We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Renata Bosnjak a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Renata thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on was Face of Happiness, a collaboration with Dr. Tatsiana Razzhavaikina. The event invited people to explore happiness through metaphorical images, with my portraits being at the heart of it. It wasn’t therapy, but it had a therapeutic effect—creating a space for reflection, connection, and personal insight.

What stood out was how my paintings helped people connect with their own emotions and find clarity. It reminded me of why I create: art can open doors, spark conversations, and offer a deeper understanding of ourselves. It was an experience that shaped how I approach my work moving forward.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a portrait artist, and my work revolves around capturing the essence of the human spirit through oil paintings. My journey into this craft was both organic and deeply personal. I’ve always been fascinated by the power of a person’s eyes to tell a story—there’s so much emotion, history, and vulnerability in a single gaze. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills, focusing not just on likeness, but on what lies beneath the surface: the stories people carry, the quiet strength, and the joy that often exists in stillness.

I specialize in portraiture that goes beyond a typical likeness, aiming to bring out the deeper, often unspoken aspects of a person. Whether it’s a commissioned portrait or a project like Face of Happiness, my work seeks to open a dialogue between the viewer and the subject, inviting reflection and connection.

What sets me apart is my belief in the healing power of art. For me, painting is not just a creative practice—it’s a way to explore and share our shared humanity. I use the medium to invite viewers into intimate moments, to help them see not only the person in front of them but also the parts of themselves that resonate with that image.

What I’m most proud of is the ability to connect with people through my art. My work is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about evoking something deeper, offering people a chance to pause and reflect on what happiness, strength, and vulnerability mean to them.

For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that my work isn’t just a commission—it’s an invitation to explore. Whether you’re looking for a personal portrait or simply looking to connect with art on a deeper level, my paintings aim to create a space where you can feel seen, heard, and understood.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the connection I create through my work. Art has the unique ability to speak directly to someone’s heart and soul, without the need for words. When people engage with my portraits, whether they’re commissioned works or part of a larger project, I love knowing that they’re seeing something that resonates with them—something that feels deeply personal, even if they don’t know exactly why.

There’s also a healing quality to the creative process for me. Each painting, each brushstroke, is a way for me to explore and reflect on the complexities of the human experience—emotions, resilience, and moments of stillness. When people tell me how my work has moved them or made them feel seen, it validates everything I do. The reward isn’t just in creating something beautiful, but in sparking an emotional response that brings us closer together.

Ultimately, being able to evoke emotions, inspire reflection, and foster a deeper sense of connection is what keeps me going. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know my work is part of something bigger—whether it’s in an intimate personal moment or within a larger conversation about humanity.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes, my mission is to create art that invites reflection and fosters connection. I believe that portraits, in particular, hold the power to communicate more than just a physical likeness—they can capture the essence of a person, the emotions they carry, and the stories they might not always share. Through my work, I aim to bridge the gap between surface appearances and deeper truths, allowing viewers to see not just the external, but the humanity within.

The goal behind my creative journey is to remind people of their own depth and resilience. I want to create spaces for introspection, where people can connect with themselves and with others on a more meaningful level. Whether it’s through a commissioned portrait or a collaborative project like Face of Happiness, I strive to explore the complexities of the human experience—joy, vulnerability, strength, and everything in between.

At the heart of it, my mission is to help people see the beauty and strength in both themselves and others, encouraging a deeper sense of empathy and understanding. Art, for me, is a tool for healing, connection, and self-discovery, and it’s this mission that drives everything I create.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.renatabosnjak.com/
• Instagram: @renata_rebernik_bosnjak_art