Unexpected Awakenings with Neda

May 6, 2025

Neda Petrova’s journey into art began with a simple love of paper, which gradually evolved into a rich mixed media practice shaped by her instinct to explore and push boundaries. Over time, she developed a personal process that allows her to work freely, without being confined by technique. Her work draws from memory, personal experience, and a deep fascination with how we process the world around us - often resulting in images that feel both unexpected and familiar. In this interview, Neda shares insight into her creative process, the challenges of staying true to her vision, and the quiet motivation that keeps pulling her back into the studio.

How did your journey with paper and mixed media begin, and what drew you to these materials specifically?
I have always enjoyed working with paper ever since I started my art practice. However, it took me time to embrace the methodology I am currently using. The preference I developed towards mixed media was born from my love for experimentation and the desire to use the most adequate instrument in order to represent my ideas without limiting myself in technique. The creation process I established for myself later is built on the materials and tools I am most comfortable working with.

Can you walk us through your creative process - from initial concept to final piece?
It is really chaotic but usually begins with a past experience of mine I am willing to depict. This comes with a huge amount of drawings done in a search for a representation that is matching my vision. The process is energy draining and as much as it's curious as an evolution, I usually dislike the majority of work done. Afterwards comes a period of observation in which I give myself time to get used to what I produced. It can take months but eventually the images start clicking and I am able to complete a piece.

What inspires you to create - whether it's nature, architecture, memory, or dreams - and what is it that keeps pulling you back into the studio, fuelling your passion for making art?
Art creation is how I process the everyday and it reflects the interests I have in the period in which I am creating. What I find particularly fascinating is problem solving in all sorts of areas. There is such a vast variety of resolutions and responses to situations to be observed, from human ability to remember and recall to the sky being blue. As an artist and as a person I find this really motivating.

Is there a particular emotion or message you hope people take away from your work?
I would love for my work to awaken curiosity in the first place. Unexpected without being
shocking, an image to interrupt the visual consumption we are immersed in nowadays. If the viewer manages to take more from my work I will be happy about it.
What has your art taught you about yourself?
I digested many experiences through my work which helped me accept life situations but also improved the knowledge I have for my character. I am very attentive to my own reactions and love to observe those while practicing my art. The most recent discovery I made for myself was that I need to loosen up and become less concentrated in what I am doing because I tend to over focus.

What has been one of the most unexpected lessons or insights you've gained through your artistic practice?
Perhaps the most impactful one was the necessity to accept things as they are instead of
constantly fighting. At least when it comes to the relationship between art and artist. This
realisation affected not just my approach to art but also how I deal with life on a daily basis.

What advice would you give to emerging artists who are trying to find their own voice?
To not rush through the process of formation but enjoy it. The art journey is very interesting if the artist is appreciating all of its aspects, the negative ones included. Staying objective and willing to notice the positive sides while paying attention to personal interests instead of what is considered good, in my opinion, is a beneficial habit to develop.