Karolina Travnikar

Karolina is a mixed-media oil artist whose paintings explore feelings of belonging, remembrance, and deep inner knowing. Through symbols of the physical world, she connects the physical with the non-physical and the unseen with the visible, creating art as a portal of remembrance.

I am a painter who, from an early age, has sought ways to escape this overly dense world and to merge with my surroundings in order to remain accepted. Life, however, has continuously taught me to listen to my highly sensitive, emotional, and perceptive body, and to give it a safe space to express itself in all the colors I carry within me. For me, art is a way for me, as a soul, to express myself through matter. In colors, forms, and imprints of light, I carry information that goes beyond words.

For me, paintings are not merely decoration, even though they carry visual beauty. I feel that the works that come through originate from a space that is not entirely of this world.

The animal world is strongly present in my life. Its energetic messages continuously guide me through both personal and collective transformations, which are often reflected on the canvas. I am also inspired by sacred spaces within us, which, although they rarely use words, have lots to say.

In my creative process, I am guided primarily by trust in something greater than ourselves and by trust in the information I receive through my perception into my field.

As an artist, I am most motivated by new beginnings and by moments when everything already feels ‘perfect.’ The blank canvas offers me the opportunity to challenge my inner perfectionist by allowing acrylic inks to create a free and intuitive foundation for the further process. When I feel guided, I add words and symbols that support the energetic essence of the painting.

My true love is oil paint, which, with its density, viscosity, and natural pigments, gives my work depth. The transition from abstract, chaotic states into refined composition, harmony, and beauty arises primarily from my subconscious processes and my need for clarity. The visible initial layers within the painting, along with traces of poetry, offer the viewer an insight into the inner world, the intimate space of the soul.

I paint to open space. For you, for me, for all of us to move, to remember, and to breathe again what we truly are.