It’s been a few months since I chatted with an artist whose work. I’d like to rectify that! This time, I have the pleasure to speak with Barbora Valaskova whose blue-centered work may be familiar to you from her recent shows at Hybernska and SmetanaQ galleries. Barbora, thank you for stopping by and welcome! And let’s dive right in.

I remember you mentioning how challenging your work is because it’s “handmade.” What exactly do you mean by that, and how do your pieces come to life?

I’m not sure if I used the word challenging, but I do put a lot of thought into my work. Technically speaking, I often use my hands, and the strokes are immediately recognizable on the canvas. I also frequently use dry brush strokes, giving the paintings a raw feel. I never sketch beforehand because, to me, a sketch is already a finished piece.

Your blue pieces are now your signature style. Has it always been like this, or did you use other colors in the past? And what about the future, will blue remain, or are you tempted to bring in additional colors?

From the start of my artistic journey, I’ve worked with a minimal palette. I did experiment with other colors besides blue. Initially, I painted with black. Over time, specifically in my second or third year at the Academy, I started gravitating more towards blue, partly because blue is the color of harmony and calm, which I was missing at that time. I think my subconscious chose it as a form of “therapy.” Currently, I don’t feel the need to add more colors, but we’ll see what happens in a few years.

Although I first encountered your work in Hybernská, soon after we met in New York, where you were gathering inspiration and working for several months. How did New York impact you, and did it influence your work in any way?

New York is an incredibly intense city, and I think everyone should visit it at least once in their life. While it didn’t directly influence my work, the experience was unforgettable, and I’m grateful for it. It’s just a shame we can’t bring some of the New York galleries over to the Czech Republic!

Speaking of traveling, I know you visited many places while in the States and continued traveling quite a bit afterward. Is travel a source of inspiration for your work? How do you choose where to go, and what do you look for in each new place?

There are some places that inspire me more, mostly European cities. But, all travel inspires me in some way. I’m always interested in the local culture and architecture of the country. I recently returned from a month in Asia, and just like after my time in America, I’m even more convinced of how unique and special Europe is.

What’s the next destination on your list? Where are you planning to go?

I’m planning to travel around Europe next. There are places I visit repeatedly, like London, which I absolutely love. Like many people, I also adore Italy. My current travel list includes Spain, Portugal, Denmark, and Amsterdam, but I’ll leave the order up to fate.

And, because I think the young Czech art scene is great, are there any places or fellow Czech artists whose work you love and think we should all know about?

I don’t have a specific favorite place, but I enjoy attending exhibitions by my older colleagues, like painter Josef Bolf. From the current young generation of artists, I’m a fan of sculptor Tereza Štětinová and glass artist Eliška Monsportová.

There can never be enough support for art. What would you wish for our art scene to help it grow even more?

Definitely more exhibitions of international artists and more exhibition opportunities for young artists at the start of their careers.

Lastly, I always love learning more about the person I’m talking to. Will you play this quick-fire question game with me?

Morning coffee or tea? Coffee

Mountains or sea? Sea

Dog or cat? Dog

When I’m not working, I’m usually: exercising

Your inspiration is: life itself

A perfect weekend is: spent with friends

My next trip will be to: that’s up in the stars!

Thank you Barbora! Always a pleasure to chat! And, for those of you interested in following Barbora’s work and adventure, you can find her on instagram at @barbora.valaskova. Go on, check her work out!