My Master of Design (Hon.) at COFA, UNSW focused on one question:
How can we improve children’s engagement with printed materials to support better learning outcomes?
My research shows that the more areas of the brain engaged in processing information, the stronger the memorisation and recall. I explored how to activate as many of these pathways as possible — story for narrative memory, colour for emotional response, sound and action for sensory cues, spatial awareness for orientation, and visual coding for recognition.
In short: designing visuals that teach, entertain, and stay in a child’s memory.
But my journey with children’s design began long before my Master’s.
Over the years, I’ve illustrated several children’s books and created my own comic book about the adventures of a Ukrainian boy in Australia — writing 20 stories and drawing all of the comic illustrations myself.
These projects shaped my understanding of how we see, learn, and connect with visual narratives — a foundation that continues to guide my work today.
In March 2025, True Blue & a Little Bit of Yellow presented a fundraising exhibition titled The Spirit of the Peninsula at Northern Beaches Gallery, Cromer. Running from 8–22 March, the exhibition invited visitors to walk through the familiar rhythms of the peninsula — its streets, bushland, and the light-filled beaches of North Sydney. The works reflected a strong sense of place while remaining deeply connected to broader stories of belonging and care. At its heart, The Spirit of the Peninsula was about building a bridge between Australia and Ukraine. Through art, the exhibition created a space for connection, support, and generosity during challenging times, reminding us that local landscapes can carry global meaning.
One question keeps coming up: what’s next? I’m delighted to share that my work has been selected as a finalist in the Hunters Hill Art Prize 2026. It’s an honour to be part of this exhibition alongside a strong group of selected artists, all coming together in the beautiful Hunters Hill Town Hall. The work I’ve entered, Soft Country — Eucalyptus Socialis, continues my exploration of Australian native trees — their presence, individuality, and the subtle complexity of their colour and form. If you’d like to see it in person, here are the exhibition details: Buyers’ Preview Thursday 21 May 2026, 7pm – 8pm Canapés and drinks available Opening Night Friday 22 May 2026, 6pm – 8pm Canapés and drinks available
