Writing your story is never an easy process; it could be a short statement, a page, or even a book. I have come to see my life as two separate volumes: one "Before," and the other "After." These are not mere chapters but entirely different books, with distinct plots, characters, and settings. The book "Before" depicts a life of normalcy, filled with many interesting and pleasant experiences. Painting and drawing were always integral to my existence, though I once doubted their ability to sustain me financially. Life seemed idyllic, akin to a warm summer day with a gentle ocean breeze. But the main lesson I learned was not to take anything for granted. It was a lesson learned too late. Suddenly, the serene blue sky gave way to a devastating tornado, and everything I once knew felt like a distant dream. My very existence became more surreal than real. Life "After" begs the question: after what? After the deafening sound of bombs and alarms, after the nauseating stench of fear for my life and the lives of my loved ones. And life after, life from scratch. It is a conscious decision to take a breath and go further without looking back or regretting the past. It is a conscious decision to cherish every small moment of the life I have right now—every smile I see, every breath I take, every flower that comes my way—creating something that brings joy to a life full of distractions. I always notice the beauty around me, even the hidden or small wonders that often elude our gaze. And I want to translate this beauty from my heart onto paper or canvas. It serves as a beacon, illuminating people's lives and evoking feelings of joy. As I paint, I feel the heartbeat of the world, the pulse of beauty in every ordinary moment. It's the gentle curve of a smile, the warmth of a touch, the way light dances through the leaves. With each stroke, I invite others to see through my eyes, to feel the wonder that surrounds us all. For in this shared beauty, we find a common thread that binds us together, reminding us of our shared humanity and the simple joys that make life worth living.
"Beyond the Horizon", oil on canvas, 50x40 cm As an artist, the sea has always captivated me, its vastness and rhythmic waves mirroring the journey of life—full of unknowns but always pushing forward. In "Beyond the Horizon," a figure stands at the edge of the world, gazing out over the ocean, embodying a deep connection with the sea. There’s a quiet reflection of dreams in the stance—dreams for a brighter future, filled with hope and determination. The sea, with its boundless opportunities and mysteries, holds the promise of what’s to come. This painting captures that pivotal moment when one stands on the brink of their aspirations, ready to embrace whatever lies ahead with courage and optimism. No matter how turbulent life’s waters may become, there’s always a horizon to look toward, always a new dawn waiting to break. "Beyond the Horizon" captures that quiet, introspective moment where the sea and sky seem to merge into one infinite possibility. It reflects the idea that, just as the ocean stretches out endlessly, so too does the journey ahead—full of potential and untold stories. This painting invites the viewer to consider the open expanse before them, a reminder that no matter how far we've come, there's always more to explore and discover.
The Hidden Path Oil on canvas, 70x100 cm When I arrived in Germany, it felt like I had wandered into a strange fairytale—though not the magical kind, more the eerie one with dark forests and shadows lurking everywhere. I had just come from Kharkiv, Ukraine, and nothing around me felt familiar. There’s a snake in the painting, symbolizing that danger still exists, no matter where you go. But I figured—if I’m stuck in this weird fairytale, why not start rewriting it? Instead of focusing on the shadows, I began to notice the small bits of light breaking through the trees and the unexpected moments of kindness. The deer represents those good people who crossed my path, making the journey a little less scary. This painting is about finding resilience even when you're lost in the woods. And honestly, if life drops you into a spooky forest, why not turn it into art?
"Frozen Tears" is a profoundly personal expression, born from my experience at the onset of the war in Ukraine. As the bombings began, I felt an overwhelming sense of numbness, as if my heart was encased in ice, impervious to the chaos surrounding me. This painting captures that feeling—hands drawn close in a gesture of vulnerability, shielding the face from the fiery storm of war. The flames, representing the destruction that ravaged my world, contrast sharply with the frost that slowly creeps in, symbolizing the emotional shutdown that accompanied my fear. The intense reds and oranges of the fire clash with the stark, icy blues, depicting the internal struggle between the raw pain of trauma and the cold detachment that follows. But "Frozen Tears" is not just a reflection of despair; it is a narrative of resilience. It illustrates the silent battles many face after enduring trauma—the delicate balance between feeling too much and the desperate need to feel nothing at all. The painting stands as a testament to the human spirit’s strength, even in the darkest moments. It's a story of survival, of continuing forward even when everything feels as if it's falling apart. By sharing this piece, I invite viewers to connect with these raw, unfiltered emotions and find their own strength in adversity. "Frozen Tears" is a powerful reminder that even when our hearts feel frozen, there remains a flicker of warmth and life that refuses to be extinguished.