Who am I?

Published on 19 November 2024 at 16:27

 

Hey there!

 

My name is Denisa Gjestila, and I was born in 1995 in a small city in Albania. I’m the artist behind the colourful creations that bring a smile to your face.

My journey with art began in childhood, when painting was a natural expression of my imagination. As I grew older, this artistic expression shifted. In my teenage years, I turned to writing, with poetry becoming a sporadic refuge for my thoughts and emotions. By the time I reached university, I had set aside all creative outlets, though a part of me still longed for something more.

In 2016, I felt a call for change—a leap of faith that led me to Belgium. The move was challenging, but it also became a profound journey of self-discovery. Slowly, I began painting again, first sporadically, but with my son’s birth, a new version of myself emerged.

In January 2022, when my son was just 8 months old, I dedicated myself to learning the basics of drawing, watercolour, and acrylic painting. Each night after he fell asleep, I found time for my craft. Painting became my sanctuary, a way to rediscover myself—not just as a daughter, wife, or mother, but as me. Over time, through persistence and inner work, I embraced the identity of an artist.

Artists are born, lost, refined, and reborn—and I am no exception. By overcoming imposter syndrome and fear, I claimed my dream and launched Denisa's Artworld, a platform where my creativity and vision come to life.

What I love most about illustrating is the power to tell a story with a single image. My work explores humour, quirky characters, and unexpected twists because I believe a touch of humour can brighten anyone's day. Alongside that, my art transforms feelings of pain, grief, and challenges into something uplifting, vibrant, and inspiring.

Denisa's Artworld is more than an art page. It’s my world—a collection of paintings, watercolour postcards, bookmarks, prints, custom illustrations, and sketchbooks filled with daily reflections and travel sketches. It’s a community—a space where I share art tips, discuss social issues, and connect deeply with others.

I want to show people that they, too, can follow their dreams. In 2023, I fully committed to sharing my art to inspire others. Now, almost two years later, I’ve created and sold original pieces that reflect not just my skill but my heart.

Beyond my art, I find joy in the outdoors, where I draw inspiration from nature's beauty and the magic hidden in everyday moments. I believe that discovering our authentic selves is the key to originality—in both art and life. After all, what is a life not lived true to your own essence? I dedicate time to reflecting on and nurturing my inner world, ensuring that it harmoniously shines through in my outer creations.

Looking ahead, my vision for Denisa's Artworld is to collaborate on projects that bring others’ ideas to life, infusing every creation with a piece of my soul. I dream of teaching the art and creative process to people of all ages, helping them reconnect with their inner child artist and discover the joy of self-expression.

To me, Denisa's Artworld is a place for healing, inspiration, and a reminder of the vibrant colours on life’s canvas. I hope it becomes a vibrant community where creativity is celebrated, shared, and cherished.

Love and light

Denisa

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