An Inspired Chat with Kasia G

Kasia G shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Kasia , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Creating. Always creating.

When I am in front of the canvas, hours disappear. Sometimes I forget to eat, check the time, or do anything else. After spending hours in the studio, I tell myself, “Just one last correction,” and suddenly it’s 10 pm before I know it.

It’s almost an obsession but in the best way. When I paint, I am completely focused and lost in the process of what I am doing, present and alive in a way that’s hard to explain.

Lately, I’ve also been enjoying writing about my work. Not to explain the painting but to add a few words beside it: a small touch of poetry, an echo of my own touch.

I used to write poetry when I was very young but that part of me faded for a long time. Now it’s slowly coming back. Writing takes time, but it changes the way I think and create, keeping me connected to what feels most real and honest.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a Polish-American artist based in Southern California. I work with figurative portraiture that blends symbolic and reflective storytelling. My paintings linger on what is felt more than seen, letting each viewer bring their own meaning.

I returned to painting after a long break and gradually found a way to bring experience and observation into my work. The female figures I paint are not just subjects – they reflect both past and present, culture, and the emotional currents that run through life. With surreal elements and symbolic details, I try to create space for viewers to pause, reflect and connect with their own experience.

Currently, I am working on a series that continues to explore these ideas, looking at how we exist in the world and what it means to be seen.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I have released the part of me that sought approval from others. For a long time, I listened to everyone’s opinions about what I should paint, which colors to choose, or what size of canvas to work on. I wanted to please people, meet expectations, and make my art fit in their living rooms. For a while it worked but it eventually led to burnout, creative blocks, and a feeling that I had lost my own voice.

Over time, I realized I didn’t want to decorate spaces or chase trends. My focus shifted to the meaning, the story and the truths I want to share through my work. Now I follow my own vision, the ideas I want to explore and the honesty I want to bring to each piece. Letting go of the need for approval has freed me. It allows me to stay true to myself and create from a place that feels authentic, purposeful and personal.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: believe in yourself, stay open to what sparks your interest and don’t lose the sense of wonder that keeps you moving forward.

Looking back, I see how bold and full of life that version of me was. I didn’t hesitate or worry about what others thought. I just went for it, exploring new paths and stepping into the unknown and that adventurous spirit was my biggest strength.

Now, I am more careful. I think things through, weigh my options and try to predict how they might turn out – which is sometimes necessary. But I miss those moments when I would experience things that felt out of reach. I followed my passion without overthinking, faced challenges that scared others, and learned aspects of myself I might never have realized otherwise.

So my message is simple: curiosity is important. It keeps you alert to the world around you. Even when life becomes more planned or cautious, that spark stays. I would tell my younger self to always explore, feel deeply and be open to the little surprises. Hold onto that energy because it fills life and will guide you through any challenges ahead.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
I hold a few truths close to my heart, ones I rarely put into words. Everyone is searching for something real in a world full of noise and hurry. Opening up, even when it is hard or uncomfortable, is how we grow and connect with others.
Relationships thrive when we are honest about who we are, with all our strengths and flaws.

Every person’s story deserves to be seen and heard, and the small moments of joy or struggle have more meaning than we often realize. These are the threads that connect us, reminding we are all human… all worthy. These beliefs guide me in everything I do, shaping how I listen, how I show up and treat others. I hope that by living with honesty and staying fully present, I can encourage others to open their hearts, to feel safe in their own truth, and to know there is real strength in simply being who they are.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, I could and I do. When I commit to something, whether it’s a painting or fitness, I give everything I have, even if no one is watching. I have a clear idea of what I want to create, and I push through the long, lonely hours in the studio or the moments of frustration because I know it’s worth bringing to life.

The same goes for fitness. I’ve been consistent for over two decades, not because anyone sees it or pushes me, but because my stubbornness and commitment demand it. Some days I try to find excuses: I am tired, I have a headache, or I just don’t feel like it, yet I know I will regret skipping. I remind myself it’s only an hour, it will pass, so I push through. That mindset has always made me strong and determined.

I do a lot of things that require patience, time and commitment, all for myself, not for anyone else. Dedication is showing up even when there’s no prize, no audience, no applause or quick reward. Keeping my word to myself matters, and I love the way it feels afterward. That satisfaction is stronger than any excuse.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kzg1111/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasiagart/