In our series Behind the Scenes, artists answer questions about their creative process, philosophy, and more. This installment features Albena Hristova, a painter inspired by Mother Nature’s textures, colors, and forms. You can see our curated collection of her work here.

What do you consume to help fuel your work?

My work is fueled by just about everything I encounter in my life. From the splendor of Mother Nature in all of her expressions: the colors and textures of rocks and the shape of their natural formations. The human body and the majesty of horses. The beauty of all types of music, from Bach and Mahler to Soul, Latin Jazz, and even Flamenco guitar when I’m in the mood. My art is fueled by fine cinema and both classical and modern architecture. There is endless inspiration, the only limitations are that I only have two hands and the day only has 24 hours!

How would you describe your subject matter or the content of your work?

“Faces of the Earth” describes it the best. It is a journey with no boundaries in texture, form or color. It is a free dance of my imagination in the nooks and crannies of Mother Earth and Her infinite expressions, including humans, horses, and all beings.

What’s one of your favorite works?

Describe your ideal work setting

My ideal work setting is a large, spacious room with a lot of empty space in the middle. The space would also have lots of north light, 4 or 5 easels ( or anything I can use for that purpose), a large table, my music and my bookcase with my favorite art books.

What does your workplace look like?

What will make you feel successful? Since I believe that art is a door from my soul to yours, I feel more successful when I can reach more people.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I have received is not to look for a style on purpose. the style will find the artist; if they are sincere it should be imprinted in and is an expression of their DNA.

What’s an image that makes you feel at home?

All art is theft—true or false?

I don’t subscribe to the notion that “all art is theft.” This is if you are a cold and senseless pursuit of a “style.” We are taught from the lessons of the masters before us, but a true artist with substance should be able to give their “two cents,” or show their unique soul. As I save above I believe art to be a door that links two souls.

If you could have any artist, living or dead, paint a portrait of you, who would you choose?

I would be honored beyond measure if Modigliani painted my portrait.

What contemporary artist do you envy the most?

I envy, or rather admire, Anselm Kiefer for too many reasons, not the least of which are his greatness as an artist, his worldwide recognition and his incredible studio, which fills an entire factory!

Describe yourself as a journalist might if they’ve only met you for five minutes.

I would like to think that a journalist would write “Albena is a pint-sized woman with larger-than-life personality!”