As an artist based in Scotland, Fife, my creative journey is driven by the story I tell through each artwork. I have always been drawn to sculpture, and in my mixed media pieces, I aim to merge the world of painting with sculptural elements. I create 3D forms that emerge from the canvas, using my imagination and unconventional materials, rather than traditional sculpting tools, to shape the story I want to convey. These sculpted or crafted elements are never isolated; they grow organically from the 2D surface, becoming part of the larger narrative.
The mediums range from traditional acrylics and oils to unconventional materials such as epoxy resin, hot glue, sand, plaster, and preserved moss. This eclectic mix allows me to create textured works that engage the viewer on multiple sensory levels. I employ a variety of techniques, including wet-on-wet painting, dry brushing, splattering, stamping, clay modelling, and leaf casting, to experiment with form and structure.
Since 2020, my artistic practice has flourished, leading me to join the Cupar Art Club and showcase my work at the Cupar Art Exhibition in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, my participation in international art competitions with Fusion Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico, since March 2024 has earned me five awards. Through my work, I continue to explore the intersection of two-dimensional and three-dimensional art, challenging perceptions and inviting deeper engagement with each piece.
Bio
Based in Fife, Scotland, Ibolya Borbély is a mixed-media artist whose work explores texture and the fusion of three-dimensional elements with traditional painting techniques, including the use of chiaroscuro to enhance depth and contrast. Her art draws inspiration from the natural world but extends into abstract and surreal themes, creating a harmonious blend of creativity and innovation.
Ibolya's artistic journey began in Romania, where she trained as a fashion designer in the late 1990s. This formative experience honed her meticulous attention to structure and detail, which continues to influence her artistic practice. She works with a variety of materials, including acrylics, oils, epoxy resin, hot glue, sand, plaster, and preserved moss, crafting richly textured and complex compositions that engage viewers on multiple sensory levels.
Her techniques are equally diverse. Ibolya incorporates subtractive wet-on-wet painting, dry brushing, splattering, scumbling, clay modelling, plaster casting, and chiaroscuro to challenge traditional perceptions of painting. By blending these methods, she creates dynamic pieces that blur the boundaries between two-dimensional and sculptural art.
Though her passion for art has been lifelong, Ibolya’s dedication to painting flourished during the 2020 lockdown. Immersing herself in hundreds of painting tutorials, art books, other resources, and documentaries, she refined her skills and expanded her creative vision. In 2023, she attended an acrylic landscape painting course in St Andrews, Scotland, which served as a valuable addition to her self-directed studies from 2020-2022.
Since then, Ibolya has showcased her work at the Cupar Art Exhibition in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, her talent earned international recognition through Fusion Art competitions in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she received five awards. Through her work, Ibolya continues to push the boundaries of mixed media art, combining innovation with storytelling to create captivating pieces.
Awards/Recognition
4th place at the International ‘8th Annual Black & White’ Art Competition organised by Fusion Art, April 2024
4th Place at the International 8th Annual Colours Competition organised by Fusion Art, May 2024
Best in show at the International ‘10th Leaves and Petals’ Art Exhibition organised by Fusion Art; September 2024
Exhibition finalist at the International ‘10th Leaves and Petals’ Art Exhibition organised by Fusion Art; September 2024,
Artistic excellence at the International ‘10th Figures and Faces’ Art Exhibition organised by Fusion Art, October 2024
Exhibitions
August 2022, Scotland, Cupar Art Club Exhibition
August 2023, Scotland, Cupar Art Club Exhibition
October 2024, Fusion Art's 10th Annual Leaves & Petals International Online Art Exhibition
September 2024, Fusion Art's 10th Annual Figures and Faces International Online Art Exhibition
May 2024, Fusion Art's 8th Annual Colors International Online Art Exhibition
April 2024, Fusion Art's 8th Annual Black & White International Online Art Exhibition
Professional Photography Meets Artistic Expression
I am delighted to share that Frank Andrew, a talented professional photographer, took many of the photos featured on my website. His lighting and composition expertise beautifully highlights my artwork's textures and details. I’m grateful for his collaboration, which ensures my creations are presented at their best.