For Marina Katsnelson, becoming an artist wasn't part of the plan. After years as a hospital pharmacist, she unexpectedly discovered painting, a passion that has since led to gallery exhibitions and a growing collection of vibrant contemporary works. For the September Style issue, she shares how creativity transformed her life.
Q: You spent years working as a hospital pharmacist. How did art become part of your life?
A: "I never imagined I'd become an artist. After discovering the colorful paintings of Leonid Afremov, I took a painting class, bought a small set of paints and taught myself through YouTube. What began as curiosity slowly became a passion."
Q: How have your life experiences influenced your work?
A: "After years in healthcare, where everything had to be precise and fast, painting became the place where I could slow down, breathe and simply enjoy creating. I love celebrating life's everyday moments."
Q: Where do you find inspiration?
A: "Everywhere. Travel, flowers, restaurants, music and even grocery shopping. Sometimes an entire painting begins with a coffee cup, a lemon or an interesting shadow."
Q: How would you describe your artistic style?
A: "Contemporary, colorful and joyful. I want people to smile, remember a favorite vacation or think about sharing coffee with a friend. Art should make people feel lighter."
Q: This is our Style issue. How does art influence a home's personality?
A: "Art is what makes a house feel personal. Furniture can come from a showroom, but artwork tells visitors who you are. It reflects your memories, your travels and what makes you happy."
Q: What advice would you give someone choosing artwork for their home?
A: "Buy what makes you stop and look again. Don't worry about trends or matching the sofa perfectly. Choose the piece that still stays with you after you've left the gallery."
Q: What's one message you hope readers remember?
A: "You don't have to discover your passion at 20. Mine found me much later in life, and if my story inspires someone to try something new, then sharing it has been worth it."
Meet the Artist
Katsnelson, a Township of Washington resident, is represented by Piermont Fine Arts Gallery in Piermont, New York, where her colorful contemporary paintings are on display. She is also expanding her work into greeting cards, coasters and home décor, bringing original art into everyday life. One of her most meaningful paintings, Bonjour, earned recognition in a coffee table art book, but its greatest value is reminding her where her artistic journey began. Learn more at marinakatsnelson.art, follow @marinas_art_lounge on Instagram or email marinasartlounge@yahoo.com.