A Masterly Conversation with Miroslav Stibůrek

Courtesy of artist

Miroslav Stibůrek, also known under his brand name Miroslavo, is a Czech artist, designer, photographer, inventor, and entrepreneur. His artwork has been displayed nationally and internationally in galleries and art spaces such as the Cube Design Museum, the Vernice Art Fair, the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, the BAF Bergamo Arte Fiera - Modern & Contemporary Art Fair, and elsewhere. I had the pleasure of asking Miroslav about is his dream project, how he uses lines in his artwork, and the difference between creating for a client and creating art for himself.

UZOMAH: How do you use art to produce the kind of design your clients will like for their products that best represent their brand and marketing needs? 

MIROSLAV: Well, art helps me understand people and how the self works. The better you know that, the better you are at meeting clients’ and their customers’ needs.

U: What do you take into account when designing for certain clients that are more based on their industry?

M:  Well, some things are applicable in all industries and some are specific to that given industry in which case you have to understand their customers in-depth, better yet, become one.

Connections (2020). Acrylics on canvas. 92x73cm

U: How important is it for Miroslavo to be an example for other businesses to design products for sustainability?

M:  Well, I think it’s very important to promote sustainability and to design products that have a good social, economical, and environmental impact as that will hopefully inspire others to do the same and create a better future. But in the end, we put our grain in the sand and hope others will be inspired to do the same seeing that what Miroslavo does creates a positive impact on the world.

U: What are the differences in how you create or design art for yourself and art to exhibit versus for a client?

M: Well, when purely for myself, I will care much less about the result or the concept, I will just paint, experiment a lot, try new things, etc. When for an exhibition, that depends if I was painting for a specific exhibition or had chosen paintings that I created from painting just for myself. If for a specific exhibition, I will want to fit into the concept of the expo and also think about the space. Finally, when for a client, there is usually the most input from outside, and depending on the type of client, it can affect the painting concept and aesthetics greatly or not at all.

U: What is your dream project?

M: A project that includes and integrates all my skills, talents, knowledge, and identity.

Stained (2020). Acrylics on canvas. 92x73cm

U: What is your educational background in art and design?

M:  I’m mostly self-taught in these fields, although I did go to university, got my Bachelors, Masters and all of that; it wasn’t design nor art orientated even though I did take some extracurricular design courses just because I was thirsty for new knowledge, skills development, and exploration. I also learned from online tutorials, courses, books, experimentation, lectures, conferences, forums, blogs, etc. Something I do until this day and will continue doing so. Education is a life-long journey.

Worthy (2020). Acrylics on canvas. 92x73cm

U: In the past what was your favorite project, and why?

M: I worked on a project for one client where I was in charge of solving product design issues that they were facing and that prevented the project to go forward. It was challenging because the work was mostly of mechanical and engineering nature that I wasn’t that known for until this project and had some unresolved wounds and fears from the past. In this project, I faced them bravely and came out of it very strong. It’s when I showed myself and to others that I have the capability and talent to solve some highly technical problems.

U: Can you describe how you use lines in your artwork and how you use colors?

M: With colors, I set most of the aesthetic tone for the artwork whereas, with lines, I usually create the symbolism. Although that’s been changing, I have started integrating those two into one and have produced some brilliant pieces lately.

U: How do you manifest an idea you have into something artistic?

M: An idea is an inspiration that you either act upon or you don’t. When you do and decide to turn an idea into reality, into something physical like a painting, it’s when this transformation happens and something artistic is created.

(In)Evitable (2020). Acrylics on canvas. 92x73cm

U: Has the increased access to information like with the internet limited the ability to tap into one’s creativity or does it help?

M: It helps if you filter out the clutter and access information that you need. Internet and technology are magnificent but like with anything, it helps when used in moderation.

U: What would you suggest to an artist that wants to expand their brand as an artist to the level you are at?

M: Do what you fear the most!

For more information about Miroslav’s art and work please visit his site. For direct information about how to purchase his artwork please visit here. Also, follow Miroslav on Instagram and visit his Facebook for more updates