Ilona Bidzane-Ekmane

Ilona Bidzane-Ekmane (art by JIE) born in Riga, Latvia, who made the UK her cherished home since 2009. As a self-taught artist, Ilona embraces the spirit of experimentation with textures and colors. The transformative power of texture fascinates her, infusing her paintings with life and imparting a captivating, almost three-dimensional effect. Consequently, the majority of her artworks boast a textured quality. Despite always harboring an artistic inclination, Ilona never had the opportunity to fully express or pursue her passion until a few years ago when she decided to let it consume her, hoping it would alleviate her ongoing anxiety and depression. "Sometimes we find the most beautiful things in the worst possible places..." Since that pivotal moment, Ilona has become an unstoppable creative force. Each artwork she produces is unique and never meticulously planned. Rather, it serves as an expression of her emotions, her affection for the people and things that surround her, as well as a reflection of her past and present experiences. According to Ilona, "This is just the beginning for me. Now that I have allowed my creative side to take control, I don't think I could ever stop. I cherish the exhilaration it brings, the way it engulfs me in love for my craft. With every brushstroke, paint splatter, and textured chaos, I find the freedom to be myself." Ilona firmly believes that every artwork is an embodiment of the artist. As long as she continues to create, a part of her will forever thrive through her art.