Colorful Memories | Martina Sestakova

Confluence Community
5 hours ago
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Artist of the Month | Martina Sestakova

One thing we continue to come back to in working with artists, is how often creativity becomes a source of therapy, a place to process life and the experiences of the world in our own individual ways. A deeper reflection of how we can learn about ourselves, intentionally and intuitively, noticing what others might pass by, and choosing to observe a little longer. Understanding that not all creative practices begin with the intention to produce something.

This month we are giving a behind the scenes look of the Artist of the Month program, and experimenting with the feature writing process. We would love your feedback on previous features, and to learn whether artists and audiences prefer creatively written pieces, or this typical Q&A format.

Meet the March Artist of the Month: Martina Sestakova

Martina Sestakova is an abstract artist and wearable art designer whose work explores memory, nature, and emotional experience through color and form. She holds a B.A. in Communication and an M.F.A. in Fashion Design, with a background in intercultural communication. Her creative practice brings a layered perspective of experience, including textile designs, studio work, and accessible art workshops where she creates space for people of all backgrounds to engage with creativity.

How did you get started as an artist?

I ended up sharing my creations because a friend of mine encouraged me. I taught art but never really sold my own paintings and she told me to give it a try and a whole new world opened up to me. Prior to that, I got a Master's Degree in Fashion and while painting was not per se the focus on the courses, I learned how to illustrate my designs, which ultimately lead to my current art practice.

What mediums or forms do you currently work in? Have they changed over time?

I have worked in watercolors for a long time. One of my favorite mediums, however, is acrylic ink on Yupo. It is a fascinating "paper" medium and playing with acrylics on the surface is lovely. Currently, I mostly work in acrylics on canvas or Yupo.

What themes, questions, or emotions are you most drawn to in your work?

Personal themes - I use creative outlets to embrace my own life experiences and draw strength to keep going and to share with others. I have created three bodies of work so far: Visual Insight's into Life's Beauty (focusing on the power of words in our lives), Embodiment (focusing on energies in the body), and Healing Garden (focusing on nature as a vehicle to connect with ourselves and out loved ones).

Is there a particular story or experience that shaped your creative journey?

Many different experiences have fed into my creative explorations. Meeting certain people, traveling, exploring nature. I work with older individuals in retirement communities - as an art instructor - and get to know their lives. It's such a pleasure to listen to their life stories and how they have dealt with life experiences.

Where do you find inspiration: in nature, people, memory, stillness, movement?

Mostly in nature for my Healing Garden series but when I work on the paintings, I find myself thinking of people and our connections to nature and to each other. Memories come up. Stillness sets in. My heart and brain have an opportunity to process experiences. It's a very life-affirming experience to create with my hands.

What does your creative process look like? Do you have any rituals or rhythms when you work?

I love taking photographs of the beauty around me - during my travels especially. The photos become inspirations. I sketch simple floral shapes and then forget the photograph. I select a variety of colors that appeal to me in the moment and start filling in the artwork with colors and intricate patterns. It's nice to have a starting point but also to let myself go where ever I need to.

What challenges have you faced in your creative journey, and how have you navigated them?

While I enjoy creating by myself, I also find it extremely encouraging to have a supportive community. Sometimes I hear fellow artists talk about loneliness. I am a member of an art group and have made lovely friendships that fuel my creativity.

How do you stay connected to your creativity when you’re feeling stuck or unsure?

I don't push things very much. If nothing comes to me, I read, write, do other things. And then, my painting spirit comes back and it again makes sense to paint.

What does community mean to you in the context of your art?

Having people or spaces to reach out to where I can learn about what others are working on or going through. It makes me a more aware human and artist.

How do you hope your art connects with or impacts others?

I am mostly interested in connections during which we get to know each other through our vulnerabilities. There is a lot of play in the world about how strong we may be but I find little moments of sharing sometimes hard so meaningful. Life is amazing and the beauty can be seen with clearer eyes if we, too, can appreciate the challenges and support each other throughout the experiences.

What does “success” look or feel like to you as a creative person?

Working - not holding back, not using excuses. Doing the work no matter what it ends up looking like.

What are you currently working on or excited about in your practice?

I enjoy showing my art with my students - I have a show coming up in April in Kensington, MD, with one of my dear students. Tracy is 91 and creates fantastic pastels. It will be such a pleasure to bring out works together.

Are there upcoming projects, collaborations, or themes you’re exploring?

2026 is all about showing my art and bringing light to works created in retirement communities where I work. Older individuals are often forgotten in the busy world.

What has creating taught you about yourself or the world around you?

That pausing is essential to seeing and feeling and acting kindly.

What advice or encouragement would you offer to other artists, especially those just starting out?

Keep going. There are a lot of opportunities to connect with others. And be authentic. That's what builds actual and meaningful connections.

Reflections

There is a relaxed presence in the way Martina speaks about her work, a commitment to paying attention and letting the process unfold as it needs to. What comes through, is an artist describing her practice as a person moving through the world with care in mind, and a willingness to observe, and trust what emerges without forcing it, a natural way of being.

Throughout this season, each artist we featured offered a different perspective, yet shared similar materials, and ways of working intuitively, a shared instinct to use creativity as a way of understanding, and building connection. We set out with a focus on Culture, and it showed up in the ways we see artists hold onto moments, reinterpret them, and let them evolve into something new. Each perspective was distinct, yet similar, a broader picture of what it looks like to be human, learning to pay attention, creating meaning, and finding connection where we can. Even across very different practices and cultural experiences, there are shared questions about identity, belonging, and growth.