Today we’re excited to be connecting with Peter Polyak again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.
Peter, we are so thrilled to be connecting again and can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you have been up to. Before we jump into all of that, some of our readers might have missed our prior interview, so can you take a moment to reintroduce yourself?
I had a unique and dynamic childhood, shaped by the diverse talents and experiences of my parents. My father, once a sculptor and judoka, left Hungary at 18 and went on to become an internationally respected master of Budo sports, a personal bodyguard to several vice presidents, and a leader in an international anti-crime organization. My mother was Hungary’s first trained stuntwoman and possibly the first woman judoka to train in judo and karate alongside men. Together, they helped introduce karate to Hungary in the early 1970s as part of a special team led by my father.
What I witnessed of them later in life painted an even broader picture. My father embodied discipline and strength, while my mother, despite her remarkable athletic accomplishments, found joy and purpose in her role as a nurse for over 40 years in our hometown. She was also the nurturing figure who demonstrated unconditional love. Her artistic side shone through in her youth, as she played the flute in a big band with exceptional skill.
“Naturally”, I won my first painting contest in kindergarten, but my early years were dominated by sports. In elementary school, I became the best athlete in my class, supported by over a decade of karate training. However, my routine took an unexpected turn when, at age 12, I began teaching myself to play the piano. Recognizing my passion, I asked for the opportunity to formally study music despite starting at what felt like a “late” age.
That same year, I also began learning fine art under the guidance of two different artists. While my music studies progressed, it was my artistic endeavors that showed even faster results, cementing my decision to pursue fine art. This led me to attend an art high school, where my passion for creativity found a solid foundation.
Another decade saw me grow into a multidisciplinary artist, collecting invaluable fine art experiences while honing my creative voice. My artistic journey expanded beyond traditional painting, as I dived deeper into music composition and explored the limitless possibilities of digital image creation. These skills became the foundation of a parallel path—one that led to becoming a multi-award-winning director and videographer.
All this exploration—artistically and personally—eventually led me to leave my homeland and embrace a new chapter in Miami. Was this just another program inherited from my father, or my own decisions got me on this way, I’m not sure. Easy answer: both. Most importantly I’m happy that after years went by here in Miami I found a new family of artists that gives me peaceful space to stay and create at Miami International Fine Arts.
Awesome, so we reached out because we wanted to hear all about what you have been up to since we last connected.
To answer, I have to invite you to Miami International Fine Arts. Why MIFA is so important in my life is something I can only express through my personal experience, but I believe many others share similar feelings. To me, MIFA represents the treasure of finding a new “home,” a community where art and connection thrive in harmony.
I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t experienced incredible moments in my life. Looking back, some of the most meaningful ones were the art camps I attended during summers in Zebegény, a picturesque village in northern Hungary along the Danube. Those days felt like a dream—immersed in creating and studying art for 8-10 hours daily, then enjoying real social interactions: meaningful conversations, games, dancing, and connecting with people of all ages. It was paradise for my best artist friend and me—a glimpse into the life we dreamed of as creators.
Life, of course, has a way of steering us away from such dreams. I had nearly forgotten that feeling until my gallery-owner friend Fernando Fernández took me to MIFA for an exhibition opening. Arriving early, I explored the Florence-style art school on one side of the building, marveling at the environment of creativity and learning. Later, as hundreds gathered for the exhibition, I discovered the other side: a vast space with exhibition rooms and over twenty art studios for resident artists. The quality of the work on display was mesmerizing, and when I learned that a few studio spaces were available, I knew I had to apply.
To my great honor, I was accepted and given one of the studios. That moment reignited the dream I had once lived in Zebegény—the joy of being surrounded by a community of dedicated artists, sharing inspiration and creativity daily. MIFA isn’t just a place; it’s a bridge between my past and my future as an artist.
I can’t begin to name all the incredible fellow artists and teachers at MIFA, simply because there are so many who inspire me daily. The community includes not just resident artists but also associate artists across fine art, theater, dance, and music. Every day that my videographer work allows me to step into MIFA, I am transported to an “island” of creativity.
Here, I am surrounded by profound ideas, stunning visuals, shared laughter, and simple, genuine care. It’s a family of artists and art lovers who cherish true connections—who sit down to listen with open hearts and engage in conversations that feel timeless. It’s a place where our rhythms align, driven by a shared curiosity for visual depth and humanity in its purest forms. Every moment spent here is a reminder of what it means to live the dream of being an artist within a vibrant, supportive community.
We also want to give folks a chance to get to know you a bit better so we’ve prepared a fun lightning round of questions. Ready?:
- Favorite Movie: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
- Favorite Book: The Sleepwalkers by Arthur Koesler
- Favorite Band or Artist: Jacobe Collier
- Sweet or Savory: Sweet
- Mountains or Beach: Both if sunny
- Favorite Sport (to watch): Karate
- Favorite Sport (to play): Yoga
- Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): Handball
- As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: Artist
- French Fries or Onion Rings: None of them
- Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: ?
- Favorite Cartoon growing up: Cat City (1986)
- Favorite Childhood movie: The Way of the Dragon
- Favorite Breakfast Food: Scrambled eggs
When you look back on your life, what are three things you expect to be proud of?
At 19, my journey as an artist took a pivotal turn when my 67-year-old master selected me as his youngest apprentice. I joined his small team of two to four people, depending on the size of the church we worked on, to paint over 5,000 square feet of brand-new seccos.
At 27, I faced barriers in my country that I felt shouldn’t have been there. Opportunities seemed limited, and I struggled to find a foothold that aligned with my dreams. Rather than surrendering to frustration, I made the bold decision to leave my homeland in pursuit of a life where I wouldn’t have to compromise on my aspirations.
At 36, a close friend and I decided to embark on a journey to create a feature documentary. It was an intense project that took over a year to complete, but the result was worth every moment. The film, Amphibious, tells the story of a young man who lived for sports—until one day, his parachute failed to open. Surviving the accident with a broken spine, he let himself seconds of depression before begun to build a new plan of living a fulfilled life. The journey of regaining purpose after such a tragic event was an inspiring testament to human resilience and served as motivation for anyone feeling stuck in their own struggles.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.polyakart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polyakart
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-polyakart/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Peter_Polyak
- Other: https://www.p-artproject.com/
Image Credits
1, Polyak
2, Zoltan Present
3, Polyak
4, Polyak
5, Thibaul Danile
6, Polyak
7, Polyak
8, Polyak
