What originally attracted you to painting, and how has your vision evolved throughout your career?
I’ve loved painting since childhood. I remember painting on the back pages of notebooks during school, which were always covered in doodles. As a child, I adored the beautifully illustrated Bible we had at home, and I tried to paint the pictures from it. As a teenager, I painted for friends, but I always had a strong desire to do anything creative. I even painted a picture on the entire wall of my room because our friends had such wallpaper in their living room, and I liked it a lot đ. Growing up as a socialist child in a small town in eastern Slovakia, no one ever paid attention to whether a child had talent, let alone that it might be a good idea to nurture and develop it. As a child, I didn’t even think about it; I just took it as normal, like all other kids at the time. Plus, back then, I often heard that painting was not a way to make a living, and that it could only be done as a hobby. I just wanted to paint for fun, driven by spontaneous passion.
As I got older, I did all kinds of handicraftsâknitting, crocheting, sewing, embroidering, making mosaic plantersâanything that brought me joy. As I mentioned, during the socialist era, being a big fan of fashion, I couldnât find anything stylish in stores that suited me. Beautiful clothing was only available in Tuzex stores, but I couldnât afford it, so I had to improvise and make some of my own clothes đ.
Then came family, children, work, my husband’s demanding job, and I didn’t have time for painting for more than 20 years. After nearly two decades, I returned to painting and creating at the urging of my daughter, who asked me to paint a picture for her room. I wasnât confident, so the picture she gave me stayed untouched on the shelf for about six months. I was even considering paying someone to do the job for me , but in the end, I decided to do it myself. The painting turned out really well. I was thrilled. Then came an order to paint the same picture for a friend, and for the next four years, I painted just for the joy of it, for relaxation.
After four years (by then I had painted many pictures), a friend contacted me via Facebook, saying that she also paints, and asked if we could have a joint exhibition in April 2024. That really motivated me because people liked my paintings, and soon came more exhibitions and other opportunities…
Could you describe your creative process from the idea to the completion of a work?
My work isn’t just about painting pictures. As I mentioned, I love fashion. Itâs a huge passion of mine, and I also love interior design. Had I had different conditions and opportunities in the past, I would certainly have pursued something in this area, but back then, it never even crossed my mind. I studied at a health school, later studied social work, and continued with a typical life in a small town. But let me return to fashion, because, completely spontaneously, while painting, the idea came up to apply my paintings onto textiles (t-shirts, bags, clothing). And that’s how I combined painting with fashion.
My work comes from what appeals to me, what excites and inspires me, and then I feel the urge to put it onto canvas. Itâs always a challenge. I love painting women’s faces, portraits, Iâm fascinated by feminine beauty and energy. Itâs about emotions that come through without words. I like playing with colors, but technique is also very important; it’s a creative process. In the beginning, I work with a pencil, and then I play with colors. I prefer large formats and bold motifs. I mostly work with acrylics, but also with oils.
Which recurring themes or concepts have become central to your artistic practice and why?
As I already mentioned, my main theme is women, womenâs faces, portraits. But since I don’t like stereotypes, I also try to paint other things that are a challenge for meâwhether I can capture light, shadows, details, shapes, shades of colors correctly… So, sometimes I paint landscapes, flowers, but also abstracts and pop art, which I really like, especially when combined with textiles and fashion style.
My work is still a process. I’m not yet fully defined. Iâm still looking for my style, what suits me best. Itâs all about feeling. When you do something from the heart, it never gets boring because it gives you so much energy, joy, and itâs also an incredible relaxation.
What role do you think painting plays in contemporary society, especially in an era dominated by digital media?
I think painting, like other forms of art, is something that comes from the soul of a person. Itâs not logical, itâs like something being born from nothing (a painting, a song, a poem…). Itâs an idea, a unique thought, and it comes from the artistâs authenticity and uniqueness. Every artist creates differently, in their own way, and even the same painter will never make the exact same brushstroke twice. Itâs about the present moment, and the beauty of the creative process that captures and immortalizes a unique moment on canvas.
