Agnieszka Kaminska was born in Poland where she studied at Marie Curie University and achieved an MA in painting. Since 2017 she lives and works in Derby where she runs her artistic practice from her cosy little studio at Banks Mill Studios.

Agnieszka’s observations of the world developed from childhood. As a shy, sensitive, and solitary child she turned towards nature, observing the world and the flowing of life around her. She feels like a guest or visitor on the Earth and tries not to disturb the peace or comfort of others – no matter if it is an animal, plant, human or just a stone. This love and respect of Earth is reflected in her work. She adopts an illustrative style in her animal paintings and her bird paintings have a little bit of an expression.

Agnieszka identifies herself more as an artisan rather than an artist. Her main material is classic oil on canvas which she likes to merge with modern forms and strong colours. Oil paints are a favourite because of their smooth textures and perfect colours mixing. Due to her love of mixing classics with modern elements she likes to paint folklore patterns based on her roots. These combines classic Polish cut-outs with her own floral and animal patterns and transforms them into oil paintings.

Part of her illustrative oil painting series titled Fluffies can be seen on greeting cards from Green Pebble publisher. Also, a selection of these cycle appeared in Artizan Small Works Exhibition in Spring 2021. This cycle of works started when Agnieszka moved to the UK from Poland and reflects her inner child in the form of little, sad animals.

Since May 2021 a few of Agnieszka’s small postcard artworks depicting birds can be seen on a virtual small works exhibition organised by Beach Gallery Orkney Wild Things.

One of Agnieszka’s folkloristic paintings – Folk Garden – was taking part in ‘I Colour Outside the Lines’ exhibition Creative Arts Showcase 21 at the Bromsgrove Hotel & Spa in July 2021 where Agnieszka won first place in Painting and Drawing category. Here are a few words from the exhibitions Judges about ‘Folk Garden’ painting:

“For the judges there was no denying the joyful impact of this piece, bold and vivid as a whole, yet revealing sensitive details that exude vitality- colour punching out from the dense dark void of the background. A real shot in the arm for the viewer seeking a sense of renewed optimism, and the warm embrace of the folk art tradition.“