Cultural Performance at the Ukrainian Festival, Sydney — 2022. In 2022, I curated and produced a major cultural performance at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour as part of the Ukrainian Festival. The show was created primarily using the private collections of Roxolana Mishalow and Tanya Whitbourn, whose garments carried deep regional and historical significance.
This performance was unlike any I had worked on before. All of the models were Ukrainian refugees. Each person on stage carried their own story of displacement, resilience, and survival, which gave the presentation an added layer of meaning that could not be staged or rehearsed.
The vibrant regional costumes were intentionally contrasted with the visual narrative behind them. I designed a series of projected slides showing Ukrainian towns and cities before and after the war. Together, costume and imagery created a powerful dialogue — beauty and heritage set against destruction and loss.
What emerged was more than a performance. It became a moment of collective remembrance and visibility, honouring Ukrainian culture while acknowledging the realities of war. Through this work, tradition was not frozen in the past, but stood firmly in the present — resilient, human, and deeply alive.
After a long period of planning, preparation and creating new teaching materials, I am delighted to announce that I am finally opening my studio doors to those who would like to learn how to create art with me. Over the years, many people have asked whether I teach. I wanted to wait until I could welcome participants to my newly renovated studio and offer a truly enjoyable creative experience. That time has now arrived. My workshops are designed for adults and young people aged 12 and over, and all skill levels are welcome. You will learn the techniques I use in my own work, including building sculptural surfaces with texture paste, working with layered acrylics, and creating depth, light and atmosphere in your paintings, along with many other practical tips and techniques. Maximum of 7 participants to ensure plenty of individual step by step guidance and personal attention. Suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike. No prior drawing or painting experience required. All art materials are provided.
Pseudo stained glass is a refined decorative art technique that transforms doors, windows, and interior objects into luminous design features. Created with special transparent paints, this approach allows light to pass through the surface, filling the room with colour and creating a soft, fairytale-like atmosphere within the interior. When daylight moves through the painted surface, the colours come alive, subtly shifting throughout the day and enhancing the emotional quality of the space. One of the key advantages of pseudo stained glass is its ability to match and enhance the existing interior style. From soft, minimal colour schemes to more expressive, ornamental designs, each piece is created in dialogue with the architecture, materials, and colour palette of the room. The artwork becomes an integrated part of the interior rather than a separate decorative element. Pseudo stained glass works beautifully as an accent feature or as a focal point, adding depth, warmth, and a sense of wonder. It is particularly effective in spaces where natural light plays an important role, turning everyday architectural elements into sources of colour and atmosphere.
