Sulek Pisanitsa. Khakassia. Solar Sign. Artwork

BIO (Biography) Maya Veshnik is a set designer at the "Skazka" Puppet Theater (Abakan, Russia) and a silk artist currently residing in Ukraine. She began her artistic education at the D.I. Karatanov Art School (1978-1981) and later continued her studies at the Khakas State University named after N.F. Katanov in the Department of Decorative and Applied Arts and Folk Crafts (2000-2005). Since 1995, Maya has worked at the "Skazka" Puppet Theater as a set designer. In 2002, her work on the play "Jakob Jakobson" was awarded the "Golden Mask" prize in the categories of "Best Director, Best Designer." Maya Veshnik's work has been significantly influenced by the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Ivan Shishkin, and Ivan Bilibin. Her early acquaintance with these masters shaped her love for precise drawing and detailed illustration. She chose silk as the primary material for her works because its softness and iridescence allow her to convey the grace and beauty of nature. Artist Statement My art is a journey through time and space, in which I strive to convey the wisdom and beauty of ancient civilizations to the modern viewer. Inspired by the rock carvings of the Sulek Petroglyphs in Khakassia, I express the ancient people's respectful relationship with the Earth and its inhabitants through my silk works. My goal is to show how closely nature and culture are intertwined in our history and how important it is to preserve this heritage. I work in the batik technique, developing unique methods that allow me to create a distinctive style known for its depth and layering. My aim is to inspire viewers to appreciate the beauty of the world around us as I see it and to encourage them to care for the nature of our planet. Project Idea and Concept The idea behind my project is to explore the history and nature of the Earth where I live. I study ancient petroglyphs and weave them into contemporary themes, creating collections that unite the past and the present. Currently, I am working on two main series: the first is dedicated to the ancient Sulek Petroglyphs, and the second to tropical birds that are on the verge of extinction. The tropical birds series includes works such as "Parrots and Orchids," "Hummingbirds and Hibiscus," and "Toucans and Purple Fruits." My goal is to draw attention to the issues of species extinction and to contribute to the protection of nature.