Maiia Suleimanova

I was born in Ukraine — a small yet incredibly strong and beautiful country. Since childhood, I have been fascinated by the miracle of a flower growing from a tiny seed and by the diversity of the natural world — furry, feathered, delicate, and sometimes shy.
Although I earned a degree in economics and worked as a bank manager, my connection to nature always remained with me.
In 2022, I was forced to leave my home country and begin a new chapter in sunny California. While learning English and adjusting to a new life, I found comfort in exploring the local landscapes. I started by photographing flowers, mushrooms, insects, forests, and lakes. Over time, observation turned into inspiration — and inspiration led me to paint.
When I create, I feel as though I am in conversation with animals, trees, and flowers. Through color and light, I try to capture not only their beauty, but also their quiet energy. My hope is that each painting brings a sense of harmony, warmth, and gentle strength into the space it enters.
For me, experiencing the richness of nature is one of life’s greatest gifts — and through my art, I invite others to pause and reconnect with that wonder.

Exhibition of my paintings in March - May 2026 in Mission Viejo, CA ( Potocki Center for the Arts )