Zofia Błażko – a true portrait of a painter and an extraordinary artist

Today, I’d like to introduce you to a truly exceptional individual. She is a graduate with a master’s degree in Painting from the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk. A woman. What comes from this unique blend, and what path in life has chosen? If you’d like to get to know her, I invite you to read the article.

When did you realize that painting is your true passion in life?

I can’t recall ever having such a feeling. Drawing and painting have been with me for as long as I can remember. It’s as natural to me as breathing, and just as I can’t live without air, I can’t function without painting. I was probably born with this passion, and I’m deeply convinced it will never leave me.

Where do you get ideas for your work?

I draw inspiration from life.

Are the painted people real?

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

Over time, this has changed. In search of “new faces for my paintings,” I began to travel the world. When someone catches my eye—on the street or among friends of friends—and I feel I’d like to paint their portrait, I suggest a meeting. That’s when I get the chance to learn more about my future model, observe how they behave, and get to know their sensitivity. Only this way can I show something deeper than just the surface.

Why is there such a strong correlation with the Art Deco movement?

To be honest, I don’t really identify that strongly with Art Deco. I feel I draw more inspiration from Renaissance painters. However, what unites the artists of both these periods is a broadly pursuit of expressing and preserving beauty—that was their focus and their goal. That same purpose and drive 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 already see the influence of the Italian Renaissance in my latest painting.

Your paintings display a strong sense of multiculturalism—does this reflect your extensive travels around the world?

Yes, I completed my first major artistic project right after graduating from university, during a residency at Jour et Nuit Culture in Paris. There, I had the opportunity to portray emigrants I met who had come to France. I am deeply fascinated by ethnic diversity. When creating portraits of people from different nations, I aim not only to capture their physical uniqueness. Before starting work on a painting, I try to get to know my model in various aspects, such as their culture, religion, and philosophy. During a four-month art scholarship in Senegal, I managed to create portraits that were especially meaningful and authentic to me. Before beginning work on the canvas, I spent a lot of time with my future models to try, at least in part, to understand them; I also read the Quran and had a personal teacher of the local language, Wolof. I also had the unique opportunity to travel around beautiful, sunny Senegal, meeting warm-hearted people and discovering extraordinary places. This experience enriched me immensely on a personal level.

More painting or photography?

I have been painting and drawing since I was a child. My adventure with photography began much later. It was at the art middle school in Gdynia Orłowo that I started to delve into the alchemy of photography. During classes, we still used analog techniques. I had a “Zenit” camera inherited from my Grandfather, with a dedication engraved on the lens, and I developed the photos and film myself… In art high school, I continued studying photography, choosing it as an elective subject. I began my first university studies in painting, and a year later, I started a second major—Photography—at the same time. Now, I use photography to prepare compositions that help me create my paintings.

Second love after painting?

There are three equally important passions that are an essential part of my life: sports, literature, and travel.

Sport has always been very important to me. Admittedly, I’ve never practiced it professionally or taken up extreme sports. However, sport helps me gain the energy I need to spend many hours in front of the easel.

I wasn’t always a fan of reading, but fortunately, that has changed… Now I often read in the morning and during my commute to the studio. I choose biographies of painters, sometimes philosophical reflections, or other content that can enrich me internally. While painting—if I don’t need intense focus, or if the topic fascinates me—I listen to audiobooks.

Travel is an incredible source of inspiration for me. I’ve had the opportunity to spend several months on artist residencies around the world, in places like Senegal, Beijing, and Paris. I truly value these experiences. They’ve allowed me to meet many original artists, discover fascinating places, and connect with the people involved. I’ve also had the time to get to know and understand them. What makes these trips especially meaningful is that accommodation and a studio are provided—I receive everything I need for uninhibited, creative work.

Who are your works addressed to?

I haven’t chosen a specific target audience. I paint what I want to capture, what is important to me, and I want to share it with everyone. I mainly create realistic portraits. So far, these have essentially been paintings without hidden symbols, more atmospheric (although this is changing in my latest series). Previously, I was mostly interested in fleeting emotional states. By building relationships with my models, I also wanted to capture the “soul of the model.” I believe my paintings are, for the most part, universal and accessible, more so than, for example, conceptual art. I work with the hope that my pieces are appealing and understandable to people of all ages, sensitivities, educational backgrounds, and from different cultural circles.

Small or large format?

Right after graduating, I felt most comfortable working on larger canvases—200cm x 120cm—and that’s what I painted. Now, I work on smaller formats. This year, my largest painting measured 150x100cm, and at the moment, I’m working on canvases sized 120x80cm and 50cm x 40cm. Contrary to what you might think, a smaller format doesn’t mean less work. Often, it’s even more challenging to compose and capture your vision on a smaller canvas.

The most magical place on earth is?

There are several places that are especially meaningful to me. The first one—where I had an almost mystical experience—was the Himalayas. I was incredibly fortunate to find myself at the foot of Annapurna, to feel and witness the majesty of one of the world’s highest mountains.

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

Are there any topics you choose not to address in your work?

Two years ago, I received an offer for a very large commission: to paint 13 figures on a single canvas. If I had taken on this project, it would have been my biggest and most profitable commission ever. However, the client had their own “vision” for the piece. I never dismiss or ignore a client’s ideas, but this painting was meant to undermine values that are important to me, so I declined and did not accept the commission.

Favorite way to spend your free time?

Relaxation and unwinding while spending time with friends, a sense of freedom and exertion when running or cycling, and, whenever possible, exploring new places. Lately, I’ve been enjoying time in the reading room and the opportunity to reach for all kinds of books—including anatomy textbooks.

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

I’m still searching for my place in the world. Fortunately, I have a profession that allows me to work almost anywhere on the globe, so I can always pursue my goals, no matter where I find myself…
And that’s what fascinates me.

Thank you for the interview! I wish you the fulfillment of all your dreams and much success at!