For me, as for many of my collectors, moving to Australia has been a blessed and life-changing experience. At the same time, it doesn’t erase the feeling of missing home. Memory travels with us — through seasons, colours, familiar landscapes, and small visual details that stay deeply rooted inside.
Quite often, Ukrainian collectors commission artworks that reconnect them with home. These might be flowers remembered from a childhood garden, the softness of snow, the glow of golden autumn, or the unmistakable outlines of traditional Ukrainian architecture. These subjects carry emotional weight — they speak of belonging, memory, and personal history.
I find great meaning in creating these works, because I share the same feelings. Painting nostalgic themes allows me to revisit places and atmospheres that shaped me, while offering others a visual connection to what they hold dear. The artwork becomes more than an image; it becomes a bridge between past and present, between where we come from and where we are now.
Through these commissions, nostalgia turns into something tangible — a way to honour memory, identity, and the enduring connection to home, even when life unfolds far from it.
I’m deeply honoured that my painting, St. Andrew’s Church in Kyiv, Ukraine is now part of the City of Sydney Civic Collection. This artwork was officially presented in May 2025 by Andrew Mencinsky, President of the Ukrainian Council of NSW, to Lord Mayor Clover Moore and the City of Sydney—a gesture of gratitude for their ongoing support of displaced Ukrainians and our community since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. St. Andrew’s Church is a treasured Baroque gem of Kyiv, perched above the historic Podil district. Designed by Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli in the 18th century, it stands as both a cultural icon and a spiritual beacon. This church holds a special place in my heart — my mum and grandfather were born not far from it, and during my art school years we spent many plein air sessions painting around its beautiful grounds. The presentation took place a month ago, but I was waiting for the official photos before sharing this moment with you. Australia’s support of Ukraine and part of my home city Kyiv, now represented in Sydney’s civic collection means more than words can express.
Textile & Clothing Decoration — Wearable Statements. Working with textiles and clothing gives me a sense of freedom that few other mediums offer. It opens up the possibility to create one-of-a-kind pieces — garments that carry individuality, intention, and personality. Through colour, pattern, and detail, clothing becomes a way to shape an individual style, highlight accents, and, just as importantly, draw attention away from areas you’d rather keep understated. Individually decorated clothes are statements. They speak about who you are — your boldness or softness, your playfulness or restraint, and what truly matters to you. A painted jacket, dress, or pair of jeans can express confidence, curiosity, or a quiet sense of joy without saying a word. I create textile and clothing designs using high-quality acrylic paints that are washable, durable, and resistant to sunlight, allowing the artwork to be worn and enjoyed over time. Decoration can also be practical: a favourite jacket with an unremovable stain can be transformed into something even more loved. Bring me your old dress, jacket, or jeans, and we can make it new again. One of my clients spent his entire working life in neutral, formal suits. After retiring, he discovered the pleasure of colour — and his decorated jeans became a joyful declaration: I am ready for all the colours of the world. If you’re looking for a statement piece in your wardrobe — or a creative way to reimagine something you already own — I’d love to help you create it.
