Today we’d like to introduce you to PETYA Evtimova- Ivanova.
Hi PETYA, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story.
My name is Petya, and I am a second-generation artist. My father was an artist, and some of my earliest memories are filled with the smell of his studio. That space felt like another world to me — not only because of the paints and materials, but because my dad collected objects full of stories: pieces of wood, old icons, ceramics. It was a place where imagination lived. Growing up in that environment, art came to me naturally.
I went on to study at the Academy of Fine Arts and later earned my Master of Fine Arts. After that, I participated in many group and solo exhibitions. For me, art has always been a personal path — one shaped by curiosity, small steps, and a constant search for answers and my own visual language.
Fourteen years ago, my family and I moved to the United States because of my husband’s job. We believed this change would bring new opportunities and happiness. That move became a major turning point in my artistic journey. Starting over in a new country was challenging — introducing my work to a new community and rebuilding from scratch — but it also deeply shaped me. It changed not only my life, but my artistic voice and the questions I explore.
I see art as an ongoing dialogue: between the artist and society, and between each artwork and its viewer. I truly believe that this ability to create dialogue is one of the most important things in our world today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road — and I don’t think any meaningful creative path ever is. As I mentioned, art is my own journey, and like any journey, it comes with challenges and unexpected turns along the way. In many ways, I feel fortunate for them, because they have shaped me, pushed me forward, and opened new questions that continue to guide my work. Like every artist — and really, every person — I’ve experienced doubts, ups, and downs. But when something truly matters to you, and when you feel you have something meaningful to give to others — in my case, through art — that becomes your strength. That feeling is what keeps me going, even during the harder moments.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I see myself as both a storyteller and a story collector. This isn’t only because I love stories or because they spark my curiosity — for me, stories create a form of dialogue with the viewer, and that connection is the most valuable part of my work.
I believe most people carry a deep curiosity for stories, fairy tales, myths, and memories. When someone sees something in my paintings that reminds them of a personal moment, a feeling, or even a piece of music, they reconnect with themselves in a quiet way. That is what I hope my work offers.
I primarily work with oil paint, and I sometimes incorporate mixed media to better express certain ideas and textures. My paintings are often inspired by memory, emotion, nature, and small symbolic details that invite viewers to slow down and look closer.
I actively participate in juried exhibitions and fine art festivals, which allow me to present my work to diverse audiences and continue growing professionally.
What I am most proud of is the response from people. I sometimes receive personal letters from collectors or viewers sharing how my artwork brought them back to special memories or emotions. Those messages mean more to me than any formal award — they tell me the dialogue is happening.
What sets me apart, I believe, is this focus on connection. My goal isn’t simply to create beautiful images, but to create spaces for reflection, storytelling, and emotional resonance.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in a very loving and supportive family. As I mentioned, my father was an artist, but he also loved nature — long hikes in the mountains and time outdoors were a big part of our life. I was raised with a strong sense of freedom, both creatively and personally.
I also spent many summers at my grandparents’ house, which gave me another kind of freedom: the freedom to invent. I made my own “paints” from my grandmother’s flowers, colored her bedsheets (not always with permission 😊), collected special stones and pieces of wood, and turned them into little creations. My imagination felt unstoppable.
Looking back, I realize how much those experiences shaped me. Even now, when I start a new project, I try to reconnect with that curious child inside me — the one who explored, experimented, and created without fear.
Pricing:
- I offer both limited edition prints and original oil paintings, with pricing varying depending on size and complexity. Prints begin around $35, making the work more accessible, while original pieces and commissions are priced individually.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.petya-artist.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petya_artist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petya.artist
