We’re looking forward to introducing you to Agnieszka Elliott. Check out our conversation below.
Agnieszka, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity. In art and in life, it’s what gives meaning to everything else. Intelligence helps me understand the world, and energy helps me express it — but integrity ensures that what I create stays honest and true to my values.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I was born in Krakow, Poland, and I am a self-taught, internationally recognized wildlife artist. My work has been featured in various art-related media, and I regularly exhibit with Artists for Conservation in Vancouver, Canada, as well as at several local fine art shows. A pivotal moment in my artistic journey was creating “Advocate for Equilibrium,” a painting inspired by the story of Yellowstone’s Wolf 8.
I am a Signature Member of Artists for Conservation, a member of the Coexistence Council with the International Wildlife Coexistence Network, and an Associate Member of the Society of Animal Artists.
My art combines realism, storytelling, and conservation. What makes my work unique is its focus on creating empathy for animals, not just portraying them. I want viewers to pause, feel deeply, and remember that these creatures share our world. My mission goes beyond simply selling art; it’s about inspiring a care for the planet with every brushstroke. Each painting tells a story of coexistence, fragility, and our shared responsibility for the natural world. I blend classical realism with emotional depth to help people reconnect with the wild, even in our urbanized, technology-driven lives.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Distance increases when we forget each other’s humanity—when empathy and connection fade. Compassion and honesty rebuild these bonds, enabling us to truly embrace one another, flaws and all. Through art, we share beauty, vulnerability, and pain, reminding ourselves that we are part of the same story. Empathy fuels my art; when someone experiences a genuine emotion in front of a painting, it bridges the gap between us and demonstrates that connection remains possible in a fractured world.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Deep insecurity is something that held me back. Standing in front of a crowd to talk about myself or my art used to feel overwhelming, and it still does to some degree. I worried that others would judge me or see me as less qualified, and those doubts made me question my worth as an artist. Sharing my work felt daunting.
Over time, I’ve realized that passion, dedication, and authenticity matter more than credentials. Art allows me to communicate without words, helping me face the world and slowly overcome the insecurities that once held me back. With every painting I share, I reclaim a little more of my confidence.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to believe that people were inherently good—that we would protect the vulnerable, respect one another, and care for the natural world. However, over time, I have witnessed how often humanity falls short of that ideal, which has been a sobering realization. Despite this, I haven’t lost all hope. I believe that change is possible, and I strive to embody the goodness I wish to see through my actions, choices, and art.
This disappointment fuels my creativity. In every painting, I aim to give voice to the creatures and stories that are often overlooked, reminding people of empathy, beauty, and responsibility. My art serves as my way of confronting fear and doing my part—creating connection, awareness, and care in a world that often forgets these values.
While the world may not always choose the right path, I can at least do my part.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
That’s exactly what I’ve been doing. I believe that giving your best isn’t about seeking recognition or praise; it’s about honoring your own values and the work itself. Even if no one sees it, the effort matters because it shapes who you are and what you create. For me, every painting is an act of care and attention, regardless of whether it’s celebrated. If I do my work solely for the sake of praise, then I am not being true to myself; I am creating for attention. This principle extends to my personal life as well; as a mother, wife, and friend, I always strive to give my best.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.papillonfineart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papillonfineart/
Image Credits
Holly S Cannon for the photo of the California Brown Pelican
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