Artist spotlight for Katalin Macevics 🔦

Who is Katalin Macevics?

Kate Matsevych, also known as Katalin Macevics, is a London-based artist. She grew up in Ukraine, where she graduated from the School of Fine Arts before embarking on her travels. Having visited over 40 countries and lived in 7 of them, she finds inspiration in the diverse cultures and experiences that she encounters on her journeys.

Her artwork is dedicated to celebrating the beauty of the female form and the incredible strength, intelligence, and bravery of women. Through her art, she strives to capture the wonderful aura, warmth, and love that emanate from women, portraying them not just as mothers and caretakers, but as powerful and capable beings who can achieve anything.

How did you get into making art?

From as early as I can remember, I have always had a passion for creating art. My mother has even told me that I used to paint when I was just 2 years old! My creative pursuits have taken many different forms throughout my life. I've been drawn to design, makeup artistry, and other forms of artistic expression at times. However, no matter what other mediums I tried, my love for art remained constant.

When the Covid-19 pandemic forced me to stay at home I rediscovered my passion for painting. I decided to purchase a canvas and give painting another try. I knew I had missed this art form and wanted to do more of it the moment I put brush to canvas.

That first painting during lockdown was a success, inspiring me to keep going and creating more and more pieces. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue exploring my creativity and sharing my vision with the rest of the world.

What’s your artistic process and how do you find inspiration?

My process for finding inspiration as an artist is a bit of a mystery. I can't always predict when or where it will strike, but I've found that travelling and experiencing new places, nature, flowers, animals, and films tend to pique my interest. I am also inspired by the work and perspectives of other artists. When I do have an idea, I start by making rough sketches to flesh out the concept. From there, I choose the elements that I like the most and create more detailed sketches. Once I have a solid idea, I transfer it to the canvas and begin the process of bringing it to life.

In addition to traditional painting techniques, I also enjoy experimenting with augmented reality. This involves creating minimalistic paintings on canvas and then adding additional layers of detail and style through digital augmentation. This allows me to explore new creative avenues and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of art. 

What motivates you to create?

As an artist, I am motivated to create by the joy and satisfaction that the creative process brings me. I find that creating art is not only a form of expression but also a way to relax and unwind. I have many ideas that I want to bring to life, and even though not all of them are realised, I believe that it is important to spend time on them as a way of nurturing my creativity.

When I complete a piece of artwork, I feel a great sense of pride and accomplishment. It is truly amazing to see a blank canvas transform into something new and unique that can be shared with the world. Knowing that I have contributed something special and one-of-a-kind to the world is an incredible feeling that drives me to continue creating.

Is there a specific environment or material that's integral to your work?

I believe that creativity can take shape in any environment, using any materials. While traditional materials such as canvas and paints are important tools in my artistic process, I am always open to new and unconventional materials that may inspire me.

That being said, I find that I am most productive when I am in a calm and quiet environment, free of distractions and unnecessary thoughts. This allows me to focus my mind and fully immerse myself in the creative process. Additionally, I am a lover of all things aesthetically pleasing, from beautiful places and interiors to delicious food. I believe that surrounding myself with beauty and positive energy helps to fuel my creativity and allows me to create works that bring joy and happiness to myself and others. 

Professionally, what’s your goal or dream commission?

I believe that there are no limits to what one can achieve. My ultimate goal is to continue to create art that resonates with people and brings joy and inspiration to their lives. I would love to see my work showcased in museums and galleries around the world and to have my art recognised and appreciated by a wider audience.

Can you tell us the story around some of the pieces on EDIT1ONS?

“Being Loved” is my self-portrait. As a young woman, I had always struggled with insecurities and doubts about my appearance. However, five years ago, I had a small dream to become a lingerie designer and decided to take a chance by creating a few samples and taking photographs of myself wearing them.

Looking back at those pictures now, I can see that they are more than just a representation of my dream. They are a self-portrait that captures my journey towards self-acceptance and self-love. It was a moment in my life when I realised that being loved starts with loving yourself.

While I am still learning to fully accept and love myself, those pictures serve as a reminder of how far I have come and how important it is to celebrate one's beauty and individuality. Through my art, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own unique qualities and to find the beauty in their imperfections.