Annie Sliwka has a way of pulling you into her world with her work. Her art, particularly her lacquer pieces, has an ethereal quality that lingers long after you’ve seen it. She’s found a way to make this ancient medium her own, using it to create pieces that feel alive, almost as though they’re holding secrets meant only for the viewer to discover.
Her connection to lacquer began early, during her preparation for higher art school. It wasn’t planned—she stumbled upon it. But once she did, there was no going back. It was immediate, a love at first sight that would shape her artistic path forever. The glossy, luminous finish of lacquer opened up possibilities that other mediums couldn’t match. It gave her a way to blend sensitivity and imagination, turning her pieces into windows into the soul.
Her work is defined by its sensitivity and metaphorical depth. Every piece carries layers of meaning, inviting you to interpret and feel rather than simply observe. There’s a softness to her lacquers, an iridescence that seems to move with the light. It’s hypnotic, drawing you in to explore what lies beneath the surface. For Sliwka, lacquer isn’t just a material—it’s a tool for storytelling, a medium that bridges the tangible and the intangible.
Take Red Coral, one of her works. At 19.69 by 25.59 inches, it’s more than just a painting. The vibrant red tones feel alive, pulsing with energy, while the lacquer gives it a depth that transforms it into something almost otherworldly. Then there’s The Pass, a landscape measuring 19.69 by 31.5 inches. It’s a completely different experience—calm, expansive, and reflective. Both pieces show how versatile lacquer can be in the hands of someone who truly understands it. They’re more than just art; they’re experiences.
Sliwka’s approach to lacquer isn’t just technical—it’s poetic. She has a way of turning each piece into a conversation, a quiet exchange between the work and its viewer. Her sensitivity to the medium is what sets her apart. She’s not just working with lacquer; she’s working with light, texture, and emotion. The result is art that feels alive, constantly changing depending on the angle and the light.
Over the course of her career, her work has received various forms of recognition, including four international awards. In 2020, she was awarded the Great Gold Medal for Art Professionals by Mondial Art Academia, a prestigious Franco-Canadian institution.
Despite these accolades, Sliwka’s work feels personal. There’s an intimacy to her pieces, a sense that they were created not for the masses but for individuals. Whether it’s the vibrant energy of Red Coral or the contemplative calm of The Pass, her art resonates on a deeply personal level. It’s this duality—being both universally recognized and deeply individual.
For Sliwka, art isn’t just about creating something beautiful. It’s about connection, about reaching out through the medium to touch something in the viewer. Her pieces are more than just objects; they’re conversations, invitations to explore not only the art but also yourself.
There’s something almost meditative about the experience. The soft lights, the shifting iridescence, the layers of meaning—all of it combines to create something truly unique. It’s not just art; it’s a moment, a pause in the chaos of everyday life.
Annie Sliwka’s journey into lacquer may have started by chance, but it’s clear that it was meant to be. Her ability to take this ancient medium and turn it into something so modern and alive is undeniable. She’s not just an artist—she’s a storyteller, and a creator of moments.