Regarding digital media and art today, from my perspective, social media creates an enormous space for artists. I view it very positively. For example, people like me would probably not be able to present themselves otherwise, and I see that this era brings great opportunities not only for professional artists but also for anyone who creates beautiful and valuable things. Itâs like when someone goes on a talent show on TV, and suddenly people see amazing talents in ordinary people who otherwise wouldnât be noticed. Iâm very grateful for this opportunity. Moreover, we as people can inspire and enrich each other much more, and that’s what art is about… Social media also brings negative aspects, especially comparison, which can demotivate and block artists or lower their self-esteem. But that also depends on the individualâs personal growth. We all have different paths, starting points, timing, opportunities, conditions, and expressions. Itâs important to focus on oneself, oneâs progress, but, of course, itâs great if we get inspired by others.
What advice would you give to beginner artists who are trying to establish their own artistic voice?
Iâm still just starting out myself, trying to present my work, searching for my style, experimenting, learning how to work with social media, trying to create marketing, and so on. But itâs a journey, a process, and since Iâm self-taught, maybe my journey is slower, but Iâm grateful for every piece of advice and positive result. I trust the process because I know the path and next steps will reveal themselves. If you desire something, life will guide you there. I can already see the progress and growth, and I watch how the path unfolds. When you do something with passion, youâll do it even if youâre not paid for it. But if you donât give up, in time, that will come too. From my experience, I notice that the more I take action, the more opportunities come my way. Iâve learned to seize every opportunity and take immediate steps. It always works out somehow. Itâs wonderful to create, but there are also other things to do along with it.
To beginner artists, I would say that itâs important to keep moving forward, but most importantly, donât be afraid to âput yourself out there.â I was the most afraid of this, but you have to overcome that fear, because only then will people see what youâre creating, and youâll learn more about yourself and grow. Donât be afraid of criticism; itâs just feedback. It can teach you a lot. But art is mainly about creating something beautiful for yourself and for others, and it would be a great shame if your talent stayed locked away somewhere at home. Your work can make someone happy, inspire them, and itâs a value that you contribute to the world through your talent.
I had an experience when I painted a picture on commission for a friend. She couldnât find anyone to paint it for her. When I brought her the picture, she cried tears of joy. You canât imagine how it felt for me. Your talent can make someone happy, and thatâs why our work is meaningful. Our talents are diamonds that make us happy, but also others. It doesnât matter in what area.
How do your personal life and life experiences influence your artistic expression and the stories in your work?
We all have our life stories. As I already mentioned, Iâm from a small town where it would normally be hard to succeed. Plus, I didnât have any formal art education, connections, or support from experienced artists. But that inner voice was always there, because our soul keeps calling us. If you hear that voice, follow it. My work reflects my personality, but also what I experience, what excites me, what fascinates me. Thatâs me, my energy, emotions, feelings… my story, my life.
Whatâs beautiful about art is that, in the end, itâs energy, time you devote to it, itâs a captured moment and a unique signature of the artist. If thereâs passion in it, I believe that people can feel that energy.
Creation is also about progress because, as a person, you grow, move forward, and your work gets betterâtechnique, style, inspiration, ideas, and experiences youâve gained along the wayâall of that influences our work and changes over time.
My work is still in the early stages, but I believe it will progress because I really enjoy the process and the journey. But the most important thing is to keep moving.
About Me
My name is RenĂĄta MihaÄžovĂĄ, and I create under the artistic name Renami-art. Iâm 52 years old and come from Slovakia, from the small town of Bardejov.
I studied at a medical secondary school and later pursued social work, eventually earning a PhD. Iâve worked in healthcare as well as in other fields, but Iâve always had a deep desire to work in a creative industry and run my own business.
After more than 20 years, Iâm returning to painting and artistic creation.
Currently, I still work in healthcare, but at the same time, Iâm creating and building my own art business đ
Exhibitions:
In the past year, I have participated in four exhibitions:
- April 2024 â Exhibition in Bardejov, Slovakia
- August 2024 â Exhibition in ZĂźrich, SWISS ART EXPO 2024
- October 2024 â Exhibition in KoĹĄice, Slovakia
- December 2024 â Exhibition in KoĹĄice, Slovakia
- July â October 2025 â Exhibition in KoĹĄice, Slovakia
đ¸ Instagram: @renami_art
đ§ Email: rmihalova22@gmail.com
