An Interview With Isabel Koslowsky

Artist, Isalbel Koslowsky in her natural element.

Masterful Brands Agency is delighted to share an interview with Polish Artist Isabel Koslowsky, recorded in September 2021 during the covid pandemic and shared here for the very first time. Discover why Isabel creates and what artistic courage means to her:

Why do you create?

Creating, to me, is like an intuitive and personal inner language. It is a way to filter and express the world around me. The darkness and light, but mainly our kinship with the natural world. I personally often lack the words to explain what I see or feel, so expressing myself through creating feels the most freeing and healing.

Who are you?

This is such an interesting and complex question. So much is part of my story, and yet it does not define all of me. I only truly started to see and understand myself in my 30’s, and I wonder what the 40’s may bring (laughter).

I am Polish, but I left my birth country with my parents when I was five. We immigrated to Germany as refugees before 1989, which has been my home for most of my life and still feels this way. My mother has worked hard to make us feel at home in a new country. And opened me up to many opportunities in my life, which I am very grateful for. My parents divorced when I was young, and I never had a close relationship with my father for many personal reasons. Reflecting on when leaving your birth country behind. There is always an element of not feeling "rooted" to one particular place, which made me so open to settling easily in other parts of this world. 

I also lived in London before finishing my university entry-level in Germany as a mature student and before leaving for Australia around 13 years ago. Living here has been a beautiful gift and challenging at times, but I am very grateful to call it my home, and for all the support I have received along the way. The landscapes here touched me in ways I cannot explain in words. Giving me a new sense of belonging and influencing me as an artist in many unexpected and beautiful ways.

After finishing my bachelor's degree in Visual Art (Painting), Drama and Photography in 2015 in Melbourne, I continued to explore myself as a practising artist. I am doing a master's degree at Melbourne uni in Horticulture Science, focusing on ecology, trees, plants and wildlife habitat. I am also doing a graduate certificate in Cultural Heritage as I would like to combine both. Science informs my artistic work. I also work as an independent goal and community access support worker for acquired brain-injured individuals. Now in my 10th year. 

I feel happiest when I can paint and create being in nature or with my dog and love all animals and enjoy all forms of art; when I move my body and cooking. Baking plant-based food while listening to the classical radio (laughter).

If you could give an emerging woman artist one piece of advice, what would it be?

Oh, this is a good question and sometimes tricky to answer, even for an emerging artist. Still, something that I wish I had learned a little sooner, despite not believing in regrets as such. Maybe a valuable reminder to others is to trust your instincts, gut and the "pull" of what calls you. 

Art, no matter in which form, chooses you in a way. No matter how long you may take a break from it or turn your back on it, it will always be part of you. Honouring your path despite any ups and downs, insecurities, anxiety, mental health struggles, or other challenges helps to show yourself more compassion and self-love. 

There is nothing to prove to anyone, it is not a race, and there is no need to compare yourself. Looking at our planet from space genuinely helps us to put things into a healthy perspective (laughter). Just trust and create following your instincts. Life is worth living authentically, and your unique voice will find its audience. 

One of my favourite quotes is by the painter Georgia O'Keeffe. And it is "I've been absolutely terrified every moment of my life, and I've never let it keep me from doing a single thing that I wanted to do." This helps me daily in my own arts practice and life in general.

Where do you find beauty?

Looking at the fine details in life brings me so much joy and inspiration on walks. I love to change my perspective on how I look at things and use my imagination. It sometimes takes me on unexpected travel adventures in my mind. I have a very active mind (laughter).

Looking at the light changing, enjoying the evening light and the softness it brings, smiling at a stranger, cuddling dogs, or observing birds and leaves in the wind. Oh, I could count endless things or moments that have beauty in them, and it is such a shame when these are sometimes missed in the busyness of life. 

My main muse will always be nature. Standing in forests and other natural landscapes will always be my favourite place to experience beauty and connection. Everyone is an artist in their own right and brings beauty into this world by simply being themselves.

What is your Artist superpower?

I would say my intuitive nature and the trust in my gut. 

No matter how difficult it gets, I can always find my way back into my inner voice to ground myself. I have worked very hard to better understand myself as a human, what has shaped me and fine-tuning and trusting my intuition with support and research. 

