""Exposed" - ceramic sculpture by Olga Kostrova - conceptual art, female nude" Sculpture

Olga Kostrova is a contemporary artist / sculptor whose art work became her cause. "People respond in accordance to how you relate to them. If you approach them on the basis of violence, that's how they'll react. But if you say, 'We want peace, we want stability,' we can then do a lot of things that will contribute towards the progress of our society", said Nelson Mandela Unfortunately, it didn't work for many women (children and young men) who became victims of violence / rape, whose body was violated... Kostrova's work promotes strengths in the face of any adversities, including pain - physical or emotional... She explores compination of materials, textures, shapes, subtle colors... Proceeds from her work go towards probono work with those who cannot afford PTSD therapy or post-traumatic counseling. Olga found her passion for the arts during childhood. Very early in life Olga discovered that she can heal people... It might have happened as a result of her overcoming many life's adversities and acts of violence. Olga had was lucky enough to avoid deaths, she was raped, robbed under a gun in her home, almost killed by strangers and lovers... She has seen and experienced it all. Her art work aims to advocate non-violence. She offers alternative art therapy to victims of violence - probono work is funded from proceeds from her art. Olga Kostrova was born in Kiev, Ukraine in 1973 into a family living huddled together in a tiny one room apartment. There were 6 people: mother, father, older sister and two grandmothers. Olga: "My grandmothers were heroic women. Fleeing from the fascist army, my mother's natural parents left their new-born baby on a doorstep a few hours before they were killed. Two sisters found my mother on the threshold of their house. These women brought up my mother as their own child, in spite of abject poverty and famine. I thank my lucky stars that I grew up in this family with people who could, in those conditions, lavish care upon each other. They gave me the opportunity to understand what is meant by goodness, wisdom and strength." Her mother says: "Olga always did what she wanted to do. She was very insistent and achieved everything she desired. She rarely listened to anyone's advice. She discovered her own way and learned firsthand. She was an unbelievably bright and charming child.