anna kalisiak gallery

inspiration

Life as Inspiration for Art, or Art as Inspiration for Life

As an artist, I often wonder what’s more real: whether life inspires my art, or if my art shapes the way I live. These little thoughts are part of the process of creating life values. Lately, I’ve been thinking about this more than ever. My paintings aren’t just copies of reality; they change it. They’ve become a way for me to connect with the world around me.

When I paint, draw, or write, I’m not just creating; I’m searching for something—understanding, meaning, peace. Life is an endless source of inspiration. The curve of a tree, the faraway horizon, the beat of a heart, a smile, a look, the reflection of light in the water, flowers—these moments are small, but full of meaning. I try to capture their meaning at that exact moment, when they feel special. Later, they’ll become memories—not perfect ones, but mine. The point is to try. Every brushstroke, every colour, every word is my way of saying: “I see you, life. I notice you. I feel you.”

But making art is more than just recording, documenting life or a moment. It changes things, both during the process and after it’s done. Art gives me room to breathe when life feels too tight. It helps me express feelings like curiosity, fear, sadness, or joy—things I might not always be able to say out loud. In a way, art helps me manage my emotions, find perspective, and listen to myself.

Art also connects me with others. Strangers have told me that my work comforted them or reminded them of a feeling they couldn’t explain. That’s when I know art isn’t just for the artist; it’s for everyone who comes in contact with it. It connects us by showing that we’re all the same in many ways.

Sometimes, I don’t have enough time to create everything I want, to make every idea come to life. But maybe that’s not the point. Maybe art isn’t about leaving behind a legacy or capturing everything—it’s about being in the moment of creation.

Life inspires my art, but art also teaches me how to live—how to notice the little things, how to handle feelings that don’t have easy answers, how to find beauty even in mess. Most importantly, art isn’t measured by how many pieces are sold. Its real value comes from its ability to express truth—personal and universal. Art is meant to reflect, challenge, and connect, not just fit into the market. When we value art by its price, we risk losing the honesty that gives it meaning. True art speaks to the heart, not to a price tag.

“The Eruption of Sunflowers”