Category: Art

In June 2018, the Second Ukraine Historical Costumes Show, organised by the Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Sydney, aimed to raise funds for Invictus Games Team Ukraine. The event proved highly successful, featuring 29 models adorned in Ukrainian traditional costumes from various regions and epochs. Displaying pieces from 18 private collections, my focus was on recreating period jewellery and headgear.My responsibilities encompassed assembling regional elements to craft costume sets, akin to assembling a textile puzzle, creating slides, composing accompanying narratives, and coordinating the team. Collaborating with an enthusiastic team deeply passionate about traditional handmade clothing, we aimed to showcase the rich cultural tapestry of Ukraine while supporting a noble cause.

In March 2018, I had the honour of curating a remarkable exhibition of Ukrainian historical costumes at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra. Collaborating with private collectors such as Khrystyna Bailey, Roxolana Mishalow, Sonia Mycak, and others, I was privileged to handle ancient embroideries, infusing the project with a tangible connection to Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage. My task involved assembling regional elements to create costume sets representing various ages and social classes, akin to piecing together a textile puzzle. Despite the geographical distance, the dedicated team managed to assemble sets for 16 models. My personal highlight was reconstructing jewellery and headgear for each ensemble. Initiated by the Ukraine Embassy and Ambassador’s wife Mrs. Olena Kulinich, the exhibition was exclusive to diplomats and Australian politicians, featuring a harmonious blend of slides, text, music, and, of course, meticulously crafted costumes—all brought to life through the passion and dedication of Australian Ukrainians.

Both of my nephews take pride in their education at Kings School, and their enthusiasm extends to the distinctive school uniform they wear with pride. I had the pleasure of showcasing their school spirit and unique personalities through a series of canvases exhibited at the yearly Kings School Art Show.

This is one of my favourite books that I designed and illustrated. The author, Svitlana Yakovenko, spent 3 years researching old recipes from rural Ukraine. She had tested all of them and corrected the proportions to achieve the best result with Australian ingredients. Then she cooked all of them and made photos herself. And then … I was coming to design the book and eat almost all of 350 dishes.  Yes, we had to go on diet afterwards.

‘Taste of Ukraine’ has won the 2013 Gourmand World Cookbook Award

Australian Publishing Company
sovabooks.com.au

 

From 2003 to 2009, my tenure at ‘Edipresse Ukraine’ publishing house was a dynamic period of creative exploration. While countless ads for the marketing department and magazine layouts may not linger vividly in memory, the illustrated magazines remain a source of positive recollections. Specifically, contributing to three issues of the ‘Horoscope’ magazine provided ample opportunities to craft imaginative and fantastical illustrations. Moreover, my role as the editor, designer, illustrator, and photographer for 36 issues of the Children Craft magazine, aptly translated as ‘Fun Ideas,’ not only allowed me to delve into the intricacies of children’s crafts but also sparked the creation of new and inspiring concepts. These experiences at the intersection of editorial, design, and illustration enriched my creative journey during those years.

I received Master of Design (Honours) degree in 2015 at University of New South Wales (Sydney).

My research project scope was to find a more engaging way to present printed (static) information to children accustomed to animated (moving) information. My favourite part of it was to produce visual outcome of the research – teaching materials for Kindergarten Math.

I arrived to Australia in the last days of 2010. 2011 was an interesting year for me. As a student at UNSW COFA, I actively participated in the “All For You” students group exhibition at Global Gallery, showcasing my work alongside fellow emerging artists. Additionally, I had the opportunity to contribute to the “Transcendence” exhibition at The Arthouse hotel in Sydney.

Just before bidding farewell to Ukraine, in 2009, I had the privilege of showcasing my artistic journey through a solo exhibition in Kyiv. The exhibition featured around a hundred pieces, a captivating collection of still-life and landscapes that encapsulated the essence of the late 1990s and 2000s.

Discovering the intricacies of new artistic materials is a gratifying experience, and one of the most enlightening ways to do so is by visiting art supplies factories and attending workshops hosted by local specialists. Fond memories linger from a workshop at the esteemed Ferrario S.P.A. in Italy, renowned for its production of art supplies. Additionally, the eye-opening experience of workshops conducted by French and Italian designers in Ukraine added depth to my understanding of materials. Special appreciation goes to Olena Malik and Art Nuvo Studio in Kyiv, whose guidance and workshops have been instrumental in unraveling the exciting possibilities offered by various art supplies. The exploration of these new avenues has proven to be not only educational but also a continuous wellspring of inspiration.

