Lyudmila Tomova Clark Painter Bulgaria

Lyudmila Tomova Clark
Born in Sofia, Bulgaria, I grew up surrounded by the inspiring paintings of my grandfather. Under an oppressive communist regime, artistic freedom was scarce. Though I received rigorous classical training from the Academy of Fine Arts majoring in Illustration and the Special School of Fine Art in Sofia, Bulgaria—drawing hundreds of sketches from life daily and mastering the foundations of art—there was little room for creative expression beyond propaganda. My passion for art was unwavering, but the future of a true artist in Bulgaria was bleak at that time.
In 1989, friends and I planned an escape to the West. Though I hesitated at first, I soon realized I could not stay behind. With nothing but a small bag of clothes and a portfolio of artworks, I embarked on a daring journey—fleeing to Germany, being smuggled into Austria, and spending nine months as a refugee before being accepted into the U.S. I arrived in New York City with just $30 in my pocket, but with a heart full of hope.
Determined to continue my education, I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with highest honors and a gold medal, ranking in the top ten of my class. Selected from over 3,000 candidates, I became an intern at Disney Feature Animation in Orlando, an experience that greatly expanded my artistic skills.
For 20 years, I thrived in the vibrant energy of New York City as a painter, editorial illustrator, and designer, exhibiting my work nationally and internationally. I also worked as a scenic painter for Hasbro’s NY International Toy Fair and as a graphic designer for corporations like JP Morgan and UBS—all while raising a family and staying true to my artistic path.
By
Images: Google - Pinterest
Music: Vespers on the Shore - The Minivandals
Youtube Audio Library