Behind the Canvas
Welcome, bloggers, podcasters, and media professionals.
Hello and thank you for visiting this dedicated resources page.
If you’re a blogger, podcaster, or writer in the realms of art, culture, mysticism, spirituality, and personal transformation, I’d love to connect for an interview or feature. I’m happy to share how my paintings function as portals to empowerment, meditation, and inner peace — speaking directly from the soul in a way that resonates with your audience.
Who I Am
I was born in Latvia to a mixed East European family, lived and studied in Boston and Madrid, began my art journey in Belgium, and am now based in the Italian-speaking region of southern Switzerland (Lugano, Ticino). My work revolves around Imaginal Symbolism — a bold, symbolic style where vivid archetypes weave into mystical narratives.
My paintings pulse with dynamic energy, as if music has crystallized into color and form. They serve as portals to the soul, inviting viewers into realms of empowerment, meditation, and inner peace while exploring the mystical dimensions of life. As with most art, it’s of course much better to view my paintings in real life, as many people are able to perceive their palpable energy. In order to facilitate this experience for those who’re based too far to visit my studio, I have created a YouTube channel where I showcase slow journeys through the texture and details of my paintings, combined with my original electronic music compositions: Uslada’s YouTube channel.
My artistic awakening
The seeds of my artistic path were sown during a transformative meditation retreat in Tuscany in 2011, where my creativity was truly liberated — like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. As I shared in this interview:
“One day, it just burst into my life as an answer to my search for inner joy, but actually, it must have been simmering inside of me for many years, calling me back to my soul, to who I really am.”
After Tuscany, I returned to Belgium and immersed myself in painting for over a decade. Early on, I had the great fortune to meet Belgian philosopher Marcel Paquet, who became a strong supporter of my work. You can read more about our friendship and his supportive presence on my art journey here: Remembering Marcel Paquet.
In 2024 I relocated to Lugano in southern Switzerland. Living in this culturally rich, Italian-speaking region feels like a beautiful continuation of that liberating Tuscan energy — the Mediterranean spirit still nurtures my ongoing dialogue with the Divine.
What Others Say About My Work
“Every form dissimulates the endless movement of the forces which compose it; Uslada brings these forces to light and gives visual expression to their vibrations, their dancing, whirling intricacy.”
— Marcel Paquet, Belgian philosopher
“Uslada's paintings are lush canvases alive with inspiration and freedom-loving imagery.”
— Edward Kiersh, American journalist
“This exhibition [The Imaginal World of Uslada] is a fascinating opportunity to engage with a unique artistic interpretation of reality.”
— Exploring the Imaginal Realm: Uslada’s Exhibition at Galeria Solis - dotArt review
“When I make my art, I dance with the Divine. I become a spiritual alchemist.”
— Painting as Transformation - an interview with Uslada on dotArt
“Archetypal images appear from invisible realms, and I render them visible as symbolic messages for myself and the viewer.”
— Dancing with the Divine - an interview with Uslada (.ART Odyssey magazine - The Healing Issue)
Every form dissimulates the endless movement of the forces which compose it; Uslada brings these forces to light and gives visual expression to their vibrations, their dancing, whirling intricacy.
— Marcel Paquet, Belgian philosopher
Video Examples of My Speaking Style
To help you get a feel for how I speak in public and on camera, here are two YouTube videos which demonstrate my speaking style:
An excerpt from Meet the .Artists online conference (December 2023)
where I discuss my creative process and the essence of Imaginal Symbolism — how archetypes and symbols emerge, drawing from music and inner vision.A video interview during an art gallery opening (Spring 2024)
where I reflect on bringing Imaginal Symbolism into the world and how the art creates real experiences of community, meditation, and empowerment.
In addition, here’s a TV interview in French that I gave to a local Belgian TV station.
Let’s talk abour art as transformation
I’m especially interested in platforms that value depth, authenticity, and heart-centered dialogue. If this resonates with you and your audience, I would be delighted to appear on your blog or podcast.
For inquiries, interview requests, or high-resolution images, please contact me at artstudio@uslada.art. You can also explore my full portfolio and YouTube channel (with original electronic music synced to my art) at www.uslada.art and https://www.youtube.com/@uslada_art.
Thank you for considering a conversation. Together, we can open portals to greater awareness, beauty, and inner peace.
With gratitude,
Uslada
