As the vibrant energy of the Thirroul Seaside Festival approaches, Few & Far is bursting with pride to celebrate one of our very own – the exceptionally talented Gonia Chylinska. More than just our Senior Interior Designer & Stylist, Gonia is a truly captivating artist, and this year, her evocative artwork will be a highlight of the festival's art competition, proudly displayed in the front window of our Thirroul store.
This blog is a heartfelt tribute to Gonia, our cherished Artist in Residence, a creative force whose journey weaves together the worlds of interior design and artistic expression.
where she honed her skills at the prestigious European Academy of Art, culminating in a Master of Art degree. Her formative years were steeped in classical traditions – an immersive five-year exploration into the history of art, the discipline of painting and drawing, the nuanced art of portraiture, and the quiet beauty of still life. Following her graduation, Gonia’s artistic focus settled on the serene world of still life, leading to a successful exhibition in Warsaw before her path led her to the dynamic art scenes of London and eventually to the inspiring landscapes of Australia, which she now calls home.
For over a decade, the demands and joys of life led Gonia away from the dedicated practice of painting. However, the innate pull of the artistic spirit is not easily silenced. A few years ago, Gonia’s creative energy found its way back to the canvas, this time with a compelling and transformative shift towards expressionist abstract art. This evolution felt not just like a change, but a deeply personal calling, an almost vital exploration into the profound and often unspoken connections between the visceral power of colour, the dynamic language of movement, and the intricate landscape of human emotion.
Gonia’s current artistic practice is deeply personal and intensely intuitive, a powerful and often necessary avenue for expressing the complexities of feeling that words alone can sometimes fail to capture. Her primary medium is the versatile and immediate nature of acrylic paint, which she meticulously builds up in layers over time, patiently allowing each stratum to dry before the application of the next. The final, defining touch often comes in the form of oil pastels, their creamy texture and rich pigment bringing a striking contrast and a palpable energy to the overall composition.
Gonia possesses a unique and insightful perspective on the role of art within a space. For her, art transcends the mere physicality of the canvas; it is an intrinsic and vital component that breathes life into an interior. Her paintings engage with their surroundings in a dynamic interplay, possessing the remarkable ability to enhance the existing colour palettes, evoke specific moods, establish a sense of balance and ultimately contribute to an overarching feeling of harmony within a room. Some of Gonia’s pieces are undeniably bold and unapologetically full of vibrant colour, commanding attention and injecting energy into their environment. Others are more restrained, exploring the quiet beauty of neutral tones, yet all of her works possess an inherent invitation, beckoning the viewer to step into their own deeply personal and often uncharted emotional landscape. In the fluid realm of Gonia’s abstract forms, every individual eye perceives something different – new narratives begin to unfold, perspectives subtly shift, and each viewer discovers their own unique and deeply personal interpretation. Learn More about Few & Far's bespoke Designer Services.
The very beginning of Gonia’s artistic inspiration lies in the captivating power of colour itself. She is endlessly fascinated by the inherent contrasts that exist between the seemingly opposing forces of chaos and fluidity, stillness and movement. For Gonia, colour is not static; it is a living entity that interacts with its surroundings, possesses the ability to shift a mood in an instant, and inherently holds the potential to tell a story all on its own. She finds herself equally drawn to the dramatic tension that arises from the juxtaposition of contrasting shades and the quiet, almost unspoken cohesion that emerges from a carefully considered and harmonious palette. Her brushstrokes are not predetermined but rather instinctive, guiding the viewer’s eye across the canvas in a way that feels both liberatingly free and yet undeniably intentional, a visual dance of colour and form.
For Gonia, the act of painting is not just an artistic endeavor; it is a deeply personal process of mindfulness, a dedicated ritual that allows her to connect with her inner self and the world around her on a profound level. It is her sincere hope that this same sense of mindful engagement extends to those who encounter her work. Gonia’s ultimate goal is to create pieces that feel vibrantly alive, that seem to breathe in unison with the space they inhabit, and that ultimately resonate with the often-subtle and deeply personal emotions of those who see them. View artworks by Gonia.
