Learn about the artist
Uncovering a love story... from the quiet truth within.
Artist statement
I create art as an act of devotion: to the quiet beauty of being human, and to the vulnerable, complicated love stories we carry within us. Each piece begins not with a concept, but with a feeling: a longing to understand, to connect, to be seen without needing to perform.
Through mixed media and oils, I build layers that echo the ones we wear emotionally: sometimes guarded, sometimes raw. My process is intuitive, like peeling back time or memory, until something honest reveals itself. What matters to me isn’t perfection, but truth.
Romance, to me, is sacred not because it’s flawless, but because it’s brave. To love – even when it’s uncertain, imperfect, or quietly aching – is one of the most intelligent, soul-bearing acts we can choose.
I make art to honor that choice.
Bio
Iskra Petrova was born in Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria. From a young age, she was drawn to the arts, literature, and learning. As a child, she engaged in various forms of artistic expression, from reciting poetry at the age of three to participating in singing competitions, reading, writing, and drawing.
Throughout middle and high school, Iskra's artistic talents were recognized by her teachers. Often excused from classes to pursue her artistic endeavors, she was encouraged to explore her creative instincts freely.
Driven by her desire to express, Iskra earned a Master's Degree in Bulgarian Literature. After rediscovering her love for visual art in 2017, she further honed her skills at the Milan Art Institute in 2023.
Inspired by everything around her: people, history, literature, culture, and science, Iskra's artworks weave intricate narratives that allow the viewer to discover the romantic side of truth. She believes that the deepest form of love comes from bravery and leads to the ultimate truth. Through the incorporation of collaged text, she honors the enduring power of the written word. Her layered creations invite viewers to delve into their own imagination, encouraging a journey of emotions and discovery.
Currently based in Varna, Bulgaria's marine capital, Iskra works from her studio, where she is dedicated to her artistic practice. Outside of painting, she enjoys reading and writing. Looking ahead, Iskra plans to continue her artistic exploration, building love stories, characters empowered by love and bravery for truth, and boundless realities in her art.