From time to time, someone commissions a portrait not simply as an artwork, but as a way to preserve a presence — a face, a character, a moment in life meant to last beyond the present. Portraits hold a unique place in art because they are created with the future in mind, becoming part of a family’s visual history.
When I work on a portrait, my focus goes beyond likeness. I look for what makes a person recognisable to those who love them — a certain expression, a posture, a quiet strength or warmth that speaks of who they are. These details are often subtle, but they are what transform a portrait into something deeply personal.
Commissioned portraits are often created to mark important moments: a milestone, a legacy, or a tribute. Over time, they become witnesses to family stories, passed from one generation to the next, carrying memory, identity, and connection.
For me, creating a portrait is a shared process built on trust and attentiveness. It is about honouring the individual and creating a work that will continue to speak long after the sitting has ended — a lasting memory, held in paint.
Books have always felt magical to me. Unlike social media, they don’t disappear into a feed — they stay in your hands, on your shelf, and in your life. A book captures what’s important and preserves it for generations. And to make that experience meaningful, every detail matters. Over the years, I’ve worked on many publications — sometimes creating the layout, other times designing covers, illustrations, or managing the entire visual direction. One of my favourite projects was Taste of Ukraine, published by the Australian Publishing Company (sovabooks.com.au). I created the cover illustrations and the full layout — and the book went on to win the 2013 Gourmand World Cookbook Award. I’ve also worked with community organisations, including Ukrainians Down Under for AFUO, where I served as both editor and designer for their catalogue. Four Jubilee Book for Intersession of Holy Virgin Parish is one of the thickest and most comprehensive publication I’ve worked on to date. Each book is its own world — structured, tactile, permanent. And I love shaping those worlds so they’re clear, beautiful, and built to last.
Our double solo exhibition at Chatswood Art Space on The Concourse was an experience we will long remember. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who visited, supported the exhibition, and purchased artworks — your engagement made this show truly meaningful. Out of my 28 artworks presented (18 on the walls and 10 in storage), 19 have found new homes. Over the ten days of the exhibition, we had the privilege of speaking with around 600 visitors, and we are deeply grateful for the thoughtful feedback and personal stories shared along the way. Special thanks go to the Willoughby Council staff and Mayor Tanya Taylor for their support and smooth organisation. We are also thankful to our guest speaker Alan Davies and musician Viktoria Stepanenko, whose contributions added depth and warmth to the opening evening. The atmosphere throughout the exhibition was generous and engaging. We hope visitors carried a sense of positivity with them, and perhaps a renewed desire to connect with nature — something art does best when it is shared.
