Today we’d like to introduce you to Marta Gwizdala.

Hi Marta, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am Marta Gwizdala, a landscape-loving 3D artist born in 1996. My journey from Poland to the USA is one of resilience and triumph. My vibrant personality and enchanting artwork hide the challenges I faced in my early years—family struggles, loneliness, and financial hardships. As a young teenager, I took on responsibilities beyond my years. Yet, through these dark moments, my artistic spirit endured. At 10, I won a painting competition, earning a trip to Paris. This award became a defining moment, thanks to the support of my wonderful father, and I began realizing my dreams as an artist. It was difficult to get a passport in those days because it was post-communist Poland. So my dad did everything for me and my sister.

I studied international relations but found solace amid complications that led to a hiatus in my private life. Despite losing my passion for art, my family and newfound friends helped me survive. While pursuing a master’s degree, I impulsively decided to undertake an internship in Chicago. Lost and alone in the city, I found solace in a Polish club and the kindness of strangers. Later, because of those people, I met Mateusz, a hardworking man who shared the same hobbies and outlook on life. We fell in love and very quickly decided to stay together. Now, we have been together for almost four years.

Our connection blossomed despite a long-distance relationship and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our relationship faced significant challenges, especially when travel restrictions kept us apart for 181 days. It was so depressing and difficult for us. We believed that we might never see each other again. Determined to be together, we planned a risky journey to Mexico to navigate the travel bans. We needed to see each other, even just for a week, because Matt was ready to leave his work in the USA to go to Poland. Fortunately, we managed to safely travel to Chicago.

After finally reuniting, Mateusz and I got married quickly to avoid being apart any longer. We had an intimate ceremony without our families and with limited finances. Our early days as a married couple were simple, marked by shared pizzas and Netflix. Seeking a peaceful life, we settled in Wisconsin, where the tranquility reminded me of Poland. In Wisconsin, I rediscovered my passion for art. I love being in Wisconsin; everything is calm and close to nature. I feel happy here. Seeing my dedication, Mateusz supported my artistic career. I improved my English and connected with people, eventually opening my own art studio. Art is not just a hobby; it is a genuinely relaxing part of my life. Mateusz and I share this passion because he paints miniatures for board games.

Without meeting specific people, I would never have gone to Chicago, never met Mateusz, never moved to Wisconsin, never met people at The Arts Mill, and never opened my studio. My journey to the USA and my relationship with Mateusz illustrate the transformative power of choices. I believe everything was meant for me, everything is connected, and if you truly believe in that, anything can happen. My love story and art story are about the enduring power of love that triumphs over challenges, creating a narrative that will resonate through the ages—a story of love, unbroken and eternal art.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I started painting when I was 4 years old, but I wasn’t a Mozart. My mother wanted me to find a hobby that I would excel at, so I tried singing, playing instruments, and art. I attended private classes until I was 18 years old. My journey in art wasn’t simple. At the beginning, I practiced and sometimes won competitions, but I never fully accepted my art style. Truthfully, I hated my art. At some point, I gave up on art while I was studying. I didn’t have time, and I was also going through a difficult time in my private life. I doodled in my notebook at university, but I lost my passion. It was the biggest break from art in my life. I tried to find something different, but nothing resonated with me enough. I often compared myself to more talented people and couldn’t find any sense in creating something with my “ugly” style. It took me 4-5 years to grow up, to become less jealous, more confident in myself, happier with who I am, and more humble.

When I landed in the USA and started traveling more, I realized that travels bring me new experiences. I saw so many art galleries, and I was amazed. It started simply again; I was doing art at home while waiting for my green card. Then my mother-in-law and my husband saw what I do, and they pushed me to do more and more. Then they said that I needed to show the art and start selling it. I was very shy at this moment, but I prayed a lot too. I wasn’t sure if this road would bring me joy again, but I started feeling more joyful, becoming more fulfilled and successful. I was excited as never before in my life about art. I started liking my style, I worked hard, I learned more, I studied more.

Now, I have so many ideas in my head, but a lack of time to fulfill every one of them. I am an art-holic too (joke), and I can paint for many hours. So, I needed to learn how to rest from art too, to find my balance. I can definitely say that now I am more satisfied; I see that I grow faster and faster. I meet so many people, I do so many things, and I am happy about it. I am proud of myself. I realized that I need art. It is important for me like water or air. And it’s not like art saved me; I needed to grow up to finally understand what art means to me in life…

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My paintings serve as nostalgic love letters to homes I’ve left behind, blending idealistic elements with childhood memories. They capture the enchanting essence of recalling distant homes, evoking a sense of wonder and longing. The playful titles of my artworks enhance their childlike nature, inviting viewers to rediscover innocence. Through my art, I aim to reintroduce beauty and happiness, offering comfort and healing to those who miss home and their dreams. My work serves as an escape from the brutal world, illuminating the glitter in life and sparking joy in our souls and hearts. It reminds us to follow the sparkle, keeping our spirits warm, passionate, and filled with happiness.

