Field Review | Artist Interview Series
In conversation with
Melinda Bunjaku
Melinda Bunjaku is a self-taught artist born in Sweden with roots in Pristina, Kosovo. She began drawing at thirteen, discovering art as a way to express what could not always be put into words. Working primarily in oil on canvas, she creates figurative paintings shaped by faith, spirituality, emotion, and the human experience. Her practice explores the connection between inner life and visual expression through light, atmosphere, and gesture.
From:
Sweden
Artist Statement
My practice explores the relationship between faith, emotion, and the inner life of the human being. I am interested in the moments that are difficult to articulate—the quiet experiences of vulnerability, longing, surrender, struggle, hope, and transformation. Through painting, I try to give these invisible experiences a physical presence.
I work primarily in oil on canvas, drawn to the medium’s ability to build depth slowly through layers of colour, light, and texture. The human figure is central to my work, not simply as a representation of a person, but as a vessel for emotion and experience. A gesture, expression, or change in light can reveal something that exists beneath the surface.
Faith is an important foundation of my practice. Biblical narratives, prayer, and spiritual imagery provide a starting point for many of my paintings, but I am less interested in illustrating religious stories than in exploring the human truths within them. Questions of devotion, doubt, sacrifice, forgiveness, suffering, and hope are not limited to one belief system; they are part of the complexity of being human.
Light has become an especially important element in my work. I use it both physically and symbolically—to create atmosphere, direct attention, and suggest presence, revelation, or hope. I am drawn to the tension between light and shadow because it reflects something I recognise in human experience: the coexistence of uncertainty and faith, fragility and strength, darkness and possibility.
My approach to painting is intuitive and gradual. I often begin with an emotional idea, an image, or a fragment of a story rather than a fully predetermined outcome. As the painting develops, I respond to what emerges on the canvas, allowing the process to become a conversation between intention and discovery.
Although my work is rooted in personal faith and experience, I hope it remains open to different interpretations. I want the viewer to bring their own memories, questions, beliefs, and emotions into the encounter. The painting does not need to provide an answer; it can simply create a space to pause and feel.
Ultimately, I see painting as a way of making the unseen visible. I want my works to hold a sense of stillness and presence—to invite the viewer beyond the immediate image and into a deeper emotional or contemplative experience. Through my practice, I continue to explore what it means to believe, to struggle, to hope, and to be human.
Tell us about yourself and your artistic background.
I am a self-taught artist, born in Sweden with roots in Pristina, Kosovo. I began drawing when I was thirteen, initially as a way to express emotions and thoughts that were difficult to put into words. Over the years, drawing developed into a deeper passion for painting and visual storytelling. I work primarily with oil on canvas, and my practice has grown through personal exploration, faith, observation, and a strong interest in the emotional side of the human experience.
How would you describe your artistic practice?
I would describe my practice as figurative, expressive, and deeply personal. I work primarily in oil on canvas, using light, colour, movement, expression, and symbolism to communicate emotions that are often difficult to express verbally. My process is intuitive; I usually begin with an idea, feeling, or image and allow the painting to develop gradually. I am interested in creating a sense of presence and inviting the viewer to look beyond the surface of the image.
What themes or ideas are most important in your work?
Faith, vulnerability, hope, and the complexity of being human are central to my work. I am particularly interested in moments of inner struggle, surrender, transformation, and connection. Biblical narratives and spiritual themes are important sources of inspiration, but I focus less on illustrating a story and more on the emotions within it. I also use light and shadow symbolically, exploring ideas of darkness and hope, uncertainty and faith, and the relationship between what we see and what we carry within.
What inspires your creative process?
My creative process is inspired by faith, human emotion, personal reflection, and the stories and experiences that stay with me. Sometimes an idea begins with a biblical passage or a moment of prayer, and other times it comes from an emotion, an expression, or something I have experienced or observed. I am especially drawn to moments that carry both vulnerability and strength. Once I begin painting, I allow intuition to guide me and let the work develop naturally rather than trying to control every detail from the beginning.
Can you tell us about a recent artwork or project?
My most recent painting is titled The Renaissance. It is a personal interpretation of the Jordan River, where Jesus Christ was baptized, and is inspired by the biblical meaning of that moment. Rather than depicting the river literally, I wanted to express how I imagined and experienced it through my own artistic perspective. The painting explores baptism as a symbol of renewal, rebirth, faith, and spiritual transformation, which is reflected in the title The Renaissance.
Alongside this, I am preparing for an exhibition in Monaco from the 11th to the 13th, where three of my other biblical paintings will be presented. It is meaningful to see this part of my practice brought together in an exhibition, as these works reflect the relationship between faith, human emotion, and the biblical narratives that continue to inspire me.
What challenges have influenced your development as an artist?
Being a self-taught artist has been one of the greatest challenges, but also one of the most important parts of my journey. I have had to learn through observation, experimentation, mistakes, and persistence. There have been moments of self-doubt and uncertainty, especially while trying to find my own artistic voice without a traditional art education. Over time, I have learned to trust my instincts and see challenges as part of the creative process. They have taught me patience, discipline, and the importance of staying true to what I want to communicate through my work.
What role does art play in your life today?
Art plays a deeply spiritual role in my life. Before I begin a painting, I usually pray, and there are moments when, even before I pick up the pencil or brush, I feel connected to something greater than myself. Sometimes it feels as though the Holy Spirit is guiding the process, painting with me, through me, and for me. In those moments, creating becomes more than an artistic practice. It becomes a form of prayer and connection with God. I may begin with an idea, but I try to remain open to where the painting wants to go rather than controlling every part of it. Art gives me a way to express my faith and emotions beyond words, and I hope that something of that presence and feeling can also be experienced by the person standing in front of the finished work.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently developing a new body of work that continues to explore faith, spirituality, and the human experience. My most recent painting, The Renaissance, has opened a new direction for me, particularly around themes of renewal, transformation, and our connection with God. I am interested in creating work that feels increasingly personal and spiritually honest. I want to continue exploring biblical narratives through my own perspective, not simply illustrating them, but finding the emotions and meaning within them and translating those into something visual.
What are your future goals as an artist?
My future goals go beyond developing my own career as an artist. I want to continue exhibiting internationally, growing creatively, and creating work that has meaning and reaches people on a deeper level. One of my dreams is to eventually establish a foundation that supports other artists, helps them develop their gifts, and gives them opportunities to be seen.
I would also love to one day tell my own journey through film. Sometimes my life and artistic path feel like a movie, from where I started, to the exhibitions, the people I have met, the unexpected opportunities, and all the changes that have taken place within me along the way. I feel there is a story there that could encourage others.
More than anything, I hope my journey can inspire people to recognise what they carry within themselves and have the courage to pursue it. Whether it is art or something completely different, I believe we all have gifts that can lead us towards our purpose. For me, connecting with God and something greater than myself has been an important part of finding that path. I hope that through my work and my story, I can encourage others to search for their own calling, trust it, and see where it can take them.
Where can readers follow your work?
Readers can follow my work and artistic journey through my website, where I share my paintings, exhibitions, and the continuing development of my practice. I also share my latest work and creative journey on social media.
