The Skunk's Sanctuary Painting

I was born in Odessa, by the Black Sea, in a place that held both beauty and the complexities of the late-stage Soviet Union. My early years were mostly happy, but life took a sudden turn after my parents divorced, and stability seemed to disappear. I found myself navigating a world that often felt unpredictable and, at times, chaotic. During my teen years, I encountered both inspiring souls and damaged spirits, all leaving their mark. These experiences shaped me into a blend of contrasts - reflecting both light and shadow. Through it all, art was my constant and my escape. As long as I can remember, I was drawing - whether in school art classes or on my own, exploring the mysteries within and around me. When I was younger, my art was darker: I painted haunted faces, shadowed places, and the torment of the soul. It was a reflection of the pain and trauma I carried, but it was also a way of searching for meaning, a thread of connection to something greater that seemed to guide me through difficult times. After moving to the United States, I focused on building stability. I earned an MBA and an MS in Finance, securing a full-time job that allowed me to keep creating art without the pressure to make it my livelihood. Over time, my life began to lighten as I met people who had overcome their own struggles. Inspired by these connections, I was able to confront my past and make peace with it. Today, my work has transformed - it feels more optimistic, even naïve at times, capturing the innocence and joy I remember from my early childhood. Now, my art reflects harmony and beauty, drawing inspiration from nature and animals, whose presence awakens joy in my spirit. I don’t shy away from darkness; I see it as part of life, a toll we pay to exist in this realm. But my paintings have become a return to light, a way to express gratitude for all the experiences, good and bad, that have shaped me. I sketch constantly, capturing moments that later become paintings, each piece a small step toward understanding and connection. Art has come to mean much more than it did when I was younger - it’s a way to accept, to create beauty, and to share with others a vision of life that embraces a full spectrum of contrasts. I feel fortunate for the journey, and I love creating art for others to enjoy.