Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT THE ARTIST

What is your artistic background?

My path into art began with a foundation in graphic design — a discipline that trained my eye for composition, colour harmony and visual storytelling, and whose influence quietly shapes every canvas I work on today.From there, my journey took an unexpected and transformative turn: the ancient world of iconography. For five years I immersed myself in this extraordinarily demanding tradition — working with earth pigments, egg tempera and gold leaf, guided by centuries of sacred technique and devotional precision. It revealed skills I had never imagined possessing, and changed fundamentally the way I understand what art can hold and what craft truly means.I think of my practice as an ever-evolving conversation between everything I have learned and everything I have yet to discover. It is not a fixed point but a living thing — growing with each collection, each painting, each new influence absorbed along the way.My deepest hope is simple: that when you encounter my work, something in it reaches toward you.

What inspires your collections?

Memory, above all else. And beauty in its most unguarded forms — the kind that is found not in grand gestures but in the particular quality of afternoon light on a field of wildflowers, or the way a child sees the world from the height of long grass.Many of my collections draw on personal history — childhood, family, the people and places that have shaped me most deeply. The Guardians collection, for instance, is a tribute to my parents, painted in a symbolic language where every flower carries the spirit of my mother and every fruit the quiet strength of my father. The Meadows collection is a return to childhood perspective: the world seen from below, from within, from the dreaming distance of a summer afternoon that once felt ordinary and now, looking back, was extraordinary.I am also profoundly inspired by the masters who came before me — the Dutch Golden Age painters, the Impressionists, and the refined elegance of Oriental art, whose influence is beginning to find its way into my more recent work.At the heart of it all is a belief that beauty is not a luxury. It is a necessity. And that art, at its finest, is the most generous way of sharing it.

What media and materials do you work with?

My training has taken me through many disciplines — earth pigments, egg tempera, oils and acrylics — each one teaching me something the others could not, and leaving its mark on everything I make.Today I work primarily in acrylics and mixed media, which offer the range, luminosity and immediacy my vision requires. The influence of those earlier traditions, however, is never entirely absent. You will find it in the layering of colour, the quality of light I pursue across a canvas, and the occasional use of gold leaf that speaks directly to my years in the world of iconography.

Do you exhibit your work?

My work is currently available through my website and through private enquiry. I am actively exploring exhibition and gallery opportunities, and details of any upcoming events will be announced through my Instagram @silvanagorgiev and mailing list.If you represent a gallery or event and would like to discuss exhibiting my work, I would be delighted to hear from you at info@silvanagorgiev.com.

PURCHASING ORIGINAL WORK

Is the work on your website available to purchase?

Yes — all works displayed on the website are available for immediate purchase unless marked as Sold. When a painting finds its collector, it is moved to the Archive, where it remains as a record of the journey.Commission pieces are arranged privately and do not appear on the website. If you are interested in a commission, please visit the Commissions page or contact me directly.New works are added regularly. Joining the mailing list or following @silvanagorgiev on Instagram is the best way to be notified the moment something new becomes available.

What makes an original painting a worthy investment?

An original painting is fundamentally different from any reproduction. It is a singular object — made by a human hand, at a specific moment in time, carrying the full weight of intention, feeling and craft that no print or copy can replicate.Beyond the emotional value — which is considerable — original works by artists with a serious and growing body of practice tend to appreciate over time. Each piece comes with a certificate of authenticity, which documents provenance and supports its value for years to come.But perhaps most simply: an original painting changes the room it lives in. It becomes part of a home, part of a life. That is a different kind of investment entirely.

What sizes do you work in?

For works on paper — watercolours and smaller intimate pieces — I work to standard sizes (A5 and A4), which makes framing beautifully straightforward at any quality frame shop.For canvas works, sizes vary across the collection and are priced accordingly. Exact dimensions are listed on each individual artwork page. If you are looking for a specific size to suit a particular space, please do not hesitate to reach out — I am always happy to discuss options, or to explore the possibility of a commission made specifically for you.

Do you offer payment plans?

I understand that acquiring an original work of art is a meaningful investment, and I am happy to discuss payment arrangements for larger pieces. Please contact me directly at info@silvanagorgiev.com to have that conversation privately and without obligation.

