MAKER: From Outsider to Illuminator – Vivien Szaniszlo’s Artistic Evolution
Meet Vivien Szaniszlo, the innovative force behind luminescent artworks that reveal hidden depths in both paint and human experience. An artist who transformed feelings of being an outsider into a unique artistic voice, Vivien creates paintings that literally glow with meaning – featuring special techniques that reveal new layers in darkness or under UV light.
On Being a Savant
What Does Being a Savant Mean to You?
A:To me, this word means “outstanding.” To literally stand out from the crowd, from the gray and the average. To me, being a savant means not fitting into the usual numbness that slowly swallows the world. When I was a little girl, I couldn’t fit in properly in the school community, and I didn’t have any friends. I could not see, feel, or think the way the majority did. So I created my own world, a bubble where I just drew stories where the animals talked and comforted me when I was sad. So in my mind, I was never lonely.
The Moment of Realization
The Moment You Knew You Were Unique—How Did It Shape You?
A: In the beginning, as a child, I didn’t understand why I wasn’t like my other classmates or those of a similar age. I didn’t feel special – I was more of an outsider. I would have given anything to be accepted, to be loved for who I am. I just wanted to be “normal.” Later, I got used to this situation and accepted that it would stay that way. I had difficult teenage years because of this, and it took a toll on me mentally and emotionally. Now I know that my difficulties were necessary in shaping me and helping me become who I am now. This way I can convey my art much more authentically. Only later, in my late 30s, did I feel that maybe I could give something to people through painting, because I realized that they could relate to my work.
Daily Rituals and Passion
What’s Your Daily Ritual for Tapping into Your Genius?
A: It’s very interesting, because I don’t need a special ritual to paint… I almost always paint… I mean in my head, literally always. I paint while I cook, while I shop at the store, I paint while I walk the dog. My head is constantly full of half-finished ideas, one image flashing into another, the whole thing like a colorful and noisy chaos. It’s like this program is always running in the background, unintentionally. So when I physically get to the point of actually painting, I just stop other activities and release my chaos onto the canvas. Then there will finally be silence in my mind for a while and the tension will pass. I’m a maniac for sure. It feels really good.
On Identity and Labels
In a World Obsessed with Labels, How Do You Define Yourself?
A: I don’t like labels and putting someone in a box. I have always believed that we are much more than our mortal casing, we are an infinite storehouse of possibilities. So how could one put a stamp on infinity in just a few words? No way. We are everything, stardust from the Universe.
Misconceptions
What’s the Most Misunderstood Aspect of Your Identity or Life/Work?
A:That’s good… my favorite is when they say: “painting is easy for you! You learned that in school!” I did finish high school studies in painting, but everything I do now and the way I paint totally go against the rules taught in art school. It took me years to master these glow-in-the-dark techniques, and there was no one before me who paved the way. I started, I fell… I got up and kept going… then there were failures, a lot of learning, and here I am. It’s easy to see only success, but behind it there are many attempts and failures. It’s not hard to fail, it’s hard to try again.
Creative Inspirations
Which Piece of Music, Art, or Literature Speaks to Your Soul—and Why?
A: I love all forms of art and admire all the fantastically talented people who can express themselves in music or anything else. The fact that we are able to open a channel from our soul and perceive the miracle that resides in us on such a wide spectrum is truly magical. I believe that everything can be art. Life itself is art – our body, the communication of our cells, our nervous system, every beat of our heart. The world we live in and everything with it. This creative energy drives me as well.
Legacy and Impact
What’s Your Legacy in the Making?
A: Obviously, as an artist, I want to leave a mark on others. But my real goal is to live my own existence as fully and deeply as possible. I would like the next generation to be able to connect emotionally with my art and creations too. So even after my death I can help people find their way to themselves, see that they are not alone, and know there is always a way out of the pit.
Bold Moves
What’s the Most Radical Thing You’ve Ever Done in the Name of Passion?
A: Actually, I put everything on art. I didn’t have a plan B for if it didn’t work out… Because I don’t know anything else – that’s who I am. It had to succeed because it is part of my existence. I couldn’t imagine any other way. I’m a person of extremes, so I don’t really have an intermediate solution. I regret that I didn’t stand up for myself sooner and that I didn’t accept who I am sooner. I spent too much energy and years trying to be someone I’m not.
Finding Balance
How Do You Balance the Chaos and the Calm in Your Life?
A: I solve this by mixing the two together and living in a stable chaos, if that means anything. I try to focus and navigate myself as well as possible. But I’m not alone, I have help. If I can’t find harmony with myself and the world, then my loved ones will hold my hand.
Role Models and Wisdom
Who’s Your Ultimate Role Model—And What Have They Taught You?
A: I really like Frida Kahlo. She showed unearthly courage and strength in her time, which is given to few people. I look up to her for her free will, her free voice and heart. Although she was bedridden for most of her life, the freedom and life affirmation that flowed from her made her majestic.
Advice to Younger Self
If You Could Speak to Your Younger Self, What Advice Would You Give?
A: Oh, that’s a hard one. If I met my younger self, I would start with a big hug for sure… I would tell myself that I am much stronger than what they want me to believe I am. I would tell her to learn to draw boundaries with others in time. I would tell her how important it is to respect herself, and most of all, I would tell my little girl self how much I love her, and that I am proud of her. I am so proud that she didn’t give up during the hard times – that’s why I can be here now.
The Power of Words
What’s Your Favorite Curse Word or Expletive, and Why?
A: We Hungarians are famous for how richly and selectively we curse! Swearing is never nice, especially not from a woman, but unfortunately I can also speak badly, mostly while driving! Maybe that’s where the stress comes out haha. I would write down what I usually say, but it would be long and I’m afraid there is no synonym in English.
Looking Forward
What Are You Looking Forward To?
A: I want to reach more people through my art, especially my mental illness series. These paintings reveal invisible but existing conditions that consume people from within – with details only visible in darkness or under UV light, symbolizing the hidden struggles we all carry.