In the year 2003, I spend in Italy, dedicating my time to a Master Course of Graphic Design at the Florence Design Academy. The experience proved to be a creative odyssey, as I delved into copying Leonardo’s drawings, learning the art history from museums and unexpectedly exploring 3-D software.  This synthesis of skills gave birth to a unique approach – 3-D renderings, scanned watercolours, and photographs seamlessly blended through the alchemy of Photoshop, resulting in illustrations that bore the mark of multiple artistic disciplines. The rich tapestry of techniques learned during that year in Italy continues to influence and shape my creative endeavours to this day.

Creating one-of-a-kind jewellery is another my passion, with a focus on crafting distinctive necklaces inspired by the rich traditions of Ukrainian style. I revel in the joy of experimentation, constantly exploring diverse shapes, materials, and combinations to breathe life into each unique piece. The beauty of my craft lies in the belief that every woman deserves to possess her own exceptional and individualised jewellery, a personal adornment that resonates with her style and spirit. In each creation, I seek to blend tradition with innovation, allowing my designs to tell a story that is both timeless and uniquely tailored to the wearer.

Crafting puppets provides a wonderful avenue to explore the realm of three-dimensional shapes. The principles of painting take on a new dimension when applied to volumetric objects, allowing for a dynamic play of light and shadow. Adjusting the form of the puppet becomes a crucial tool in achieving the desired visual effects. The pleasure of working with diverse materials such as textiles, papier-mâché, hair, and fur adds a tactile and sensory dimension to the creative process. Transforming fairytales into tangible, three-dimensional creations brings them to life in our immediate space, akin to a miniature world. While flat screens and canvases adeptly imitate 3D reality, the tangible touch and presence of a crafted puppet add an extra layer of enchantment to the creative experience.

Decorating furniture has become another one of my favourite creative pursuits. The satisfaction of applying artwork to something with practical use is unparalleled. The three-dimensional canvas of furniture offers a myriad of creative possibilities that extend beyond the confines of a flat surface. Moreover, it serves as a sustainable way to breathe new life into old pieces, recycling furniture while adding a unique touch to my living space. It’s a harmonious blend of functionality and artistic expression, allowing me to shape ones surroundings with their individuality and preferred style.

A mural is the unequivocal accent that transforms any room from ordinary to extraordinary. The hand-painted craftsmanship of a mural injects a unique personality into interior spaces, ensuring that no room appears commonplace. It stands as a testament to artistic expression, becoming a focal point that captivates attention and elevates the ambiance of the entire space. In the realm of interior design, a well-executed mural is more than a decoration; it’s a vibrant statement that leaves an indelible mark on the character of the room.

This art form appears as though it’s stitched embroidery, yet it diverges as a painting that skilfully mimics the intricate details of needlework. I take pleasure in this technique because of its delightful and accessible process, requiring no prior artistic expertise. While I experiment with various fabric decoration methods, it’s the imitation of embroidery that stands out as my favoured and most cherished approach.

 

Acrylic paints are incredibly versatile and popular among artists for various reasons. Here are a few aspects that I appreciate about acrylic paints: Versatility, Quick Drying, Water-Soluble, Layering and Texture, Colour Range, Adaptable to Different Styles, Compatibility with Mixed Media, Matt or Glossy, Sharp and Precise or Soft and Foggy…

 

 

 

 

The combination of acrylics and texture paste allows for a dynamic interplay between colour, texture, and form, giving the artwork a unique and tactile quality.

I had the opportunity to learn and work with oils in my art school in Kyiv, Ukraine. Oils have a rich tradition and offer a unique set of qualities in terms of texture, colour blending, and depth. However, the fast-drying nature of acrylics gives more immediate result and allows spontaneous approach in work. Additionally, acrylics can be used on a variety of surfaces, from canvas to paper to wood, making them a versatile choice for different projects.

I enjoy both mediums, as each of them has its own strengths and can be used in different situations based on my artistic goals. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and find a medium that suits your personal style and preferences.