The art of Urszula Socha represents a multifaceted exploration of the world through the prism of color and form. Her works, ranging from vibrant illustrations to contemplative landscapes, invite the viewer to reflect on the fundamental aspects of human existence: the connection with nature, the fleetingness of beauty, and the power of emotional experiences. This article offers a look at Urszula Socha’s creative journey, examines the key motifs of her works, and analyzes the message she conveys to her audience through the expressive language of visual imagery.
How early in your life did you develop a passion for drawing and painting? Can you recall your earliest artistic memories?
My earliest memories of drawing stretch back to my childhood. I remember one moment with extraordinary clarity: small fingers clutching a crayon, and an open book lying before me. It wasn’t a coloring book or a special sketchbook, but ‘Andersen’s Fairy Tales’. Each page, instead of merely serving as a backdrop for the story, became a canvas where I could explore the world of lines and geometric forms. I painted, drew, and decorated these fairy tales, feeling that each line was a new adventure, adding my own visual narratives to the magical tales. This book became a colorful chronicle of my early fascination with art, brimming with childhood expression. Over time, my palette of artistic tools began to expand. Crayons gave way to brushes and the vibrant hues of acrylic paints.
This marked the next stage of my journey, a discovery of new textures, possibilities, and ways of expressing myself through color and form. Each of these stages – from spontaneous scribbles in books to deliberate painting with paints – was a fundamental step in my creative path, inspiring and shaping my passion to this very day.
Your education as an educator, especially in the field of social rehabilitation, has influenced your view of the world and perhaps your art?
This master’s chapter in my life was like an emotional storm, which nevertheless brought an invaluable lesson. Studying resocialization and care pedagogy, especially in the context of work on social support for children fighting cancer, became a profound, personal journey. Intertwining academic knowledge with the most delicate case study – the story of my daughter – changed my perception forever. I understood how fragile and at the same time precious life is, how much power is hidden in helping another person. Oncology wards for children showed me an image of unwavering care, but also deeply hidden fear. I saw the needs of these little warriors, whose world, although composed of simple elements, is more mature than it might seem. The greatest joy there is brought by everyday, small miracles – a smile that lights a spark in the eyes. This experience, although difficult, filled me with empathy and inspired me to act in a different way. My illustrations, colorful, expressive fairy-tale characters, are an echo of this path. They create a world where you can forget about suffering for a moment, a world full of energy, sensitivity and color – my ‘thank you’ for understanding and a new, enriched worldview.
What role did the study of art and music in your teacher education play in the development of your own creativity?
The beginnings of my educational and artistic path date back to my early high school years, six magical years culminating in obtaining a diploma as a kindergarten teacher. It was there that everything developed, starting from the initial exams where I drew with a trembling crayon. I perfectly remember the artwork using the plakat (poster) drawing technique: ‘Flower Production Machine’ – symbolizing the beginning of creation, creation from nothing. School required not only knowledge but also the soul of an artist. Compulsory instrument playing opened up the world of sounds to me; I learned to play the piano, and the school orchestra became my second home, where the flute accompanied me in every piece. To this day, music remains my faithful companion – every work I create is imbued with its rhythm. Art classes were key; I knew that a future teacher of the youngest must be a creative wizard, able to breathe life into even the simplest ideas. It was a time of discovery – of myself, my passions, and my potential.
Why do you prefer to use exactly 12 colours in your drawings? Is there any particular symbolism or reason for this choice?
These twelve colors changed my life. As I was leaving for work abroad, my daughter placed professional TRI color pencils and A3 sheets of paper in my suitcase. Little did I know then that these simple tools would become the key to a door where magic awaited. Far from home, in my free time, the creative process began. I found ideal conditions – ample lighting and a large table – everything I needed to immerse myself in the world of colors. Illustrative drawings emerged, and with them, magical characters. I eagerly anticipated the final result; an inexplicable bond formed between me and my creations. This is how ‘The English Princess of Garnets’ and ‘Mother Earth – Gaia’ came to life, as well as the triptych ‘Girl with a Horse’, which won third place in the Golden Time Talent competition. Often, I finished late at night, driven by passion. Music has always accompanied me – I realized that just as twelve notes create a symphony, twelve colors unlocked a new visual symphony for me. I later added two more colors – silver and flesh, because change is life. My drawings often find their place in the garden, creating personal exhibitions surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Your characters are often illustrative in nature. What stories or emotions are you trying to convey through them?
Today, my thoughts revolve around them – my illustrative characters. They are like quiet whispers of the soul, emanating sensitivity, care, and sometimes even longing and love that permeates through the colors. These are not just images; they are creatures that live on paper, their stories vibrating in the air. Every line, every splash of color is saturated with deep emotion, not allowing you to pass by indifferently. Looking at them, you feel how they become faithful friends, ready to share a piece of their existence with you. They are full of energy and life, created with concentration and attention to every expressive detail. Their beauty touches the senses, regardless of age – they resonate with both children and older individuals. It is a harmony of goodness and fairy tale, enclosed in a visual form that reminds us that true magic lies in simple gestures and vivid colors.
