Let’s introduce you
If you’re looking for the ultimate spot to flex your creativity, Pracownia Na Poddaszu—aka Attic Studio—is the place to be. Tucked away in the attic of a tenement house in Jeżyce, it’s where art meets therapy. We had to see what the hype was about, so we caught up with the brains behind it, Olga Kobylańska. She’s all about bold colors and fast strokes—abstract vibes with soul. Here’s the convo that followed.
The Interview
So, Olga, you’ve been in the game for a minute. What was your first-ever painting?
“Oh, I remember! I was 17, and it was a bike. My sister loved it so much she put it on her wall. She was my first fan!”
Your dad’s an architect. Why not follow in his footsteps?
“Painting’s my addiction, plain and simple. It’s where my heart’s at.”
How many paintings are we talking about here?
“At least 100. I’ve lost count, honestly.”
Do you sell them too?
“For sure. I also do commissions sometimes—portraits, special pieces, whatever people need.”
Is there a piece you’d never part with?
“Yes. One of my late sister. It’s so personal, and I miss her every day. That one stays with me forever.”
We’re sorry to hear that. Can you sum up this project for us?
“It’s tough to describe in just a few words, but let’s say it’s a space where people can learn to paint or just escape reality for a bit. Painting is like therapy—it’s magic.”
What are you working on right now?
“It’s intense. A church scene without God. It’s so personal that I don’t even know if I’ll ever finish it.”
Can we take a peek?
“Sure, but it’s off the record!”
Any artists who’ve inspired your style?
“René Magritte. His surrealism is genius—it makes you rethink what’s real and what isn’t.”
When people start painting for the first time, can you tell if they’ve got the talent?
“Definitely. But honestly, art is so personal. At the end of the day, it’s all about what speaks to the person creating it.”
Any weird stuff happen while teaching?
“Not weird, but I’ve noticed something interesting: no two people hold a paintbrush the same way. It’s like a fingerprint—totally unique.”
When did you dream up this studio?
“It’s been in my mind for years. I wanted a space where people could release emotions through art.”
So, the more chaotic someone is, the better they paint?
“Ha! You’re not wrong. The messier the mind, the more interesting the art!”
What’s with the vinyls in the studio?
“They set the vibe. Spotify’s great, but vinyl’s got soul. That crackle, that warm sound—it’s unmatched.”
Do people need to bring their own supplies?
“Nope! I’ve got it all—brushes, paints, canvases, you name it.”
What if I just want to try painting for an hour?
“If it’s your first time, I’d say go for two hours. It lets me get to know you and figure out what inspires you. After that, most people stick to an hour every couple of weeks.”
Why do you think men get the rep as the best painters?
“They’re not scared to be raw and honest. But let me tell you, that’s not exclusive to men!”
So which female painter do you vibe with?
“Jenny Saville. Her work is brutally honest and unapologetic. It’s not always pretty, but it’s powerful, and it makes you feel something.”
How important is picking the right topic for a painting?
“Huge. Experiment a bit, and then one day something just clicks—it’s like falling in love.”
What’s your favorite painting you’ve done?
“My Mary and Jesus piece. Mary’s covering Jesus’ eyes, and I used my son’s face for Jesus. It’s layered with meaning—what doesn’t she want him to see? People interpret it in so many ways.”
What’s harder—starting or finishing a painting?
“Finishing, for sure. No painting ever feels done. You form this connection with it, and it’s hard to let it go.”
Sounds deep. Is painting really that transformative?
“If you let yourself go while painting, it’s like stepping into another dimension. It’s incredible.”
Alright, last question, and we’re going a little cheeky—painting or sex?
“Ha! Let’s just say you’d have to be a phenomenal lover to top the feeling of painting!” Ready to tap into your inner Picasso? Slide into Olga’s DMs on Instagram and book your first session. Therapy’s never looked so good. 🎨
