Magdalena Sudnik
Bio
I came to the US in 1985 during the height of upheaval in Poland, where I was born. Although I
was only 6 when the non- communist Solidarity Union began their revolution, I clearly remember
the communist response to the gathering threat: martial law and 8 years of repression. I think
back to that time of fear, and feel grateful that my family and I were able to immigrate to the US.
My life in America began in Chicago, where my ability to draw and paint was nurtured in nonprofit
organizations and city high schools. I was awarded the Marie Walsh Sharpe Scholarship
and soon after attended the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore.
Having drawn and painted since early childhood, I decided to major in sculpture, both to
challenge myself and learn new skills. I explored various techniques but kept returning to metal,
mold making and fiberglass work. I graduated with honors in 2000 and concluded my schooling
with a sculpture for the City of Baltimore, my first paid commission.
Art has always been my first love, travel my second. Therefore to the dismay of my professors,
graduate school administrators and family, I followed the lure of adventure and bought a camper
which became my home for the next three years. I wanted to see the country and longed to live a
simpler life. I wanted to find out the meaning of home, and self-sufficiency and art.
The adventure that unfolded continues to influence both my work and my life, although the two
now seem inseparable.
Having gone back to painting during my travels, I have now found my artistic language come full
circle. Today I pursue sculpture and painting with equal enthusiasm, having realized they are all
a part of the same vision.