Among Toys: The Paintings of Mirella Stern
As we approach the next Young Polish Artists, we would like to introduce the artistic profile of Mirella Stern. She places the human figure at the center of her work, yet her paintings defy convention. Her visual metaphors feature wooden dolls, puppets, toys, and stone statues-mediums through which she tells her stories.
Mirella Stern graduated from the Art Department of the Pedagogical University in Kraków, earning her painting diploma under Aleksander Pieńk. She has participated in numerous Polish exhibitions and continues her artistic journey, focusing on painting and stage design for theater productions. We invite you to explore her artistic personality through our interview with the creator.
Jagienka Parteka: Ms. Mirella, was there a moment in your life when you realized you wanted to become an artist?
Mirella Stern: Like most children, I drew a lot. But I don't know anyone who, in early childhood, spent hours flipping through art albums instead of watching cartoons. Yet, I could do that endlessly. My parents' library had three such albums-Picasso, Titian, and Matejko-a true artistic mishmash that fascinated me. I think I had the inclination for art even then.
As for the moment I truly wanted to become an artist? It was in first grade when I saw my art teacher for the first time. She was like a butterfly-beautiful, colorful, completely different from everyone else. That's when I thought: being an artist must be something special, like a character from a fairy tale.
JP: The colorful, almost fairy-tale-like world is also evident in your work. What themes dominate your paintings? What do you want to convey to the audience?
MS: In my work, I use dolls, puppets, marionettes, and teddy bears from the world of childhood as a means of expression, while also relying on pure colors and simple contrasts-elements drawn from that same world. I developed this painting style naturally. Since childhood, I have loved puppet theater. When I paint, I create my own performance. I tell a story, with my painting serving as one of its scenes. And just like in a theatrical production, the set design and the attributes of the characters-along with the roles they are assigned-are important to me. Through this, I depict the world as I see it.
JP: Where do you draw the most inspiration from? What does your creative process look like?
MS: I find inspiration in everyday life-one just needs to observe carefully to see how much is happening all around. Every moment carries emotions and moods shaped by various events. Sometimes, one of them prompts deeper reflection. If a thought stays with me for a while and seems inspiring, I transfer it onto paper as a sketch. If that isn't enough to organize my thoughts, I turn to canvas and start painting-that's when I can truly "play with my thoughts."
JP: Do you have an ideal place to work?
MS: My studio and music. I can't paint without music. Over the years, I've definitely developed some special ear-hand connection.
Unfortunately, I can't admit what kind of music it is because it embarrasses me.
JP: I understand-sometimes a little mystery adds something intriguing, even fascinating, to a story. Do you have a biggest artistic dream? Is it something constant, or do new and bolder aspirations emerge over time?
MS: My biggest dream? Yes, I have one. The smaller ones, I gradually fulfill. But the big one is completely unrealistic. I would love to illustrate even just one of Murakami's books. I just need to learn Japanese first so I can read in the original, and… well, I probably don't have that much time left, but one can always dream!
JP: As the saying goes, one can always dream! Now, do you remember the first work of art you ever saw? How did it make you feel?
MS: I don't remember which one was the first. But I do remember that the first time I saw Chagall's work in person, I thought: I want to do it like THAT. Boldly. From deep within myself. Honestly.
JP: Since you mentioned an artist like Chagall, let me ask-are there particular artists whose work especially inspires you?
MS: Many artists inspire me, not only painters and not just because of the works they created. Sometimes, their lives and personalities are a true source of inspiration. But my lifelong love is Pieter Bruegel the Elder-magnificent.
JP: To conclude our conversation, is there a particular way you would like your works to impact viewers, compared to other art forms?
MS: I would like someone viewing my works to be able to break through the first layer-filled with charming, colorful dolls-and discover the story embedded within. I'm not saying they will find great life wisdom there, but they will certainly encounter humor (often dark), self-irony, and a solid dose of emotion.
The artist's latest work, "It Will Be Like a Fairy Tale", can be viewed at our headquarters at Piękna 1A in Warsaw. We invite you to participate in the auction, especially for in-person bidding on Tuesday, February 2, at 7 PM.