Meet Cassidy Boyuk | Oil Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cassidy Boyuk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cassidy, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I was taught to paint from natural light, so I can only work while the sun is up. After a long day of chasing a drawing, where it can be easy to overstay in the studio and continue to go around in circles, it’s nice to have a natural stopping point. Having a separate space as a studio has helped too. I have a small shed in my backyard that I can lock up and leave at the end of the day. If my studio was somewhere too accessible, I know I’d keep going back late at night to fiddle with a painting some more. I’ve found that as tempting as it can be to “just fix one thing” before bed, I’m never very successful in that headspace.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a figurative oil painter living and working in Columbus. I began my classical training at 15 in a small atelier here in Columbus, and at 18, I moved to Florence, Italy to continue my training. This period of time was incredibly formative for me, being immersed in intense study and living in the birthplace of the Renaissance.

This training and style is historically dominated by male perspectives, and my goal is to present a vision that centers on the female experience. I aim to create a dialogue between the past and the present, merging the disciplined beauty of classical realism with the urgent voices of feminism. My art is a celebration of the female form in all its diversity, a meditation on the power of women, and an assertion of their rightful place in art history.

I’m really excited about my newest series of paintings exploring Greek myths. I’ve always been drawn to classical paintings of Greek myths, but these stories often portray women as archetypes devoid of agency. My series challenges the traditional narratives that have shaped our understanding of these myths, offering instead a perspective that honors the complexity and humanity of the women within them. Through this work, I hope to contribute to a conversation about gender, power, and the stories we choose to tell.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve been really enjoying the patio at Understory this summer. Their cocktails are amazing and it’s so peaceful to feel like you’re in the woods.

I also love a Friday night at Ledo’s with friends. Their pizza is my favorite. The next morning, I might try and get out early enough for Bear’s Bagels in Hilliard. They just opened and always have a line out the door, but it’s definitely worth the wait.

My favorite date night is Little Palace, because it reminds me of Moe’s Tavern from “The Simpsons” and I love their mac and cheese.

The Prairie Peddler festival in late September is a tradition with my family that I love. It’s a market in the hills with amazing craftsmen and bluegrass music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m so lucky to have parents who were incredibly encouraging of a career in the arts. They’re my biggest fans and I wouldn’t be anywhere without their love and support.

My fiancé, Grayson, has contributed so much to my confidence as an artist. Having a partner who really believes in me has made a huge difference as I start to attempt larger works. He’s also really helpful when I have to carry those larger works around the city, they’re heavy!

Finally, I have amazing friends who are endlessly supportive. My friends inspire so many of my pieces, and they’re always willing to sit for me and help me bring my ideas to life. They’re not only the muses for a lot of my paintings, but we’ve also formed our own little community of creatives. We cheer each other on, give each other advice and feedback, and collaborate on ideas. They make Columbus an amazing place to live and create.

Website: https://cassidyboyuk.com

Instagram: @CassidyBoyukArt

Image Credits
The studio photo was taken by Grayson Kelly