Yana Painting

London-based artist and jewellery designer, originally from Ukraine. I work with ink and calligraphy pen, influenced by my early years in Japan. The ideas behind the paintings come from cultural, social, scientific and psychological backgrounds and inspire works that everyone can connect to on a personal level.    Born in Kiev, Ukraine, I started to travel early on. First with my family all around Ukraine, and, from the age of 13, I lived independently in various places: Barcelona, Tokyo, Osaka, Taipei, Guangzhou, New York, Cape Town and, now, London.    I started to paint professionally while I was living in Cape Town. Something that began with ironic illustrations and sassy essays turned into more than a hobby after my first solo show, which sold-out on the opening night.    As a self-taught artist I believes I won a genetic lottery. As my great-grandmother was a classical painter, who dedicated her life to landscape and portraiture, and all women in my family always had an artistic side, art was something I grew up with.    In a few years, my style grew from simple lines of illustrations to complex paintings. Thats how FEMMANIA was born. I didn’t want to paint only outlines of women anymore, I wanted to show the complexity of the female inner-world with all its challenges and beauty.    In my first year back in London, I participated in a charity art auction in the Houses of Parliament, alongside Turner Prize winner Richard Long and Banksy, for “Smile Britannia” in collaboration with London Westbank Gallery, the Last Night a DJ Saved My Life Foundation and Temwa.    Since then I've done a number of solo and group shows in London as well as art & fashion collaborations.    In 2016 I launched an ‘art-to-wear’ jewellery line. Ethical, fair trade, contemporary handmade and unique pendants that are more than just a fashion accessory.