Artist: Joanna Asha Roznowski
About the artist:
Asha was born on the border of Germany and Poland and currently lives in Bedford, Nova Scotia. She received a Diploma in Fine Arts from the Vancouver Island University in 2003, a BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in 2005, and an MFA in Painting from the University of Waterloo in 2008. Asha has exhibited work in numerous exhibitions across Canada and Europe. Read more about Asha here.
We asked the artist:
What is your biggest indulgence as an artist?
My greatest indulgence as an artist lies in the privilege of sharing my vision with others. Through my work, I strive to capture the beauty of nature in all its fleeting moments—sunlight filtering through leaves, the quiet resilience of landscapes, and the delicate balance of life that surrounds us. To me, art is not only a personal expression but also a gift to future generations, a way of preserving the wonder of the natural world so that it may continue to inspire, heal, and remind us of our place within it. In creating, I indulge in the joy of connection—between myself and the viewer, between humanity and the earth, and between the present and the legacy we leave behind.
What is important to you as an artist?
The appreciation I receive from those who view my art holds profound importance to me as an artist. Each response—whether it is a moment of reflection, a spark of joy, or a sense of connection—reminds me that my work has reached beyond myself and touched another soul. Art, for me, is not only about creation but about dialogue: a silent exchange between the vision I share and the emotions it awakens in others. Their appreciation affirms the value of my efforts, inspires me to continue exploring new ideas, and strengthens the bond between artist and audience. It is in these moments of recognition that I feel the true purpose of my practice—an ongoing conversation that bridges individuality and collective experience.
What challenges you the most in your practice?
There are many challenges in my practice as an artist, but the greatest lies in finding balance. I am constantly navigating the tension between my inner voice—the pure, unfiltered vision that drives me—and the desire to share that vision in ways that resonate with others. At the same time, I must acknowledge the realistic possibilities of expression: the limits of materials, time, and circumstance. This balance is delicate, requiring me to honor authenticity while adapting to the practical realities of creation. It is in this negotiation between imagination and execution that my practice evolves, and where the true artistry emerges—transforming constraints into opportunities and allowing my inner vision to take form in the world.
What themes or symbols are important to you as an artist?
Themes and symbols that are most important to me as an artist are always rooted in the natural world that surrounds us. I see myself as inseparable from this environment—part of its rhythms, its beauty, and its fragility. As a human being, I feel compelled to translate what I observe and experience in nature into artistic expression, using the abilities I was born with as both a gift and a responsibility. Through my work, I strive to capture not only the visible forms of the natural world but also the emotions, connections, and timeless truths it carries. In this way, my art becomes a reflection of my place within the larger whole, an attempt to honor the world we share and to preserve its essence for others to feel and see
If you were to hang one work of art by another artist in your home, which would you choose?
If I were to hang only one work of art by another artist in my home, it would be Vincent van Gogh’s “Peach Tree in Blossom”. This painting holds a profound personal significance for me, as it recalls my childhood and the copy that once hung on the wall of my family home. That image was my very first window into the world of art—a doorway through which I began to see beauty not only in paintings but in the world around me. It sparked my imagination, nurtured my love for impressionism, and awakened a lifelong fascination with flowering trees as symbols of renewal, fragility, and hope. To me, Van Gogh’s blossoms are more than brushstrokes; they are reminders of innocence, discovery, and the enduring power of nature to inspire creativity. Hanging this work would be like honoring the roots of my own artistic journey, a tribute to the moment when art first spoke to me and set me on the path to becoming an artist.