The Journey Begins

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Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton

I have had the wonderful opportunity to hear from Matej Silecky how art has influenced his life and career. Below, in his own words, Matej shares with us his creative imagination and stunning upcoming projects:

EXCLUSIVE: MATEJ SILCEKY

matej

Picture Credit: Amina Ford https://www.aminaford.com/

BIO:
Matej is the Founding Director of Kitsune Tale Productions LLC, but is perhaps best known for being the Runner Up on ITV’s “Dancing On Ice” 2018, with his celebrity partner, Brooke Vincent of ITV’s “Coronation Street.” Matej earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from UC Berkeley with a minor in Theater, Dance & Performance Studies.

https://kitsunetaleproductions.com/
https://www.itv.com/dancingonice
https://www.instagram.com/brookelevivincent/
https://www.itv.com/coronationstreet
https://www.berkeley.edu/

What is Art?
Well, that’s a mighty fine question! For me, the word art has been used to describe so much more than a medium, materials, or even maturity of work for that matter. Art has so many meanings and personal definitions that it has become a flexible term with changing presence; it is hard to define. Courses are taught about it! I’ve thought long and hard, and oft-discussed, the definition of “Art.” Typically, the discussion comes down to “how does a particular piece make you feel.” Feelings are what we long for and receive when the pursuit of art is endured. No matter how you face art, feelings are present every moment. In some cases, even the lack of feeling is exactly what becomes the desired reaction and intention. Feelings, thus, become the inspiration and the essence of “Art.”
What is Being an Artist?
Being an artist means more than just making art. Being an artist means that you are taking those emotions, desires, inspiration and feelings, and attempting to display them in the most vulnerable and readable format possible. How you emit these emotions through your artwork varies based on content, brush strokes, approach – the process. Every aspect of art becomes part of the emotional journey that makes us, well, us. Humans have complex feelings: complex thoughts and emotions that provoke our minds and influence us to act a certain way. When we apply those feelings and thoughts to art, we pursue the great journey of understanding the extensive emotional landscape that makes us individuals. I believe that this process can have a positive impact on most anyone’s mental well-being.

Hayley Farrah Phoenix butterfly Final Watermarked LQOur Little Fire [Ltd Ed Commission}

Why Do I Create Art?
Every day, I wake up and there’s that particular something that makes me excited to see the world differently. Ever since I started to look at more of my favorite artists’ work, I’ve realized how amazing and intricate the vast expanse of the world is. Then I start wondering, how can I create new combinations in one scene and who or what might that inspire?
In short, I observed artists creating images that were amazing and thought provoking, and said, “I want to be able to do that – to be able to share what I enjoy and appreciate through my own voice.” Art becomes the voice of not just one person, but everyone that participates in the appreciation of a piece.
I also saw these many creations in a different light… as I became entranced and amazed by these pieces of art, the characters and stories depicted therein – I realized they made me happy. It is similar to reading a book and getting lost in the words on the pages because the words let your imagination create a world that encapsulates you. This happiness was something that I wanted to be able to share with others: I wanted to be able to share my crazy imagination with the world. I wanted to be able to create characters that people can relate to, environments that can inspire and induce awe, realities that show truths and beauty.
Now desiring to share these thoughts and feelings with others is one thing, but what about the process for myself? What does art do for me? Art becomes the place to release…to express the extremes of emotion and understand the meaning of accomplishment. Every moment I achieve the look I am seeking or a happy mistake, there’s a rush of self-accomplishment – that realization that the time you’ve dedicated to a trait is paying off and the vision in your imagination is becoming real. One realizes they
can achieve more, and push more, confidence is boosted. These are the things we desire to share with the world and cherish for ourselves.
We realize that we can show love, we can provoke pain, we can influence hearts, we can share companionship – all with art. That is the pursuit I seek, to be able to express emotion to every person who views art, and for them to understand not just the surface level, but the emotion that is provoked behind them…my feelings. In the end, this is what most humans want – to safely process and express their emotions, and to be understood. Art is a way to do that.

Lone St Lantern Festival watermarkedLone Street Lantern Festival 

Matej’s art will be included in animations for his documentary, Baba Babee Skazala [Grandmother Told Grandmother]

https://kitsunetaleproductions.com/projects/

Some of his works for sale to support the documentary can be seen & purchased via his Etsy shop:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/BabaBabeeSkazala?ref=ss_profile&section_id=23612997

You can see more examples of his stunning work and works in progress by following his Instagram Account @mbs_seaturtlepig

https://www.instagram.com/mbs_seaturtlepig/