We recently connected with Katerina Husar Lazarova and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Katerina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Risk-taking has always been at the core of my personal and professional growth as an artist. One of the most significant risks I’ve taken was when I was still living in the Czech Republic. After 15 years of working as a graphic designer, I made the bold decision to leave my career behind, open a studio, and start my first business as a private painting and drawing instructor. For three years, I thrived in this role, helping my students break through their creative insecurities. It felt stable, rewarding, and fulfilling, but life has a way of presenting new, unexpected challenges.
The biggest challenge came when my husband was offered a job in the United States. Faced with the possibility of leaving my successful teaching business and the stability I had built, I found myself standing at a crossroads. The decision to uproot my life in the Czech Republic for an uncertain future in the U.S. wasn’t easy, and it felt like an enormous risk—leaving behind my career, my studio, and everything I had worked for. The uncertainty of adapting to a new culture, learning a new language, and starting over professionally weighed heavily on me.
Once in the U.S., the challenges I anticipated became real: being far from family, struggling with language barriers, and feeling like I had to rebuild my identity from scratch. But instead of letting these hurdles hold me back, I chose to persevere. I enrolled in English classes, and eventually, I pursued higher education at both Mesa College and UCSD. Step by step, I pushed myself to grow, adapt, and find my place.
This move also sparked a transformation in my artwork. During my studies, I shifted away from my earlier work and took another risk to explore new approaches, such as automatic drawing and sculptural painting. The spontaneity of automatic drawing allowed me to unlock a new level of creativity and helped me discover my unique artistic voice. Connected with my discovery of laser cutting and other cutting methods it led to a deeper connection with the three-dimensional possibilities of painting and gave me an entirely new world of possibilities to discover.
Looking back, the risks I’ve taken—both in my personal life and artistic journey—have been instrumental in shaping who I am today. As an artist, uncertainty is inevitable, whether it’s submitting work to galleries, applying for grants, or experimenting with new techniques. But I’ve learned that these risks are essential for growth. While rejection and failure are possible, they offer invaluable lessons that help me evolve.
Now, each step I take toward the unknown feels less daunting because I know it’s helping me build resilience. Risk has become a part of my creative process, and every time I embrace it, I’m met with new opportunities. I’m excited to see where the next challenge leads me, knowing that each one brings me closer to my brighter future.

Katerina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a San Diego-based artist with roots in the Czech Republic. My journey into the world of art began with a deep passion for self-expression, leading me to study graphic design and art therapy back home. Since moving to the US in 2018, I’ve expanded my artistic focus, earning a degree in Studio Arts from UCSD and opening my studio in the Arts District Liberty Station.
As an artist, I offer my clients more than just visual art. I create deeply personal, emotionally resonant pieces that reflect the layers of human experience. My work ranges from original paintings to handcrafted laser-cut earrings, coasters, and other accessories. Each piece is a reflection of my inner world, influenced by the quiet introspection I experienced during the pandemic, which I now share with my clients to spark a connection with their own emotions. I believe in art’s ability to heal and evoke emotion, and I aim to create pieces that offer my clients a sense of connection, whether it’s through color, form, or the intricate details that tell a story.
What sets my work apart is the blend of fine art with a touch of therapeutic intention. The connection between art and healing has always inspired me, and I use my background in art therapy to channel emotions and help my clients find joy or reflection in the art they collect.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my solo exhibition, Connection with My Spirit, which will be held in Asto Gallery on Convoy St. in San Diego from the beginning of October to the end of November 2024. It embodies the core of my work, creating art born from the deepest layers of the subconscious, offering viewers a moment of introspection and an opportunity to reconnect with their own spirit.
Whether it’s a custom commission, a handcrafted wearable piece, or a painting, my goal is to give clients something unique that resonates with their inner world and enhances their surroundings with beauty and emotion.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

For those who don’t work in the creative field, it might be hard to grasp just how many roles an artist has to juggle beyond creating their art. People often picture artists as solely immersed in their craft, disconnected from the business side of things, but the reality is quite different. Emerging artists like myself must be not only creators but also entrepreneurs, managers, and marketers.
One challenge that non-creatives might struggle to understand is the necessity of self-promotion in today’s world. Social media is an important tool for reaching new audiences. Still, the unpredictability of changing algorithms makes it difficult to rely on consistently. To create a more meaningful connection, I’ve found email to be a much more reliable and personal way to engage with my audience. Through my newsletter, I can share behind-the-scenes glimpses of my creative process, updates on upcoming exhibitions, and new projects directly with those who are truly invested in my work. We’re not just making art, we’re curating our online presence, managing logistics, and often acting as our own PR agents.
Another area people might not realize the complexity is in the financial aspects. Pricing our work doesn’t just reflect the materials used or time spent creating; it also encompasses the unseen labor of promotion, networking, and administration. Many times, we face pressure to undervalue our work just to stay competitive. Balancing creative output with business tasks is an ongoing challenge, but it’s an integral part of being an artist today.
This journey requires resilience—artists must constantly adapt, push boundaries, and evolve. It’s a multifaceted endeavor where creativity and entrepreneurship are intertwined.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

My studio at Arts District Liberty Station has definitely been a great way to get new clients. Being part of such a vibrant and creative community has provided me with consistent visibility and opportunities I wouldn’t have found elsewhere. Liberty Station attracts a wide variety of visitors, from art enthusiasts and collectors to tourists and locals who are curious about the thriving art scene. This natural foot traffic, combined with the regular events, art walks, and exhibitions hosted in the district, ensures that a diverse audience consistently sees my work.
For me, having a physical studio space is an important factor in connecting with potential clients. It gives people the opportunity to experience my art up close and engage with it in a way that isn’t possible through social media or online platforms. Many of my new clients have discovered my work simply by wandering into my studio during an event or open studios, and those face-to-face interactions often turn into meaningful relationships. There’s something powerful about being able to talk directly with people about my creative process and the inspiration behind my pieces, and it creates a deeper connection between the viewer and the artwork.
Additionally, being in Liberty Station has allowed me to build strong relationships with other artists and collaborators, which has helped expand my network even further. Word-of-mouth referrals within this creative community have also played a big role in attracting new clients. The district itself fosters a sense of collaboration and support, which has been instrumental in growing my presence as an artist.
Overall, my studio at Liberty Station serves as both a workspace and a hub for client discovery, helping me continuously expand my audience and connect with those who resonate with my art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lazarova.art
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artkaterinalazarova/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katuliart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katerina-husar-lazarova-24b88553/
• Twitter: https://x.com/Art_Katuli