We had the good fortune of connecting with Marketa Sivek and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marketa, how do you think about risk?
I grew up in communist Czechoslovakia. Looking back, that itself was risky, even though I didn’t realize the scope of it at the time. My parents were anti-communists and my dad had made an implication that he signed the anti government manifest circulating around in 1960’s called Charter 77 . He was a teacher and there was pressure on people especially in the education field to become members of the communist party. He didn’t so that’s probably why he couldn’t teach in the city and had to take a bus to a nearby village school. Ever since an early age I knew to be careful of what I say outside of our home. I remember distinctly when I was about four, I heard the name of our President on tv – it could be loosely translated as “goose” – and I started laughing out loud. We lived on the first floor and the window was open. My mom shushed me, got up and closed the window. I was too little to understand at the time but soon enough you realize how oppressive it is to grow up feeling this constant awareness of your surroundings. I imagine it was tremendous pressure on all likeminded parents to make sure their kids wouldn’t repeat at school what they overheard at home.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I started my career, I sort of jumped in without much thinking. In retrospect it was a good thing at the time. If I had thought about it, I would have been probably pretty scared. For one, I didn’t speak English. That is a huge barrier, not being able to communicate. It makes you utterly embarrassed. All the connections you could make but can’t because you don’t understand the language.I remember watching ‘Designing Women’ on tv, picking up bits and pieces of English. I still remember some scenes from the show. It was so vivid and foreign, and so new to me. It makes me laugh now. The move was a culture shock but above all it was also very freeing. I was young and bold, perhaps a bit arrogant. I didn’t think of goals or consequences back then. I felt like I could do anything. Painting was my passion, something I always wanted to do. When they ask you in a fifth grade what you want to be when you grow up .. it was that kind of a thing for me – I wanted to be a painter. Being on my own having to fence for myself.. it was a mixture of perseverance and survival instinct that kicked in in the beginning. And it worked for me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you happen to visit Telluride, stop by Slate Gray Gallery. It’s a wonderful space run by the loveliest group of people (sending them hugs and kisses right now!) You can check out my paintings and a wonderful assortment of jewelry. Living in Chicago for over 30 years, I wouldn’t know where to start. There are so many places! If I start naming names, it will never end. If I had to name the most frequent place we go to it would be Ella Elli restaurant in our neighborhood. My wife and I have been going there ever since they opened. We love the staff, the manager, the chef, the design. It’s cozy, comfortable and chic, you can sit by the fireplace in winter or outside in summer. And they know our drink of choice. And of course my new gallery space located at 2936 N Lincoln Ave. We are open by appointment right now so email or text ahead of time, I would love to show you around.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My father is the one I would love to thank — in person if I could — but he is no longer with us. It took me years to put my life experiences in perspective and understand among other things the early influence he had on me. And a huge shout out to my wife Maura who is the most loving, kind and patient person I know. She is a professional coach who helps people overcome a multitude of challenges. In her presence people know that they matter.

Website: www.marketasivek.com

Instagram: @marketasivek

Facebook: Marketa Sivek Gallery

Image Credits
Marketa Sivek

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