We were lucky to catch up with MARCELA KOURKOVA recently and have shared our conversation below.
MARCELA, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding your purpose doesn’t come to you on its own and it’s not easy. It takes lots of stamina to withstand rejections and those are all learning opportunities. I have found my purpose when I realized that I have something to offer to my community as an artist. In 2019 I started to chalk art on a brick wall in Buda, TX creating artworks that serve as photo opportunities for passers-by. Each month a new artwork. From there I painted a mural at Esther’s Tex Mex in Buda and then I realized that I can contribute to our society by serving at Art Commission in my town Buda, TX. This year I also organized a show Budaful Quilts and More… and am currently working on a new signage for a local business B&B Quilting here in Buda. So, I am leaving behind a small footprint of my talent and sharing it with my community. That feels pretty good and purposeful.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As I mentioned earlier, I look for opportunities where I can contribute with my talent to the public. Currently, I am working on a new signage for a local business B&B Quilting and the idea that the new sign is not commercially made but is actually an original art is exciting. It makes our city unique and colorful. The signage is actually a barn quilt. It is painted on wood and it has a star pattern just like you see on quilts. Funny is, that I personally don’t quilt, but I love quilts and get inspiration for my own art. My own art recently evolved from abstraction to something everyone can relate with. I have been searching for something new to paint and this whole time it was right front of me. Our beautiful Texas cardinals in our backyards. That is the subject matter at this time and I have even t-shirts, mugs, and such made. I like the idea to expand on the paintings with creating products that are useful and are still original.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
What was impactful on my journey were perseverance, tenacity, and determination. They all mean the same thing: persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. I consider my artistic mission as my personal success. I am living my American dream. I have found ways to be visible and being a “doer”. I say this, because to be an artist who wants to show or sell art is extremely difficult. If you are doing everything on your own, with no money or connections. I have found a way to accomplish my goals by patience and perseverance. I learned to overcome the negative impact of rejections and haters out there. To give an advice to artists who want to contribute with their talent to society is to go with your ideas out there, talk to people, ask for a permission, if you get rejected reflect on it and keep going. Also, my motto is: “If you want something done, do it for free.” Donate an artwork to your local library, donate your time to draw on wall, donate your talent etc…That worked for me and it is gratifying because there is something in you for all to see and however you show it it’s rewarding and fulfilling.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
In the past 12 months I have had an art show at the American Embassy in Prague, Czech Republic where I am originally from. How did I do that, you ask. I emailed them asking for a show and behold, the Embassy has an Art Center and I was invited for a show. Now one of my artworks is in their collection. How did I do that? I donated it to them. While there, I also donated an artwork to a Museum of Glass and Jewelry in my hometown and now I am an international artist. They all could say No, but I was fortunate to receive a Yes. I am very excited about my art being there and feel like that was my life purpose as an artist to have art at some important institutions! Another growth in the past 12 months has been a show I have been solely responsible for and it took place in May in Buda, TX was the show Budaful Quilts and More…I bothered the city for an in-kind donation of a space and they have offered me a great space and I have asked local quilt groups and artisans to participate in it. Some declined and some signed up and the whole show was produced for free, I only paid for posters. I said that I bothered the city for a space, because that’s what perseverance is all about. If you want it, you have to find a way, even if it may be a rejection at first.
I also have a personal improvement to share with you. I am currently studying for the National Board Certification as an art teacher. It’s a two year program and I hope I will obtain this prestigious license next year. It’s challenging and gratifying at the same time.
Contact Info:
- Website: czgallerymar.square.site
- Instagram: fine_art_buda
- Facebook: Marcela Kourkova
Image Credits
Photos by Marcela Kourkova
