Antoaneta Melnikova-Hillman is a renowned encaustic artist based in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area. She is known for her captivating work with melted wax, using a mesmerizing palette of black, white, gold, and vibrant organic colors. Her encaustic paintings possess an ethereal quality, drawing viewers in with their unique textures and profound depth.

Born in Pleven, Bulgaria, Antoaneta initially pursued a career as a writer, dedicating her talents to poetry and short stories. As a published writer in her home country, she seamlessly transitioned into expressing her narratives through visual art after relocating to her new homeland.

Antoaneta’s artworks pay homage to post-war modernist movements, employing slathered, scraped, and incised techniques, while also embracing a contemporary freshness. Her dynamic and eclectic body of work has garnered significant attention, leading to numerous exhibitions across the DFW area. Her paintings have also found homes in private collections in Bulgaria, Italy, Cyprus, and the United States.

"Writing poetry and short stories were my first steps on the path of art. I can’t imagine life without painting or creating because it feels so natural to me—it completes my life. Observing my surroundings and seeing so many amazing objects and situations provide the raw material for my art. One life is not enough to transform all my ideas into paintings or sculptures. The excitement of this world is overwhelming. I never fear a lack of inspiration or new ideas.Encaustic is the medium that suits my temperament perfectly—it’s hot, fast, and durable. Painting gives me freedom."