I created 20 pieces, each texturized eye painted on a 20cm (or less) scrap-wood strip, 8cm wide. These scrap wood pieces (transformed into artwork) represent the act of using what we’ve got in front of us to create something even more beautiful and unique. The number “20” represents this year while “8” stands for infinity. Taking what we’ve gained from this historic year, we can transform our perspective and see with perfectly imperfect “20/20” vision as we infinitely travel through new experiences. Each piece has my handprint on the back. With this, I intend to connect more personally with you, offering a human touch during these isolated times.

“This is a mix of paintings that include various abstract pieces, not necessarily connected to a specific series. Sometimes, when I experiment, magical things happen in the studio and the pieces are so unique, they cannot be categorized into one specific collection. Some of these were from my original paintings in the “Color Flash” series—back when I started this art journey—when there were actually NO organized collections yet and ALL of what I did was an experiment! Sometimes, I still feel like all of this is a big experiment! I hope you enjoy watching the whole process unfold with me.” –April Popko

“Angels exist all around us. They can be our friends, our neighbors, someone on a metro, in the street or in places we cannot yet see. Regardless, they protect us, they guide us, and they make our world a more magical, safer place to live. It’s hard to describe, but I believe angels take on many different forms, such as light and electric energy. The wings may simply be a symbol of that energy’s form of “flight” or means of travel. In my paintings, some images may have large, far-reaching metaphorical wings while others, perhaps, are recognized as tiny abstractions through the use of light, colors and metallic paints and/or iridescence. When thinking about angels in human form, I dare to imagine they could quite possibly have crooked halos…but souls of gold. It’s not difficult to find angels--just look around you—they are everywhere!”—April Popko

“Between Two Worlds was created because I felt that in living abroad for so long, I needed to communicate in a complex, foreign world, and yet, in this diverse, “global community” I was searching—between language barriers, cultural differences and questions around what I could contribute to society by being here.

Through art, I reinvented myself to express what I needed the outside world to understand. In this transformative process, I discovered fearlessness and, unexpectedly, a massive sense of connection. My art became the medium in which I could communicate my energy and build bridges between the gaps which I thought had existed—(linking countries, communities, genders, lifestyles, cultures, languages, and even the space between heaven and earth). I aim to bring viewers together through my art so that they too find their purpose, their connection, and their understanding of themselves as an essential part of the universe.”—April Popko

“My Color Block Connection paintings usually have two separate color panels combined or are connected by abstract lines and/or color splashes. Sometimes the colors blend and sometimes not—but they are always connected. Through these pieces, viewers can imagine how the two parts are connected into one. Regardless, of the degree to which the relationship exists, they are tied together in some way. In our time, we search for similarities among the people and situations we are met with. We are attracted to things that are like us but fascinated by what is different. Here, I hope to express this so you can better understand the relationships between these concepts, artistically represented by color and texture.”—April Popko

"Feathers in the Wind are an extension of the Angel Wing collection. They are the transient signs of angels-- a short-lived burst of energy or frequency that exists close to us. Sometimes, if we don't "see" or "feel" angels, we can still recognize the little signs and symbols nearby. These are the frequencies we pick up on because we are either in tune with them or simply because we want to believe. Feathers in general, known to be soft and delicate, could be of comfort to us, as a reminder of our loved ones-or perhaps as a little 'Hello from Heaven.' All of my feather paintings are completed by using real feathers to carefully add a soft touch of paint. I hope this soft touch gives you comfort and enjoyment as well." – April Popko

“Sailboats symbolize many things— hope, courage, adventure, navigation and intuition. It’s a vehicle that enables a journey. It can evoke feelings of both speed and leisure at the same time. Sailing requires discipline, faith, focus and skill. It allows us to travel, embarking on the “Seas of our desires”. We can all apply what we wish to these imaginings…but I have a more personal connection to these boats.

Being raised by the Atlantic Ocean in Cape Cod, Massachusetts (USA), I was barefoot in the sand, since I was 5 weeks old. I say, ‘the ocean seems to run through my veins’. It gives me energy to be by the water, sailing, fishing, lobstering, and water-skiing with family and friends. Painting boats is my way of transporting my soul to reach both sides of the ocean. Now that I live in a land-locked country (Czech Republic), painting boats helps me feel closer to home. When I paint boats, breezes, sea grasses and other nautical themes, I bring a bit of that to light.

FLEET also represents the most valuable commodity: TIME-- because time is FLEETING. Since living abroad, far from my American family, I feel a strong need to share my feelings about how precious TIME is and the importance of spending it with loved ones. Being abroad for decades has amplified my awareness of those precious, fleeting moments. With every year that passes, I feel it more intensely. This ride through life IS fleeting and time spent together is priceless.
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As we all try to make the most of our unique journeys, I wish you many amazing moments that move your soul and transport you in ways you would have never dreamed of.” —April Popko

“I love nature and I am inspired by it every day. I paint colorful, vibrant trees and flowers all year long—no matter the weather or conditions outside. When I paint flowers, I think of people exchanging them with warm smiles and good intentions. In good times and in bad, flowers are the most appropriate gift…and these bouquets and gardens don’t even need watering! They are everlasting! ”—April Popko

“As Amelia Earhart once said, “No borders, just horizons—only freedom.”

