Art Chowder May | June 2017, Issue 9 | Page 20

2 . Be Supportive

Basic advice for success in any marriage : a supportive relationship enables one to achieve more than they could on their own . Yet , what defines support and mutual benefits may differ from person to person . Add the element of an artist who has poured blood , sweat , and tears into birthing a creation , and support is a more emotional need required of both parties .
Q : Do You Ever Critique Each Other ’ s Work ?
Nishiki : Only when asked . “ It is important to separate personal opinions and stick
to a formal artist interpretation .” A teacher by nature and profession , she selects her words carefully .
As for receiving feedback , Nishiki says she needs Bartosz ’ s eye , especially when stuck , and won ’ t finish a piece without his okay .
Bartosz : “ Feedback helps make progress . It is important to avoid sensitivity and give your honest thoughts .”
Their relationship forged when Nishiki was a professor and Bartosz a student . They discussed his work over Skype . Though now ,
he relies on his instincts in the studio .
Q : Even Though You Work in Different Mediums , Do You Ever Feel Competitive with Each Other ?
Nishiki : “ No . It would be difficult for one in the relationship to share a happy moment if the other is frustrated .”
Bartosz : “ Nishiki has ten years more life experience .” Bartosz picked up his brush as a young child of seven , and has enjoyed many honors in his career , but realizes the importance
of being in the physical space of galleries and exhibitions in order to expand one ’ s audience .
Q : Other Than When You First Met , Have You Ever Shown Your Work Together ?
They were in a show as newlyweds in June 2014 for Viewpoints at Aljira , Centre for Contemporary Art in Newark , New Jersey . Afterward , they ventured into New York and bought their wedding rings .

3 . You Must Like Each Others ’ Art

Art is an expression of one ’ s self . If you dislike your partner ’ s art , you reject a piece of them . Both Nishiki and Bartosz agree that you must enjoy the art your partner produces to fully respect them as an individual and an artist ..
Q : How Many Paintings Do You Work at Once ?
Nishiki : “ I recently completed six panels for my current show ,” displayed at the Prichard Gallery .
Bartosz : Counting as he points to each painting , “ Seven . If a collection were a novel , then each painting is part of the same chapter .”
ARTIST BARTOSZ BEDA
20 ART CHOWDER MAGAZINE