This has guided me into a space where I can value my intuition as a superpower. After all, superheroes are created by superhumans!

What does artistic courage mean to you?

To create no matter what. Sometimes as artists, we long for recognition. Permission and reward for all the hard work that goes into creating, but to keep creating even if this does not happen shows courage to me. 

This is the same with feeling stuck in your process. Moving past it step by step takes courage and the reflection of one's ego. I have been there!

What impact did the pandemic have on you?

It has financially and mentally exhausted me for some time. The uncertainty and inability to work in the studio have alerted my anxiety and question of identity. I think I went through various stages such as loss, grief, fear, anger and finally, acceptance that these circumstances are out of my control. 

I feel lucky and privileged to still have a safe home, support network and casual income in my healthcare role. However, it has felt challenging to feel stuck or frozen in my life while the days still rushed by. After 10 years in healthcare, visa challenges and burnout, I still put all my energy into my art. Not being able to continue my studio work felt very heavy for a while. 

I have also found a lot of beauty and valuable reminders in these last 2 years. I have found new energy and inspiration for my next solo show in 2023. I also had beautiful support, for which I am grateful and touched. One of these people was my partner. Thank you, Nagi!.

What have you learned about yourself, artistry (or role) or The Arts during the pandemic?

Working on large canvases in a studio space and finding natural inspiration is a huge part of my creative process. I love painting on large pieces because it feels freeing to me personally and immerses me in my landscapes. To me, nature is inspirational and a healing source and soul connection. It helps me with my creative process, anxiety, and general well-being. Most of us have been privileged enough never to experience such restrictions as travel limitations or limitations on social connections. During the pandemic, I learned to adapt to find inspiration and a creative process within my home bubble until I could return to my organic process. 

I also allowed myself to feel angry or low in energy as I believe all feelings are valuable and there is no shame in feeling down. It is a balancing act of compassion, self-care, and space for just "being". While also seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Or asking for help if this seems impossible at the time. It was a slow dance between still applying for art grants and opportunities, finding new ways of exploring ideas and allowing myself to be without expectations on my work during these times. 

My videos titled "Lockdown Brain" and "Eucalypt Bark" explore ideas I will take back into my new show. Knowing a seedling has blossomed simply by playing with ideas under restricted circumstances is a beautiful feeling. It has also given my work a very current voice, as people are longing to reconnect with nature which has always been the main focus of my art.

What are your priorities in life and art now? Have they changed?

One thing that I have been reminded of is to stop for a moment and to celebrate the little steps in between more often. Being an artist is a 24/7 job sometimes. Apart from creating, there is so much paperwork, networking and opportunity hunting involved that sometimes it is challenging to take a step back. 

The pandemic has truly shown us how fragile life we know can be. I want to remember the joy I feel for creating, preparing for my next solo show at the end of March 2023 and simply living without always working towards the next step. 

For this coming summer, I want to create and enjoy life to its fullest. A swim in the ocean, snorkelling, kayaking and a sunset drink are my top 4 currently! Mixed with meditation, comedy and yummy treats! The magic lies in the balance, I think!

How have you continued living your artistic purpose?

Through listening to podcasts, watching art documentaries and interviews. Creating when inspired and even when not, through supporting causes dear to my heart and exchanging stories with others. 

All these elements supported me to keep using my creative brain and enjoy exploring new ideas I have not before. And remind me that you are already living your artistic purpose simply by creating.

You can view the artwork of Isabel Koslowsky at www.isabelkoslowsky-contemporary-art.com.au and follow her on social media at @isabelkoslowsk. Her best contact details to organise a visit to her studio and purchase enquiries are isakoslowsky@gmail.com.

Follow Isabel to visit her next solo show in March 2023.

A couple of client/critic quotes or testimonials

"It's even more beautiful in real life. Love your work. Wish you all the success. Hoping to own a canvas from you someday."

Client, Koun, Melbourne

"It's beautiful. We love love love it." 

Client, Clare, Regional Victoria

"He said it's the best birthday gift he has ever gotten!" 

Client, Diana, Melbourne.

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A private commission artwork, by Isabel Koslowsky