Every so often, a commission opens the door to an entirely new way of thinking. One such moment came when a client asked for something unexpected — a lightweight, sculptural object in the form of puppets.
Creating puppets became an unusual and exciting way for me to explore my creativity. They sit somewhere between sculpture, design, and storytelling. Unlike painting, where the surface holds the narrative, puppets demand attention to volume, balance, texture, and movement. Even at rest, they suggest gesture, character, and presence.
Working on these pieces allowed me to think beyond the wall and the frame, translating artistic ideas into tactile, three-dimensional forms. Each puppet became a small character — playful, expressive, and full of personality.
This unexpected direction reminded me how important it is to stay open as an artist. New materials, new formats, and new requests can lead to discoveries that expand both practice and imagination — sometimes in the most surprising ways.
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.
1 April 2026
A big well done to everyone who joined the Autumn in Textures & Colours workshop 🍂 It was such a wonderful creative session to share together. If you missed this one — let me know, I’m already planning the next workshop!