I specialize in 3D art, focusing on landscapes, animals, and florals… I find joy in combining classic techniques like acrylic painting and sculpture with more modern materials like epoxy. My style is modern, leaning towards impressionism and sometimes resembling book illustrations. I combine mixed media into 3D art, using acrylic, epoxy resin, gouache, sculptures, and many more materials. While I mainly paint landscapes, I also enjoy creating floral paintings for home decor or depicting animals. And when I have strong cravings, I indulge in painting food! Through my 3D art, I aim to illustrate that the world of art serves as a doorway to alternate realms; all it takes is a single step to traverse its threshold. With vibrant colors, I seek to showcase the inherent beauty of our world, often overshadowed by its complexities and mundanity. I believe it’s essential to cherish and embrace the world around us, to venture beyond the confines of our screens and immerse ourselves in diverse experiences. Incorporating glitter and epoxy into my pieces, I pay homage to water, a vital element that holds profound significance in my life and artistry. Water symbolizes not only survival but also the essence of life itself. Without water, neither can I paint nor truly live, for it is through water that I behold the wonders of nature.

At 28 years old (2024), I am an emerging artist navigating the art world in the USA. Despite the challenges I face as an immigrant, I am driven and have achieved success through persistence. Recently, my work was featured in the shop at the Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA). Additionally, I have been hosted by Ozaukee Press this year, showcasing my art and journey. I also have exhibits in the Cedarburg Art Museum’s “The Life of Water” and the “Blueberry Festival” in Marquette. One of my artworks was also promoted on the Morning Blend TV show due to the event “Art in the Burg.” I am also a member of various community groups, such as the Women’s Ozaukee Network and the Cedarburg Artist Guild, demonstrating my dedication to social impact and community engagement. I am starting to sell more of my products at festivals too. The growth is beginning, and I am amazed by this experience. I am very proud of all my achievements in the last 6 months. Now, a lot of people greet me, and I am happy to have people who support me and like my art.

Feel invited to see my art at the Cedarburg Art Museum for the contest “The Life of Water.” The opening reception will be on Saturday, June 1, from 2 to 4 p.m. My paintings, presenting Door County in 3D across two panels, will be exhibited there until August. You’re invited to see those paintings!

My paintings are now on display at the Gift Shop in the Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA) Gallery in West Bend. If you’re interested in purchasing them, they are available for sale at their new location.

I will also be attending many craft fairs in Wisconsin, so please follow my social media to stay updated. On Facebook, you can find me at Margwizart with pinned posts about upcoming events. Additionally, I have a Facebook group called Margwizart Community for people who want direct links to my new products.

I am also participating in the Blueberry Festival Poster Art Contest in Marquette. Please vote for my painting, which is number 40! You can find the link here:
it is a long link, sorry! :-(

https://www.downtownmarquette.org/bbf-poster-competition-gallery?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR23mcxoWkJ1JvYc8N2xnGoXacrQBc0yW1Dur4Ut_YQIGfIdQwukl5NDkZE_aem_AW_drwjIQUK-ApvOSBT0s72j2hIFiVit1iBR4ustWZ-rnoIERM9ITcioz1gYUMVZRnNshMZKkeW26HfjP61kK9DZ

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
At this point in my life, I can offer some valuable advice to those who are just starting out: Dedicate ample time to practicing your craft, work diligently, and focus on building your confidence. Stay humble, work hard, maintain a friendly and open demeanor to connect with people and embrace new experiences. Travel whenever you can, seize every opportunity, challenge yourself, and explore various avenues. Above all, never give up. Find solace in prayer, affirm the beauty of life, and cherish your time. Avoid wasting precious moments on doubt and hesitation. Learn to take calculated risks and be brave in pursuing your passions. Start your journey into art or any other venture as soon as possible, and don’t limit yourself to just one thing. Explore diverse interests and passions to enrich your life’s tapestry.

Pricing:

• I do art across a wide range, making it difficult to set a single price. Everything depends on the buyer’s budget.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.saatchiart.com/margwizart
• Instagram: Instagram.com/margwizart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/MargwizArt/100092693479912/?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Other: https://www.redbubble.com/people/Margwizart

Image Credits
Photos present me, my art, my art studio, or me at art fairs.