Klaudia Zelenay: The delicate balance between light and dark
- Klaudia Zelenay
- 49 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Interview with Klaudia Zelenay
1. Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.
I was born and raised in Budapest, Hungary, but I spent a lot of time near Lake Balaton with my godparents, which deeply shaped my love for nature. I started my artistic journey as a tattoo artist ten years ago, creating meaningful designs in harmony with each client’s personality. Alongside tattooing, I began to seriously develop my painting practice around 2020, primarily using acrylics and soft pastels, sometimes combining watercolor techniques with acrylics. However, the watercolor effect is more prominently visible in my tattoo work. My paintings have been exhibited both nationally and internationally, including in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vienna, and Budapest, and I’ve been fortunate to receive several awards for them. Over the years, I have aimed to capture both the beauty of nature and the darker, more mysterious aspects of life in my art.
2. Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?
My art explores the delicate balance between light and dark, the beauty and mystery of life. I am inspired by nature, animals, and the changing moods of the seasons, especially autumn and winter. At the same time, I draw inspiration from the darker side of life and human emotions, including themes often associated with the horror genre and metal music. Through both my tattoos and paintings, I aim to show that darkness is not necessarily negative—it can be beautiful, deep, and meaningful. Each piece is created to resonate with the viewer’s emotions and tell a story, whether subtle or striking.
3. How does your art life impact other parts of your life?
My art gives structure to my daily life, but it also serves as a form of relaxation. What I enjoy most is the freedom it provides: in tattooing, most of my clients trust me completely with the design, giving me full creative control, while in painting, I can express my current mood on the canvas. Often, I find peace and strength in my art, which helps me navigate the more challenging aspects of life.
4. Tell us about your best experience in the art world so far.
I receive heartwarming feedback from my tattoo clients every day, which is incredibly moving because I create something permanent on their bodies, leaving a lasting mark in their lives.
Even after ten years of tattooing, this trust still touches me deeply. In painting, one of my most memorable experiences was reaching the finals in a major competition in New York, which gave me the courage to present my work on an international stage. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to receive many awards, including two special prizes in the Hungaricum category, which I particularly cherish as they celebrate my Hungarian heritage. Additionally, as a tattoo artist, I was featured in a special edition highlighting the world’s top tattoo artists, along with an interview, which was truly an honor.
5. What practical advice can you give to fellow artists?
If you truly love the art you create, never give up and always be brave. Inspiration doesn’t always come on demand, and when it doesn’t, don’t be discouraged or try to force it. Creativity comes from within, and sometimes a short break is all you need to recharge your inner flame and let inspiration flow again.
6. Is the artist life lonely?
As a painter, it can definitely be a solitary experience, but for me, this is also the calming side of it-
I can fully immerse myself in my canvas. As a tattoo artist, however, it’s a completely different feeling. The sessions often involve intimate and friendly conversations, and through my work, I’ve met many wonderful and interesting people.
7. What are you working on at the moment, and are there any upcoming events you would like to talk about?
At the moment, I am working on autumn and winter-themed pieces. I continue to participate in exhibitions, and I’ve recently received invitations for interviews in magazines as well as features on online platforms. Hopefully, in the near future, I will receive my artist visa for the United States, where I plan to settle permanently. In the meantime, I also have plans to move to another European country.
Website : www.klaudiazelenayart.com
Facebook : www.facebook.com/klaudiazelenayart