Your love for floral motifs is very obvious. Please tell us what attracts you to flowers as an art object?
In my studio, time seems to flow differently when I lean over a canvas. There is something deeply moving in trying to capture the ephemeral beauty of flowers. They are so fragile, their glow so fleeting, and yet they can endure on canvas—eternity encased in acrylic. I find the greatest joy in impasto. Thick, energetic brushstrokes create a wonderful texture, an almost three-dimensional sculpture of paint. This physicality of painting, this building of form, is incredibly exciting. I also love combining flowers with still life, placing them in beloved, often old, porcelain vessels. Each jug, each cup has its own story, and the flowers within them tell a new one. This is how ‘Hydrangeas in an Onion Jug’ was born—a combination of cherished porcelain with fluffy hydrangea heads. It is like a dialogue between the permanent and the transient, captured in abstract, colorful impasto.
Do you think your art is more intuitive or based on any conscious principles and rules?
I have always felt that it is largely intuitive, as if I were simply letting my heart guide my hand. That sudden impulse that comes out of nowhere – whether it is a figure that suddenly appears in my imagination or a shape that needs to be captured on canvas – that is my starting point. It is surprising how much these seemingly spontaneous impulses bring something… predictable? Not in a boring way, but in a way that they always have specific shapes and forms. Every line, every color is intentional, part of a larger, conscious creative plan. But at the same time, what actually comes into being, what comes to life under my fingers, is deeply rooted in the intuition of the heart. It is a beautiful contradiction – conscious action and surrender to the inner voice. My art is a dance between plan and feeling, between form and freedom. It is in this space that the magic happens.
You speak of wanting to convey "good values" through your art, especially peace and freedom. How do you hope to achieve this effect on the viewer?
Today, I thought again about what I truly want to convey in my work. My paintings contain a piece of my soul, and within it lies a deep conviction that it is worth being free. Free to follow your own principles, always guided by goodness and what is most beautiful. This is the essence for me – respect for life and our planet. This is where the portrait of Mother Earth was born – my tribute to her incomparable beauty. I see divinity in her, underestimated and wounded by human actions, by wars that devastate her face. If the Earth were a woman, she would be a suffering mother, yet still gifting us with all her bounty. My paintings are an attempt to pay homage to this natural beauty. The painting with the white dove and tulips on a blue background… is a symbol for me: a symbol of peace, calm, that desired freedom and tranquility. Blue, this deep navy blue, is a reflection of our globe and sky – a space whose beauty we must value and protect. I want viewers to feel this inspiration to appreciate and respect the world around us.
What or who is your main source of inspiration today?
Today, my heart beats to the rhythm of nature. I look at all these shades of green, blue, and gold – a true symphony of colors that feeds my soul with energy. Inspiration pulsates in the air, as tangible as the warmth of the sun on my skin. But nature is not just landscapes; it is this fragile force that lies dormant in every creature, in every plant. And a woman… How much of the same, primal power resides in her! Revealed in the delicate light of morning or in bold, rich fabrics, she exudes vitality, mystery, and beauty, which is as changeable and fascinating as the light falling on a forest clearing. Every pose, every gesture is a new story, a new palette of feelings. Colors! They say more than words. Their vibrations penetrate me, stimulating me to create, to search for new forms of expression. I feel this energy permeate me, pushing me forward to discover the beauty hidden in the most ordinary things. Everything that surrounds me – the colors of the world, the power of nature, the beauty of a woman – intertwine into one endless source of inspiration.
Participating in the prestigious Golden Time Talent competition in London 2024 - what did this mean to you as an artist? What lessons have you learnt from this experience?
My participation in the Golden Time Talent competition is more than just an event; it’s a deeply moving, almost ethereal experience. It feels like a profound gift from the universe, a recognition for appreciating the opportunities I’ve been given. This competition has ignited within me an even greater hunger to delve deeper into art and constantly refine my skills. Being exposed to incredible artists from around the globe opens up entirely new avenues for learning, new techniques I’m eager to explore.
I’m starting to grasp the sheer magnitude of possibilities that lie before me. This platform allows me to be seen, to potentially achieve great things in the world, all while committing to continuous self-improvement. Golden Time Talent is truly an incredible blessing, a precious gift of fate that I hold dear.
What reaction do you hope to elicit from viewers who encounter your work?
How do you see your work developing further? Are there any new techniques or themes you would like to explore?
I still aspire to gain knowledge and improve my painting skills – it’s a never-ending journey. My immediate goal is to create a large painting with impressive dimensions of 170/120 cm. This is a new and wonderful challenge for me, opening up vast possibilities. On this canvas, I will bring to life the figure of a woman. The first version is a portrait of a famous singer, and the second painting will immortalize a girl in a beautiful folk costume. I am particularly excited about the prospect of working on such a large scale. I will be able to freely utilize every centimeter of the canvas, giving the painting depth and detail. The work will be executed with acrylic paints. Each of my pieces is always created according to a well-thought-out plan. When I focus on painting flowers, I dedicate my full attention to it. I believe that everything has its time, and new, fascinating topics and projects emerge one after another. This artistic path is full of discoveries, and I am ready for new challenges!
