We recently connected with Ewa Matyja and have shared our conversation below.

Ewa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

From a young age, I always felt a deep connection to art. Growing up in a small town, I didn’t know any living artists, so the idea of becoming one felt like a distant dream. I spent countless hours drawing and painting, turning my imagination into reality on paper. Art was my way of expressing myself and finding joy, but it was always just a hobby, something I did for fun.

Back then, pursuing a career in art seemed synonymous with attending art school, something I couldn’t afford. Life took me down a more conventional path—college, a corporate job, and all the responsibilities that come with it. My creative pursuits took a backseat as I navigated the world of business and corporate structure.

But in my early thirties, something shifted. The urge to create art became impossible to ignore. It was a calling that had grown stronger over the years, despite my corporate life. I realized that doing art part-time wasn’t an option; I needed to immerse myself fully to truly express my creativity.

So, I made the toughest, yet bravest decision of my life: I left the corporate world to pursue my passion for art full-time. It was a huge risk, leaving behind the security of a steady job, but it felt like the right thing to do. Interestingly, my years in the corporate world weren’t wasted; they taught me valuable lessons in structure, discipline, and responsibility—skills that are crucial in running a successful art business.

Looking back, I see that everything happened for a reason. My corporate experience provided me with the tools I needed to navigate the business side of being an artist, allowing me to focus on my creative work while also managing the practical aspects of my career. It’s been a challenging journey, but one filled with fulfillment and growth. Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m an artist who has dedicated my life to exploring the depths of self-expression through abstract art. My journey into the world of art wasn’t a straightforward one. I grew up in a small town where being an artist felt more like a distant dream than a tangible career path. After spending years in the corporate world, the calling to pursue art full-time became too strong to ignore, leading me to take a leap of faith and dedicate myself entirely to my craft.

My work is deeply personal and intuitive, serving as a visual diary of emotions and thoughts that often go unspoken. I primarily work with acrylics due to their fast-drying nature, which suits my impatient temperament and allows me to work on multiple pieces simultaneously. This medium, combined with a limited color palette, has become a natural choice for me, reflecting a simplicity that helps focus the viewer’s attention on the emotional core of each piece.

I also incorporate mixed media, including charcoal and pastels, to add texture and depth. These elements often represent struggles or conflicts within the piece, partially obscured by layers of paint, symbolizing the hidden complexities of our inner worlds. This layering technique invites viewers to look deeper, resonating with those who find a piece of their own story within my work.

What sets my art apart is its focus on self-discovery and the meditative journey of creation. For me, painting is an intuitive process led by my emotions, where each piece becomes an abstract visualization of my inner landscape. This approach not only allows me to express my own experiences but also creates a space for collectors to connect with their own feelings and stories. My collectors often share that they are drawn to the emotions conveyed in my work, finding that it adds a meaningful and uplifting presence to their homes.

I’m incredibly proud of the global reach of my art, with pieces collected by individuals around the world. Knowing that my work resonates with others and adds beauty and meaning to their lives is profoundly rewarding. For potential clients, followers, or fans, I want you to know that my art is not just about creating something beautiful—it’s about a journey of self-expression, introspection, and emotional connection. Whether you’re an art collector, interior designer, or simply someone who appreciates thoughtful, evocative art, I hope my work speaks to you and enriches your space and life.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media has been an interesting journey, especially since I started sharing my art around eight years ago, when the landscape of social media was quite different. In the early stages of my career as a full-time artist, I was experimenting a lot, trying to find my voice and style. I would often share works in progress rather than completed pieces, perhaps out of a subconscious fear of judgment.

A turning point came when I met someone who became a good friend and mentor. They pointed out that I might be hesitant to share my finished work because I was afraid of criticism. This observation was eye-opening for me and encouraged me to start sharing my completed paintings. I realized that showcasing my finished work allowed me to connect more deeply with my audience, who appreciated seeing the full scope of my artistic expression.

In those early days, sharing my studio practice, process, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into my creative journey helped me build a loyal following. My audience felt a personal connection to my story, and many collectors were drawn not just to the final artwork but to the narrative behind each piece. This authenticity resonated with people and played a crucial role in growing my social media presence.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to be genuine and open with your audience. Share not only your finished work but also your creative process, inspirations, and the challenges you face along the way. This transparency can help build a connection with your followers, making them feel invested in your journey.

It’s also important to engage with your audience, respond to comments, and be consistent in your posting. However, it’s worth noting that the social media landscape has changed over the years, and it can be more challenging now to reach the right audience organically. Algorithms and competition have made visibility more difficult, so it’s crucial to maintain and nurture the audience you already have.

Ultimately, building a social media presence is about creating a community around your work. Whether you’re an artist or in any other field, sharing your story, being authentic, and engaging with your audience are key components to building a meaningful and sustainable online presence.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist, for me, is the profound sense of fulfillment that comes from expressing my innermost thoughts and emotions through my work. Creating art is not just a profession; it’s a deeply personal and meditative process that satisfies an inner need for self-expression and reflection. When I’m immersed in the creative process, I often enter a state of flow, where time seems to stand still, and I’m fully present in the moment. This “zone” brings a sense of peace and clarity that calms the mind and nurtures the soul.

Art has the unique power to lift spirits and connect people across different backgrounds and experiences. Even on days when I struggle with self-doubt or the challenges of daily life, the act of creating can transform those feelings into something beautiful and meaningful. Knowing that my work can resonate with others and that people around the world can relate to and understand the emotions I’ve poured into my paintings is incredibly satisfying.

It’s humbling to think that my art can touch someone’s life, providing a sense of comfort, inspiration, or even a moment of reflection. This connection, this shared experience between the artist and the viewer, is one of the greatest rewards of being creative. It reminds me that art is not just about the creator but also about the community it builds and the impact it can have on others. This understanding drives me to continue creating, knowing that my work has the potential to uplift and inspire, making it all the more rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ewa-matyja.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ewamatyja
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EwaMatyjaArt
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ewa-matyja