My Story
For almost my entire life, people have known me as an artist. The environment I grew up in always encouraged me to develop my talent, yet I only recently decided to dedicate my professional career fully to art.
Born in 1995, I grew up in the countryside and, even as a child, I loved expressing myself through visual art. My first mentor was my elementary school art teacher, who encouraged me to develop my talent and submitted my works to various competitions and exhibitions. In 2009, she enrolled me in the summer painting school of the renowned Slovenian painter Rudolf Španzl, Chiaro Scuro, which I attended again in 2011. The course took place in the beautiful Baroque Novo Celje Mansion, and looking back, I believe this experience had a significant influence on my future decisions.
Throughout the following years at the Secondary School for Horticulture and Visual Arts in Celje, the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering in Ljubljana, and the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Ljubljana, I was supported by mentors who believed in me and my vision. They guided me on my path, imparted invaluable knowledge that I still draw upon today, and without whom I would not be the person I am now. I am deeply grateful to each of these mentors.
In 2019, I graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Ljubljana as a conservator-restorer of artworks. My interest in cultural heritage and how to preserve it in the best possible condition has always been present, and during my studies, my passion for castles emerged. I was fascinated by everything—castle architecture, history, mysterious stories, their impact on society, why and how to preserve them, and their purpose today. Based on this interest, I enrolled in the Architectural Conservation master’s program at The University of Edinburgh in Scotland, where I was accepted.
I wanted to share my passion for castles with a wider audience and begin raising awareness about the rapid decay of these beautiful guardians of the past. In early 2020, I spent over three months traveling in Australia, where I, among other experiences, spent considerable time with one of Australia’s most renowned artists, Garry Fleming, which greatly influenced my perspective on art.
Everything that inspired me over the years—from castles to dreamy, misty landscapes—I began translating onto canvas. People started responding positively to my paintings, and I realized that this was the best way for me to convey my message about the importance of preserving castles and cultural heritage to as many people as possible.
Today, as an independent artist, I continue to explore different styles and modes of expression, while striving to discover and refine my unique voice in the art world. I create each painting and project with the intention of enriching both the people who experience it and the spaces it inhabits—bringing beauty, tranquility, and meaning into their lives.
Education and Experience
Art and cultural management
Studied at Rome Business School in Rome, Master’s Program in 'Art and Cultural Management'Around the World in 80 Days
From October 2024 to January 2025, I traveled around the world, visiting Bali, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Los Angeles (USA), London, and Paris. The main purpose of the journey was to gather as much inspiration as possible for watercolor illustrations and my future projects.Project “Vintage Cars”
An extensive two-year project that involved creating 18 original oil paintings, inspired by Mr. Firšt’s vintage car collection. As part of the project, we also exclusively designed and produced four corporate calendars for the company.First Solo Exhibition: “Castles Through Art”
With my first solo exhibition at the Tower Gallery in Bled Castle, I presented my first collection of original oil paintings, '12 Slovenian Castles', which was created between 2020 and 2022.Trip to Australia
In 2020, I spent several months traveling across Australia, where I spent a significant amount of time with one of the country’s most renowned and successful artists, painter, and illustrator, Garry Fleming. Spending time and working with him completely transformed my perspective on art and what it means to be an artist.Architectural Heritage Conservation
Accepted into the postgraduate program “Architectural Heritage Conservation” at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.Conservation and Restoration of Artworks and Cultural Heritage
I graduated with honors from the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Ljubljana.Behind the scenes
Behind my work, there is much more than just the final result. Travels, the creative process, everyday challenges, and small moments of inspiration all come together to form a story that unfolds in real time and evolves with me. Here, you can follow what happens behind the scenes-when ideas take shape and projects come to life.
Contact
If you have a question, are interested in collaboration, or I can assist you in any way, please fill out the form or email me at info@urskaloncar.com . I will respond as soon as possible, usually within 1 to 3 business days. Thank you!
