verbally. Through sketching, drawing and painting, I found a way to create something both physical and intangible, turning my philosophy, thoughts on life and feelings into a visual language that others could interpret in their own way, while being united by certain aspects.

If you’re interested in seeing some of my works, I invite you to explore my online art gallery showcasing my abstract artwork. You can also visit my Instagram or Facebook.

Why I Create: The Purpose of My Own Art

Golden Goose (2025). 20x20cm. Acrylics on canvas.

For me, art is more than just a form of expression—it is a way to connect with others and provoke thought and emotion. It gives viewers an opportunity to find their own meaning in each piece, just as they might imagine different protagonists while reading a novel. This is the beauty of art—it becomes a shared experience. However, I have discovered—through observation and conversations with others—that there are certain elements in any given painting that people universally agree on. These elements are what unify viewers, while other aspects remain purely subjective, shaped by each observer’s experiences and perceptions.

So What Exactly Does Art Mean to Me?

Art gives me insight into life and reveals what I’m feeling and thinking at any given moment. It teaches me how to handle dilemmas, how to connect with others, what steps to take next. It opens up space for new emotions, experiences, and thoughts—showing me how to live happily and confidently. For me, art is about creating both physical and intangible beauty through colours, shapes, words, movement and brushstrokes.

Last but not least, art for me is a gift, a way to share my soul’s language with others and bring meaning to the everyday, and I believe everyone has the potential to find their unique voice through creativity.

Let’s Connect

Article published by Miroslavo – a contemporary artist, designer and creative thinker.

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Dedicated to passion, creativity and excellence