Meet Svetlana Gorbunova | Artist

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

Hi Svetlana, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic career because it was my childhood dream. Ever since I was young, I felt a deep connection to creativity and expression. I believe that dreams, especially the ones we hold onto from childhood, deserve to come true. For me, following this path wasn’t just a choice—it was a promise to myself to turn that dream into reality.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a true reflection of my soul, and I’m incredibly proud and grateful when people connect with it. One of the things that brings me the most joy is when someone tells me they own one of my paintings and that it makes them happy. It’s especially meaningful when they return to purchase a second or third piece—that kind of connection is deeply rewarding. But getting to this point wasn’t easy. It took years of hard work, persistence, and patience. There were definitely failures along the way, moments when things didn’t go as planned. But I never gave up. I’ve always believed that on the road to your dream, you have to try to open many doors. Most won’t lead anywhere, but eventually, one will take you exactly where you need to be. That mindset kept me moving forward. I’ve learned to stay positive, stay humble, and keep improving. If one exhibition didn’t work out, I reminded myself that another opportunity would come. What I want the world to know about me and my story is that nothing replaces dedication and belief in yourself. Never give up on the road to your dream.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Houston for a week, I’d make sure they had an unforgettable experience. One of my absolute favorite places in the city is the Museum of Fine Arts. It has a magnificent collection of artworks from different eras and cultures—it’s a true gem for any art lover. While we’re there, we’d definitely stop for coffee and a delicious dessert at Café Leonelli, right inside the museum. For a more elevated dining experience, we’d enjoy lunch at Le Jardinier, which has a beautiful terrace located in the museum’s Cullen Sculpture Garden. Dining among sculptures by Rodin, Matisse, and other masters is such a unique and inspiring experience.

If their visit happens to be during Rodeo season, we wouldn’t miss it! The Houston Rodeo is a must-see event that captures the heart and spirit of the Lone Star State with its music, food, livestock shows, and rodeo competitions.

We’d also take a day trip to Galveston to explore its historic charm. The historic district offers beautiful architecture and a glimpse into the past, and we’d try to catch a musical performance at the Galveston Opera House—it’s a magical place that truly transports you. Of course, no trip to Galveston is complete without a walk along the Seawall, enjoying the beach and indulging in some fresh seafood at one of the many local spots.

Overall, the week would be a perfect mix of art, culture, history, and good food—everything that makes this region so special

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to my husband and kids, who has been an incredible source of support throughout my artistic journey. Their belief in me, encouragement during challenging times, and constant help have played a huge role in helping me pursue my passion. I’m also deeply grateful to my family and friends—having their support and positivity around me has made a world of difference. Their encouragement has been a constant reminder that I’m not alone on this path.

Instagram: @svpvlv11

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/svetlana.gorbunova.1238