Introduce us to you and your brand
My name is Aska Marzec, the Polish lass behind Scottish Island Art, inspired by Scotland’s light and it’s scenery. Coming from Poland 14 years ago I was struck by the stunning beauty of the Scottish Islands, mountains and sea in a perfect harmony. Hopefully capturing it in my paintings for the viewer to enjoy.
How has your brand/work developed since you began?
I am a self taught artist who is in love with the beauty of nature and awe of creation. Inspired and motivated by my husband, who is a terrific artist, I started to paint and from then on art is a way of life for me and I love it! The creative process energises and inspires me to explore and create more artwork. I am particularly proud of my website www.scottishislandart.com that I have been working hard towards and still keep up, which isn’t easy at times.
What do you consider to be your most popular product?
I seem to have a few favourites popular with Customers. “Glencoe Cottage” giclee print is one of them. I also have a lot of memories intertwined with this image. Together with my teenage son, we explored Glencoe and the West Highland Way quite well by now.
Tell us a little about a piece you are the proudest of?
During lockdown I painted the Commemorative 2020 Lismore Rainbow painting and sold 25 limited edition giclee prints of that painting. I donated the raised funds towards making an outside seating area, where residents of the Trust Housing Residential Development “Glen Isaol” in Tobermory will be able to sit outside and socialise comfortably. I also work as a home carer in my other "day job” You can read about this in my blog on www.scottishislandart.com
"I donated the raised funds towards making an outside seating area, where residents of the Trust Housing Residential Development “Glen Isaol” in Tobermory will be able to sit outside and socialise comfortably."
I am proud of about 150 paintings so far, my landscape paintings, giclee prints, resin
coasters and resin letters find their owners in many places all over the world, bringing joy
and happiness to the proud new owners. I appreciate their positive feedback about my artwork, example:
",It actually wasn't a singular piece I was attracted to, it was the ambience all of them give off. I love the light that flows through your work, takes you right to the place! I can paint for this!"
How did you find out about SDX? And what made you apply to sell with us?
I was invited by Lynzi to join SDX about 2 years ago, first in Glasgow, then when they opened in Edinburgh which was a fantastic news. I could see that she liked my artwork and after 2 years I can definitely say that she also cares for the artists. I love being part of the creative SDX Community! You can always reach out to each other.
What would you consider to be the most challenging aspect about being a working artist/designer?
To balance time between family life and work. To be an artist and price my artwork, be internet savvy, be a photo editor, marketing guru and PR person all in one to brand myself. There’s just no time for all of it.
What have you found to be the most challenging aspect to your business since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020?
Significant drop of income due to the stop of physical movement of tourists. Not able to travel and explore places for inspiration.
How have you spent your time during lockdowns, any new hobbies or passions discovered?
I kept on working as a home carer in the Trust Housing Development . I also found a little bit more time to develop my artwork. I kept on painting and exploring new resin artwork.
How do you think the pandemic will affect shopping habits and the retail industry moving forward?
It’s very hard to predict. I am hoping that the tourism industry will be revived again and we will be able to travel, explore places and most importantly, visit our families.
How did SDX being closed affect your business?
I suddenly lost that wider exposure of my artwork to the Customers which SDX brings.
What do you hope to gain from working with SDX going forward?
To tighten the human Connections that I have made through selling with SDX. I met other Artists and new Customers (hopefully returning to purchase.) I hope to expand my connections even more in the future. I wish gallery owners would be more open minded, and go out and see places like these.
"I love being part of the creative SDX Community! You can always reach out to each other."
If you could share just one piece of advice to aspiring artists/designers who want to make a living from their creative talents, what would you tell them?
Make a business plan and set your goals but remember why you’re doing it. Not every piece I make is an artwork made to sell. Create what makes you inspired and don’t let anyones criticism stop you doing what you love and want to make. Unless it is a constructive one, then yes. Appreciated.
Tell us your favourite inspirational quote or best advice YOU were given.
Create what you love and are inspired by. Stay yourself.
Thank you to Aska for participating in our blog questionnaire, you can find her work at our Glasgow & Edinburgh shops as well as in our ever expanding