The Artist Behind the Work - Savina Lachezarova Nikolova

My name is Savina Lachezarova Nikolova, and I am a Bulgarian painter, printmaker, and illustrator. I was born in Bulgaria and continue to live and work here - grounded in the same cultural landscape that has shaped my artistic voice from the very beginning.

Art has never been a separate activity in my life. It has been my language, my inner compass, and my way of understanding the world.

 

Beginnings and Formation

My artistic journey began with formal training at the National School of Arts “Prof. Veselin Stoyanov” in Ruse, where I specialized in Fine Arts. This foundation led me to Veliko Tarnovo University “St. St. Cyril and Methodius”, where I completed both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Graphics (Printmaking) under the guidance of Prof. Hristo Tsatsinov.

During my university years, I also undertook additional training in Japanese printmaking, an experience that left a lasting imprint on my sense of balance, rhythm, and composition.

 

Teaching and Continuity

Alongside my personal artistic practice, teaching has been a defining part of my professional life. For over 19 years, I have worked as a visual arts teacher at Secondary School “Vasil Levski” in Ruse. Between 2006 and 2009, I also led a preparatory program in visual arts at the National School of Arts in Ruse, working closely with young artists at the start of their creative paths.

Passing knowledge forward has deepened my own understanding of art - as discipline, responsibility, and lifelong exploration.

 

Beyond the Studio

My creative work extends beyond painting and printmaking. I have illustrated educational booklets in Dubai, designed book covers, and participated in cultural initiatives that connect art with community life. One of these is a Bulgarian folklore festival, where I developed the complete visual concept - from logo and stage design to decoration.

These projects reflect my belief that art should live not only on walls, but also within education, tradition, and shared experience.

 

Why I Create

For me, art is a meeting point between imagination, memory, and emotion. Each work begins as an inner impulse and grows into a space where viewers can pause, feel, and dream. Through my art, I seek not to give answers, but to open doors - to reflection, to silence, and to personal meaning.