The artwork Gonia has poured her heart and soul into for this year's Thirroul Seaside Festival, and which will be proudly displayed at Few & Far Thirroul, is entitled “Amaranthe”. This captivating piece is a visual exploration of movement and the evocative power of colour. Tones of rich burgundy, soft pink, and delicate lilac gently float across the canvas, their transitions fluid and almost ethereal, yet punctuated by the confident energy of bold brushstrokes. There's a distinct sense of fluidity in the way the paint interacts with the surface, creating the impression that the colours are actively unfolding or subtly shifting in real time, a dance of hues captured in a fleeting moment.
Adding a layer of sensory richness, Gonia incorporates oil pastels, their tactile quality bringing texture and a tangible depth to the composition. Contrasting areas of light and shadow further enhance the visual narrative, creating a dynamic expression that draws the eye and invites contemplation. The overall effect of “Amaranthe” is a compelling balance between the delicate and the dramatic – a silent yet powerful visual conversation that hints at biomorphic forms or perhaps something altogether more abstract, allowing the viewer's imagination to take flight. It is a piece that beckons the eye to wander, to trace the movement held within its layers and to discover a personal connection within its abstract language.
Imaged captured by Skye Elise.
Each year, this coastal town comes alive with the Thirroul Seaside Festival, a vibrant celebration of the area's unique spirit, its talented local artists, its eclectic live music scene, and its delicious local produce. The festival draws visitors and locals alike, creating a buzz of community and creativity that infuses the entire town. From bustling market stalls showcasing handcrafted goods to the sounds of live music drifting through the salty air, the Thirroul Seaside Festival is a true reflection of the town's character.
Image sourced via Visit NSW.
This year, Few & Far is incredibly proud to be an integral part of this celebration, not only as a local business in the Thirroul community but also as a showcase for the exceptional talent within our own team. Our Thirroul store, a space where carefully curated homewares and inspiring design converge, will also serve as a gallery space, proudly displaying the captivating artwork of our Senior Interior Designer & Stylist and Artist in Residence, Gonia Chylinska.
The artwork Gonia has created for this year's Thirroul Seaside Festival is a deeply personal and evocative piece, born from her intuitive connection to colour and her profound ability to translate emotion onto the canvas. It embodies the vibrant energy and the breathtaking beauty that define the Thirroul coastline and its surrounding natural landscapes. Gonia’s signature use of layered acrylics and the contrasting energy of oil pastel finishes promise a piece that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant, inviting viewers to engage with it on a deeply personal level.
As part of the Thirroul Seaside Festival art competition, Gonia's artwork will be showcased amongst a diverse and talented array of local artists, further highlighting the rich artistic tapestry of the Illawarra region. This platform provides a wonderful opportunity for the community and visitors to engage with Gonia's unique perspective and to witness the powerful connection between her artistic vision and the inspiring environment she calls home.
Few & Far's commitment extends beyond simply offering beautiful objects for the home; we believe in fostering creativity and supporting the vibrant artistic communities in which our stores reside. Our Artist in Residence program is a testament to this belief, providing a platform to showcase the extraordinary talents of local artists like Gonia, whose work brings an invaluable layer of depth, emotion, and beauty into our spaces and the lives of our customers.
During the Thirroul Seaside Festival, we warmly invite you to visit our Few & Far store on Lawrence Hargrave Drive. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to experience Gonia's captivating artwork firsthand, to immerse yourself in its symphony of colour and emotion, and to perhaps even discover a piece that resonates with your own personal narrative.
The Thirroul Seaside Festival is a time for the community to come together, to celebrate the unique spirit of this coastal haven, and to immerse ourselves in the diverse talents of our local artists. We are incredibly proud to have Gonia Chylinska, an integral part of the Few & Far family, contributing her exceptional artistic vision to this vibrant event.
Come and join us in celebrating Gonia, her inspiring journey, and the transformative power of art to connect us all through shared emotional landscapes.
On Saturday the 24th of May 2025, from 11am to 1pm, Few & Far Thirroul will be hosting a 'Meet the Artist' event in store.
Follow @fewandfarhome via social media to stay updated on this exciting events and events happening in the future.
We look forward to welcoming you to our Thirroul store and sharing the beauty and emotion of Gonia's artwork with you.
Image captured by Annelise Dimech from Life Instill.
