Sandhill Crane and its reflection Painting

Svitlana is an artist with a diverse background, having worked as an animator, illustrator, graphic designer, interior designer, and bookseller before pursuing a career in art. These varied experiences have shaped her artistic style and given her a unique perspective on the world. Since childhood, Svitlana has been painting scenes inspired by her favorite fairy tales—a passion that continues to influence her work. She grew up in Kyiv, Ukraine, during a time of societal change, and spent summers in her grandmother's village in the south, where she developed a deep love for nature and magical stories. These early impressions continue to inform the mood and themes of her art. As an urban sketcher, Svitlana uses drawing as a way to observe the world with heightened attention. After moving to Vancouver in 2016, she developed a new hobby—birdwatching—which also influences her artistic process. Like spotting a bird, creating art often requires the ability to notice the smallest things. Birds and animals—especially cats—now frequently appear in her visual narratives. While oil painting remains her favourite medium, she also enjoys working with gouache and watercolour. One of her greatest inspirations is filmmaker David Lynch, whose surreal, dreamlike imagery resonates deeply with her own creative vision. Through her art, Svitlana aims to evoke a sense of connection and inspire others to look at the world through the lens of wonder. Svitlana’s works are held in private collections in Canada, the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, and Ukraine.