This month dot-art speaks to artist Aleksandra Jackiewicz.
Originating from Poland and now residing in North West England for a decade, Aleksandra Jackiewicz specializes in the captivating realm of still life. Her works primarily feature the vibrant and diverse world of everyday objects, brought to life with the strokes of oil. Occasionally, she ventures into the delicate medium of gouache.
Her paintings serve as a celebration of the timeless beauty found in the often-overlooked elements of daily life. Jackiewicz reinterprets the seemingly mundane, inviting viewers to appreciate the profound artistry inherent in the objects that surround us.
Can you describe your style of art?
I focus on contemporary realism in my still lives, landscapes, and portraits. However, I don’t like to limit myself to one style. I love experimenting and combining different approaches to create unique pieces.
Can you talk us through your process? Do you begin with a sketch, or do you just go straight in? How long do you spend on one piece? How do you know when it is finished?
When it comes to oil painting, I prefer to work from real-life objects. My process begins with selecting and arrangement the still life I want to paint. This is when I consider composition, lighting, and the overall mood. If I’m using a photo as a reference, I focus on the essence of the image, selecting the elements that I want to translate onto the canvas. This process helps me capture not just the visual aspects, but also the spirit of the moment when the photograph was taken.
I usually kick things off with a paint sketch to lay the groundwork for my composition before diving deeper into the details. With gouache, I begin with a pencil sketch, which helps me plan out the colours and shapes. I use a similar approach for my pencil drawings, especially portraits. I spend extra time on the sketch to set a solid foundation for what comes next.
When did you begin your career in art?
Art has always been a part of my life since my school days, but I never truly took it seriously until recently. I’ve painted and drawn on and off throughout the years, but I have fully dedicated myself to my practice since around 2020-2021.
Who or what inspires your art?
I find inspiration everywhere, the world is my muse. I love visiting galleries and admiring works from various art movements, especially post-Impressionist realism, modern realism, and impressionism. These styles always inspire me.
Why is art and creativity important to you?
As a person of few words, I find it much easier and more satisfying to translate my thoughts onto canvas rather than into words. Creativity is a constant in my life that never disappoints; it brings me peace of mind in this chaotic world. Through art, I learn to be patient and embrace the journey.
What do you gain from being a member with dot-art?
Being a member of dot-art allows me to connect with Liverpool’s artistic community, meet fellow creatives, and gain insights into the local art scene. It has opened doors to various exhibition opportunities that I might not have discovered otherwise.
What does it mean to be an artist in the Liverpool City Region?
Being an artist in the Liverpool is such a rewarding experience. The city is full of history and culture, and I find so much inspiration all around me. The creative community here is supportive and diverse, which makes it easy to connect with other artists. There are so many events that celebrate art, and it really feels like creativity is alive and well here.
What are you working on at the moment?
Right now, I’m working on a series of landscape paintings as a tribute to the beautiful streets of Greece, inspired by my memories from my travels there (perfect escape during typical British weather). I’m also busy working on pencil portrait commissions, and switching between these projects helps me maintain a fresh perspective.
What was the best advice given to you as an artist?
The best advice I ever received was to practice regularly and master the basics. The foundation allows to express creativity freely.
Discover more of Aleksandra Jackiewicz’s work on our online shop!