What is your returns policy?

Each painting I make is a singular, original work — and I stand behind every piece I send into the world. All works are fully insured in transit, so you can purchase with complete peace of mind.If your work arrives damaged, please contact me within 48 hours of delivery with photographs and I will resolve the situation promptly and personally.As original artworks are unique objects, I am unable to accept returns or exchanges for change of mind. I encourage you to reach out before purchasing if you have any questions about a work — its size, colours, texture, or how it might suit a particular space. I am always happy to provide additional photographs, video, or a studio visit by appointment to help you feel completely confident in your decision.Your satisfaction matters deeply to me. Please never hesitate to get in touch.

COMMISSIONS

Do you accept commission requests?

Yes — commissions are among the most meaningful work I do. There is something extraordinary about creating a painting made entirely for one person, one space, one story. I approach every commission with the same care and devotion I bring to my own collections.To begin the conversation, please email me at info@silvanagorgiev.com with a brief description of what you have in mind — the subject, the mood, the space it will live in, any colours or feelings that matter to you. I will respond personally, and we will take it from there.

What is the timeframe for a commission?

Timeframes vary depending on the size and complexity of the work requested, and my current schedule. Everything is discussed and agreed at the very beginning of our process, so you will always know exactly where things stand.I never rush a commissioned work. A painting made for you deserves the same unhurried attention as any work in my collections — and I am committed to keeping you informed and involved throughout.

How does the commission process work?

Every commission begins with a conversation. We discuss your vision — the subject, the size, the palette, the feeling you want the work to carry, and the space it will ultimately inhabit. From there I prepare a proposal outlining the dimensions, medium, estimated timeframe and price.Once everything is agreed, a 50% deposit confirms your commission and secures your place in my schedule. I share progress at key stages throughout the process, so you feel genuinely connected to the work as it develops. The balance is due upon completion, before the work is dispatched.Every commission arrives with a certificate of authenticity and full care instructions.

SHIPPING & CARE

Do you frame your work before posting?

Works are sent unframed. Frames are inherently fragile in transit, and I believe your artwork deserves the proper care and expertise that only a skilled local framer can provide.Every work arrives with detailed care and framing instructions, which you can pass directly to your framer. A quality framing job is one of the finest investments you can make in the long-term presentation and preservation of your artwork.

How do you ship artwork, and do you ship internationally?

I ship domestically via Australia Post, using specialist art packaging to ensure every work arrives safely and in perfect condition.International shipping is available and warmly welcomed — my work has found homes well beyond Australia's shores. Please contact me at info@silvanagorgiev.com before purchasing so we can discuss the most appropriate shipping method and cost for your location.

How should I care for my painting once it arrives?

Full care instructions are included with every work, and I encourage you to pass these to your framer as well. As a general guide:Keep paintings away from direct sunlight, which can fade pigment over time. Avoid hanging in areas of high humidity or near heat sources. For canvas works, occasional light dusting with a soft, dry cloth is all that is needed — never use water or cleaning products on the surface of a painting.If you have any concerns about a work after it arrives, please don't hesitate to contact me directly. I stand behind everything I make.

MEDIA & COMMUNITY

I am a blogger, journalist or gallery and would love to feature your work.

I am genuinely grateful for your interest. Please visit the Press page on this website, where you will find a biography, key facts and information about requesting high resolution images for editorial use.Alternatively, you are warmly welcome to contact me directly at info@silvanagorgiev.com. I will respond personally and promptly.

How can I find out when new work is added?

Follow me on Instagram @silvanagorgiev, where I share new works, studio process, the stories behind each painting and the occasional glimpse into what is coming next. It is the most immediate and personal window into my practice.You are also warmly invited to join my mailing list using the signup form on this website. Subscribers are always the first to know when a new collection arrives — and occasionally receive exclusive previews before works go public.

Can I visit your studio or see work in person?

Studio visits are available by private appointment for serious collectors and by arrangement for media and press. If you would like to experience the work in person before making a significant acquisition, please reach out at info@silvanagorgiev.com and I will do my very best to accommodate you.I believe deeply in the difference between seeing a painting on a screen and standing in front of the real thing. You are always welcome to ask.