What is the best thing i love about my work? I love freedom of creating from scratch , from one idea evolving into something real and sometimes it takes me into direction i never dream it will go , I love unpredictable creativity flow.
What is my idea of happiness? My happiness is found in simplicity and connection. It’s the golden hour moments, sharing a laugh with my son, traveling to a new places, or getting lost in a deep conversation with friends. It’s about the freedom to be myself and surrounding myself with warm-hearted people and positive energy.
What is my greatest fear? My greatest fear is losing curiosity ,the day I stop asking “why” or “what if”? For an artist , the true death isn’t physical, it’s the loss of the inner spark that defines our identity. Having spent so long finding my voice, I now harbour a deep fear of running out of time , of trying to outrun a clock that never stops , in hopes of creating something that outlasts me.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? I’d say I sometimes struggle with over sensitivity . I feel deeply ,everything, and I let a small moment of unkindness or heavy emotions weigh me down for too long. I consider myself as an optimistic person, but I deplore how easily my inner balance can be disrupted by the noise of the world. I am constantly working on finding that balance where I can feel deeply without being overwhelmed. On the positive side, these heavy moments evoke a strong urge in me to process sadness through my painting. It allows me to direct and shape those emotions into something creative, turning a difficult internal state into a piece of art.
Which living person in my profession do I most admire? While Jackson Pollock is my historical inspiration for his energy and Frida Kahlo for her ability to remain unapologetic in her vulnerability, showing me that our scars are often the very things that give our art its most beautiful textures, but among living artist I most admire Simon Bull. His work is deeply inspirational to me and the way he uses the colours to express full joy and optimism. I also admire Anna Mckeever, Irish artist,etherial deep atmospheric shapes and vivid colours on her canvases are a true inspiration for me.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? What I dislike most isn’t found within the work itself, but the rigid boundary of the 24 hour day. I possess a „childish wish“ for more time -not for productivity , but for the freedom to fail and let my ideas breathe without a clock ticking in the background. My life is a beautiful but demanding choreography of roles.Transitioning from being a mum , to an artist requires a lot of emotional energy. It’s a constant „switching of souls“ where I want to give 100 % to everything, in a world where time is rarely as expansive as an artist’s imagination.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work? While there have been major milestones, like selling my first art piece or holding my first exhibitions ,I was at my happiest when my work was chosen for the cover of the collective poetry book „ The fire is still going“ which benefited the Trussell Trust foundation in UK. Seeing my visual language merge with someone else’s written words felt like the ultimate form of connection. It wasn’t about professional success , it was the realisation that my art could translate the feelings of another soul. It made me feel seen and understood in a way i hadn’t experienced before. These moments of deep connection remind me exactly why I do what I do.
If I could, what would I change about myself ? I am learning to protect my energy. My empathy allows me to connect with others, but I used to give, until I was creatively empty. I’m now focused on setting boundaries so that I can create from a place of abundance rather than exhaustion, ensuring my work stays high quality without losing my own spark.
What is my greatest achievement in work ? I consider my greatest achievement to be the transformation of a personal health crisis into a refined artistic voice. Navigating physical limitations taught me that my imperfections aren’t obstacles , they are my truth. Using pouring art as a metaphor for life’s unpredictability , I’ve learned to guide the fluid medium to create work that is raw and exposed. This journey shaped me into an artist who isn’t afraid of vulnerability, allowing me to find connection in even the most challenging circumstances.
Also , I’ve had the privilege of showcasing this evolution through exhibitions in Zagreb with Croatian association of art , presenting my abstract painting , title “Her scars”, then exhibitions in a Zagreb,Art Walk, Metro Expo 2025 in Barcelona and 2026 Rome, and May 2026 I’m representing my art work “Awakening” in Milan with Arrival Gallery.
Where would I most like to live? I have always been drawn to the tension between opposites , between the city and the seaside . If I had to choose , it wouldn’t be a a single point on a map , but a rhythmic movement between two worlds. I am deeply inspired by the artsy charm of London and Paris. But my soul truly belongs to the sea , where the depth of the water reflects the depth I seek in my own life. I could live forever in the place of the deep blue sea and sky.
What is my most treasured possession ? My most treasured possession is my autonomy of spirit, the ability to live authentically and mark my own choices regardless of the circumstances I find myself in. Having navigated physical health challenges, I’ve learned that while I cannot always control the state of my body , I have absolute authority over my reaction to it.
What is my most marked characteristic? I would say it is a combination of deep empathy and innate need to go beneath the surface of things. I lead with an openness to emotional vulnerability , which allows me to build a rare level of trust and psychologically safety with others. For me , this isn’t about fixing or finding quick answers , it’s about the courage to sit with complexity and seek deeper understanding. Where others might settle for a superficial glance, my instinct is to dive deep until I reach a place of genuine resonance and acceptance of things as they truly are.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city? My most inspirational locations in Samobor are the places where I can find peace and calmness. I often walk the path near the river by the town church, winter or summer. Walking is my moving meditation. With my music playlist it becomes a sanctuary where I can process my thoughts and find the mental clarity I need. Equally vital to my spirit is the hidden lake surrounded by forest near my home.
What is my favourite place to eat or drink in my city? I don’t really have a favourite place to eat or drink in my city , I’m still attached to places from my hometown where I used to spend a lot of time , but they don’t exist any more. For now I am satisfied with discovering small, cosy caffe bars, with nice music that have a great view of a river and mountains.