I am inspired to expand, despite a world filled with border maps and passport controls. I always look at the horizon ahead of me…where the sun and moon rise and fall each day and each night…and clouds pass in the wind, carrying with it whispers or messages and stories from around the world.…things we all have in common. As I stand on a beach, a balcony, a mountain top or field, I look out as far as I can see, the skyline kissing treetops, skyscrapers, water or land.

Though we all live under the same sky, our horizons do vary as the limit of one’s knowledge, experience or interests can also define his or her perspective. I share with you a series of pieces which represent not only geographical locations but also points of view from which we might experience something new.”—April Popko

This series is identified by the metallic hardware on the corners of each abstract painting.

“We each have our own journeys to explore and discover. We learn from our experiences, mistakes and from the twists and turns that life can presents to us. The pathways we take can feel as simple or as complex as we make them and, from my experience, it always unfolds in unexpected and beautiful ways…if we allow it. When we open our eyes to the unlimited possibilities, we can begin to understand that the energy of the universe supports us and is unending. I wish you a beautiful, colorful, and fulfilling adventure throughout YOUR life journey and possibly the journey we share together through art.”—April Popko

“Adventure starts in the heart and takes us to places we never knew we'd experience! Follow your heart...I followed mine and it took me on a magical journey to Marrakech, Morocco (Africa).
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No matter where we are from or where we are going, there is no question about how magnificent our beautiful planet Earth is! When we travel, our hearts and minds open, not only because we are out of our comfort zones but because we are invited to learn about and appreciate the vast beauty the world has to offer. Traveling makes me feel more in touch with everything and everyone. Come along with me on my journey to Morocco through these paintings and photos! They were made with natural Moroccan powder pigments and a dash of spice…made from plants, flowers, minerals and stones. The powders were mixed with water in this series.

The collection was inspired by the Moroccan spice markets and the colors and aromas of magical Arabia. It was an overwhelming mix of fragrances such as incense, orange blossom, amber, dusty pathways, frankincense, diesel from the mopeds, myrrh, herbs, BBQ food, jasmine, spices, donkeys, leather, mint, cat pee and sandalwood. I loved the whole intense mix!”—April Popko

“I never expected to make portraits until I was commissioned to paint one. As a lover of great challenges, I began to paint eyes, noses, and mouths. To my surprise, I really enjoyed the process! I like to make these portraits either in black/white/grey shades or with many vibrant, complex color combos that captivate the viewer.”—April Popko

"A rainbow is a promise of sunshine after rain, of calm after storms, of joy after sadness, of peace after pain, of love after loss. As the world recovers from quite a storm, I offer my rainbow collection to brighten the atmosphere. The curated selection of original paintings include a piece from almost every Popko art collection--just as a rainbow includes almost every color. Absorb the vibrant energy!

Dating back to ancient Egyptians who used sun-activated solarium rooms with colored glass, they used color for therapeutic purposes. Known as chromotherapy, an alternative remedy using color and light, balancing the body’s energy centers (the chakras), color therapy can balance mental and physical health. Enjoy! It works." -- April Popko

“Depending on which cultural belief system you follow, there are many elements in nature. I have chosen to recognize the elements of Fire, Water, Metal, Wood and Earth. There are others, such as Space, Air, etc.—which provide the foundation for our physical world. As the elements are the building blocks of all material existence, I have added many of my “Roots” paintings in this category as well. In order to have a healthy growth of roots, I believe we need to access all elements. Every one of these paintings has unique texture, color, and an exchange of energy with the different elements.”—April Popko

"If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration..."--Nikola Tesla

“What we say, do, think and feel send vibrational energies into the world. It affects everything and everyone around us, and travels much further than we could ever imagine. As with any type of energy, this vibration will certainly come back to us.
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This collection of paintings represents the vibrational energy behind the words and phrases we use to interact every day. In my Voices Are Vibrations series, I titled each piece after a phrase or words that you might hear someone say on one end of a conversation, such as from a mobile phone. We can only guess what the relationship is between the communicators and we can only imagine what the response will be. In this way, we are left to wonder and in turn, feel only the energy around it. Simply by listening, as a 3rd party, we are also somehow connected to this vibration. I want to highlight this as we become more aware of our surroundings.

I invite you to absorb the good energy from these paintings, to imagine the dynamic between people in conversations from the phrases they say—or to simply absorb and enjoy this energy in and around you.”