Sophia Blazko – a true portrait of a painter and peculiar artist

Today I would like to introduce you to an exceptional figure. She is a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk with a master’s degree in painting. Woman, In whose veins flows a love of the Renaissance, literature, travel and sports. What will come out of this combination and what way of life has Sophia Blazko? If you want to know it, I invite you to the article.

When did you feel the conviction that painting is a lifelong passion?

I can’t remember if I ever had such a feeling. Drawing and painting have accompanied me for as long as I can remember. It is a natural state for me just like breathing, and just as without air I cannot function without painting. I was probably already born with this passion and I have a deep conviction that it won’t go away from me.

Where do the ideas for your work come from?

I get ideas from life.

Are the painted people real?

Yes, all the models portrayed are people I personally know. For a very long time I painted only people from my closest circle of acquaintances and friends.

Over time, this changed. In search of “new faces for paintings” I began to travel the world. When someone catches my eye, on the street or among friends of friends, and I decide that I would like to portray such a person,Then I propose a meeting. Then I have the opportunity to learn more about the future model, observe how he behaves, get to know his sensitivity. Only in this way can I show something more than mere superficiality.

Why the strong correlation with the Art Deco trend?

To be honest, I don’t identify so strongly with Art Deco. It seems to me that I draw more inspiration from painters of the Renaissance period. However, the work of artists of both periods is broadly linked understood striving to express and perpetuate beauty, this was their interest and goal. That same purpose and action is what inspires me.

Does Art Deco influence your life today?

Probably to some extent, just as other styles I know subconsciously influence my work. I recently returned from a trip to Florence and I can say that the influence of the Italian Renaissance can already be seen in my latest painting.

Is there a lot of multiculturalism in your paintings or is it a trace of many trips around the world?

Yes, I did my first major art project right after graduating from university, at a residency at Jour et Nuit Culture in Paris. There I had the opportunity to portray the expatriates I met who came to France. Ethnic diversity fascinates me a lot. When creating portraits of people of other nations, I don’t just want to capture physical dissimilarity. Before working on a painting, I first try to get to know the model in various aspects, i.e. their culture, religion, philosophy…On a four-month art scholarship in Senegal, I was able to make portraits that were special to me and true to life. Before working on the canvas, I first spent a lot of time with future models to try to at least partially understand these people, I also read the Koran and had a personal teacher of the local language ”wolof”. I also had the unique opportunity to travel around beautiful and sunny Senegal meeting warm-hearted people and unique places. This has enriched me tremendously internally.

More painting or photography?

I have been painting and drawing since childhood. My adventure with photography came much later. It was in the art gymnasium in Gdynia Orlowo that I began to delve into the alchemy of photography. In classes we still used analog techniques. I had a “Zenit” camera inherited from my Grandfather with a dedication engraved on the lens, I developed photos and plates myself…. In Art High School I continued all the time to study photography, choosing a faculty in this subject. I began my first studies with painting, and a year later I started a parallel second course -Photography… Now I use photography to prepare compositions that help me create paintings.

Second love after painting?

There are three equal passions that are an essential part of my life. Sports, literature and travel.

Sports have always been very important to me. Admittedly, I have never engaged in it competitively or taken up extreme sports. However, sports help me get the necessary supply of energy to spend a lot of hours in front of the easel.

I have not always been a fan of reading, but fortunately I have changed… Now I read often in the morning and during my commute to the studio. These are biographies of painters, sometimes philosophical reflections or other content that can enrich me internally. While painting – if I don’t need much concentration- or the subject fascinates me- I listen to audio books.

Trips are an amazing opportunity for me to draw new inspiration. I have had the opportunity to stay for a couple of months on artist residencies around the world, in places like Senegal, Beijing and Paris. I treasure these trips immensely. I had the opportunity to meet many original artists, see interesting places and people associated with them. I also had time to get to know and understand them. The great significance of such trips is that accommodation and a studio are also provided – I then get everything I need for unhindered and creative work.

Who are your works addressed to?

I have not chosen a particular audience for myself. I paint what I would like to capture, what is important to me and I want to share it with everyone. I paint mainly realistic portraits. So far, these paintings have been basically without hidden symbols, more atmospheric (although this is changing in the latest ongoing series). Previously, I was mainly interested in fleeting emotional states. Also, by establishing relationships with models, I wanted to capture the “soul of the model”. It seems to me that my paintings are mostly universal and accessible to the viewer, more so than, for example, conceptual art. I work with the hope that my works are liked and understood by people of different ages, sensitivities, education, people from different cultural backgrounds.

Small or large format?

Shortly after graduating, I felt most comfortable in the larger 200cm x 120cm format and I painted such paintings. Currently, I have already been working on smaller ones. This year my largest painting, was 150x100cm, and now I’m in the process of painting a canvas of 120x80cm and 50cm x 40cm. Contrary to appearances, a smaller format does not mean less work. It is often more difficult to compose and fix an idea on a smaller canvas.

The most magical place on earth is?

There are several such places particularly special to me. The first – where I had an almost mystical experience – was the Himalayas. I was very fortunate to be able to get below the summit of Annapurna, to feel and see the majesty of one of the highest mountains in the world.

A Chinese proverb says that gods live in the mountains. That’s what I experienced there.

What topics do you shy away from in your work?

Two years ago I was offered a very large commission. To paint 13 figures on one canvas. If I had undertaken this work, it would have been the largest and most profitable. However, the commissioning person had “his vision” of the work. I never negate or disregard the ideas of the commissioning party, but this painting was going to depreciate the values that are important to me, so I refused and did not accept the commission.

Favorite leisure activity?

Relaxing and unwinding while meeting friends, taking it easy and exerting myself while running or cycling, and exploring new places when possible. Lately, I’ve been enjoying being in the reading room and being able to consult a wide variety of items – including an anatomy textbook.

Where would you like to be in 5, 10, 15 years?

I am constantly looking for my place on earth. Fortunately, I have a profession that allows me to work virtually anywhere in the world and I can always pursue my set goals wherever I am….
And that fascinates me.

Thank you for the interview! I wish you the fulfillment of all your dreams and success in the Luxury Products!