Do you use a particular work technique? if so, can you explain it?
My greatest passion is blending various styles and techniques in my work. Currently, however, my focus extends beyond artistic aesthetics to the consideration of environmental impact, particularly concerning the toxicity of oil paints and media. Surprisingly despite many years of art school education, I realized the limited awareness surrounding the potential hazards associated with an artist's materials.
Upon discovering the potential health risks, such as migraines and respiratory issues, posed by certain paints and media, I felt a profound responsibility to prioritize my well-being.
I have many friends who are surprised that the paints and media they use are very harmful and constant exposure to such an environment may be associated with serious health consequences. For this reason, after a long struggle with health problems, I decided to create a workspace that is not only creatively inspiring but also completely safe. To achieve this, I only use oil paints that are based on linseed or safflower oil intentionally avoiding unnecessary fillers and solvents.
My chosen painting medium is pure walnut oil, it is both - a substance for mixing paints during work and a natural cleaning agent for brushes, combined with natural soap.
Of course, mindful of environmental impact, I dispose of paint residues and water used for cleaning brushes at designated facilities in my city. This practice ensures that toxic pigments, such as cadmium or cobalt, do not find their way into groundwater. Unfortunately, it seems that awareness of these hazards is predominantly confined to oil painters, yet the responsibility lies with all artists to consider. I use acrylic paints very rarely, but they are necessary for priming canvases and achieving specific effects that cannot be achieved with oil paints.
Are there any innovative aspects in your work? Can you tell us which ones?
I previously highlighted innovative aspects in the previous question with a particular focus on non-toxic painting techniques within my practice. To gain such knowledge extensive research in this area was required, involving the study of numerous articles and watching hundreds of online videos to create the best way for me to this type of practice. However, I am constantly looking for new materials and following global articles to stay informed about emerging ecological artistic mediums.
Currently, I am also engaged in the creation of entirely new Pop art introducing a diverse collection of effects that blends digital techniques with traditional painting methods. This upcoming series features unique prints using, among others: convex structures, silver or gold mirrors, and other inventive elements. I have already created the first designs in the series, but preparing them for production takes months of hard work and numerous trials and errors, so I am already waiting for the first works with great excitement. I'm very tempted to share this with my audience, but I can't reveal too much at the moment. The only thing I can reveal is that the first Christmas graphic has already had its premiere online and it is truly amazing!
Monika Mrowiec (born in 1991) is a Polish artist with a background in both classical and modern art. Her studies at Opole University, where she focused on visual arts, graphic design, and new media, along with her postgraduate work in architecture and interior design, shape her distinctive, multifaceted approach to painting. Her work often merges classical motifs, particularly from ancient mythology, with the vibrant, expressive elements of pop art. This unique style highlights her focus on contrasting classical figures with contemporary elements, such as the textures and patterns inspired by luxury fashion brands, giving her pieces a modern edge. Her recent collections include dynamic pieces inspired by fashion and the iconography of pop culture, blending monochromatic portraits with striking, colorful backdrops and textures that bring her subjects to life in bold, engaging ways.
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