What books influenced my life and how? Two very different books have shaped my perspective. First, a book “Darker than the deepest sea” , about musician Nick Drake , left a permanent mark on me. His story , quiet talent coupled with such a brief ,tragic life, haunts my work. I made a painting inspired by his song „Pink Moon“. It taught me about the weight of the unspoken and the beauty of being misunderstood. Also, it made me realise how fleeting time is and how important it is to capture raw, honest emotion while we can. On the other hand, “Pride and Prejudice” balances that weight. As an incurable romantic , Austen’s work reminds me that there is a structured beauty in human connection and despite the cynicism of the world , fighting for a happy ending or a moment of grace is a valid pursuit. My creative outlook is a tug-of-war between the deep melancholy and the romantic.
You only die once. What music would I listen to on my last day? For me, the final soundtrack must be a bridge between worlds. I would reach for the timelessness of Simon&Garfunkel’s “Sound of silence” , The Beatles’s “Yesterday”, Stuart Earl’s “Lantern”, and any version of “Les feuilles mortes” or “Autumn leaves”. My foundation , however, is Snow Patrol, the band that originally inspired my art and is woven into my identity. I find peace in their lyrics:” If our hearts are never broken, there’s no joy in the mending , so much this hurt can teach us both, there is distance and there is silence, your words never left me, they are prayers I say every day”. To round out the day I’d immerse myself in the soulful indie voices like Belle Mt, Josh Savage, Harrison Storm, Dom Malin. Finally, I’d end with the melancholic vibes of genius Nick Drake : “When the day is gone , down to the earth then sinks the sun ,along with everything that was lost and won , when the day is done…
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction ? In fiction, my heroines are women who navigate the world with fierce, romantic conviction. Elisabet Bennet is the ultimate romantic because she refuses to settle for anything less than a true , soulful connection.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life ? My heroes are the quiet ones, those who navigate the world with strength and resilience and a unique perspective. I am most inspired by my son, whose strength in facing his own challenges has taught me more about authenticity than any art book could. He, along with others who face immense personal struggles with grace and a smile , reminds me that resilience is its own form of art. These are the people who teach me to stay true to my inner voice and to find beauty in the courage it takes to simply be oneself.
Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? If you see one movie , let it be ‘The Lake house’. I’m drawn to stories of impossible connection , it’s a beautiful reminder that love isn’t bound by calendar or a physical space -it’s a shared frequency. It taught me that sometimes the most profound relationships are the ones where you have to learn to love someone’s soul before you ever hold their hand. And that idea of love, like art, requires both patience and a little bit of magic.
What role play stories in my life and work? In my life and work, stories are very important. For me, a story is the deep emotion behind a conversation or the history in a person’s eyes. My art is where I process those stories. I take the heavy or joyful narratives and translate them into colours and movement , giving them a visual voice.
What do the words “You are the storyteller of your own life “ mean to me? Being my own storyteller means taking full ownership of my perspective. Life throws shadows at everyone, but I see it as my job to find the lighter side , not by ignoring the hard parts, but by choosing to focus on my blessings. Ultimately, I’m the one who decides that my story will be defined by resilience and love.
Who is my greatest fan , sponsor, partner in crime ? That title belongs to my 11-year old son, Noel. He’s my greatest fan and my ultimate partner in crime. I love that he’s an active part of my creative process, whether he’s helping me mix colours or giving me honest feedback on a new piece, we’re a total dream team. Being creative together is how we connect , he sees the world through a very unique, different and beautiful lens. He is my teacher, my inspiration, and the engine that keeps me moving forward.
Which people or companies would I like to work with? My dream would be to collaborate with:
The Brick Lane Gallery in London
Saatchi Gallery
UnitLondon
Lelia Mordoch Gallery Paris
Taubert Contemporary Berlin
Neurotitangallery in Berlin
Green Gallery London
Circle Culture Gallery Berlin
“Oh yeah centre” from Belfast since I created an abstract collection on canvases , inspired by SP songs and my wish is to exhibit my art works in their centre one day.
What project am I looking forward to working on ? My upcoming project,” Art drop London “, is all about the power of small gestures. I’m creating small canvases in the shapes of hearts , stars and flowers to leave as a gift for a random passerby. By combining my art with a heartfelt message I want to reach out and touch someone’s day. It’s an experiment in connection, grounded in the belief that even the smallest piece of art can make a meaningful impact.
Where you can see me or my work? You can find me and my work on Ig account where I post my art. @mihaela_bdart20202 , IG account.
What do the words “Passion never retires” mean to me ? I see this phrase in the movement of my painting. Fluid art is built on reaction and momentum, you can’t force the paint to stop once the flow begins. My passion follows that same law. It’s an unstoppable, evolving force that doesn’t recognise an end point. As long as there are colours I haven’t mixed and patterns I haven’t seen, my drive will never retire.
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
Kristinka Lazar @kristinka.lazar._.atelier
Gabi Peter @gabis_artiststudio
Vilma @vilmaeanair
@c.helenauthor
@forough.mhmmdi
@loveninasart , Nikolina Buzov
@artstudiolaurarainbow, Laura Rainbow.
How can you contact me ? You can contact me on my e mail : mbdart20@gmail.com or in DMs on my IG account.