Coming from a conservative place, we only did classical fine art in Bulgaria—realism—still lifes, figure studies, and portraits. We never created bold concepts.
Then one day, we had a screening in university. It was a film that my university wanted me to see—a documentary about the oldest prostitute in Amsterdam.
I was shocked. Back home, a guy was expelled for painting a sex scene for his graduation. And here I was, watching a film so raw, so disgusting, and so direct—approved by my university.
It changed me. For the first time, I wasn’t ashamed of my fascination with the weird and extreme. The Dutch freedom of expression resonated with me, and I let my true self surface.
My next project was bold—a tribute to Giger, the horror-metal designer. I created an art installation featuring his most brutal and perverted pieces. And what do you know? People loved it. They connected with it far more than my safe, classical work.
That freedom in bold ideas is what helps me now to open up with such personal stories that I thought I would never share.
What’s a bold idea you’ve explored? How did stepping out of your comfort zone change your work? Let’s talk about it.
#HowAProstituteShowedMe #CreativeFreedom #Filmmaking #Storytelling #BoldIdeas