I’m deeply honoured that my painting, St. Andrew’s Church in Kyiv, Ukraine is now part of the City of Sydney Civic Collection.
This artwork was officially presented in May 2025 by Andrew Mencinsky, President of the Ukrainian Council of NSW, to Lord Mayor Clover Moore and the City of Sydney—a gesture of gratitude for their ongoing support of displaced Ukrainians and our community since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
St. Andrew’s Church is a treasured Baroque gem of Kyiv, perched above the historic Podil district. Designed by Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli in the 18th century, it stands as both a cultural icon and a spiritual beacon.
This church holds a special place in my heart — my mum and grandfather were born not far from it, and during my art school years we spent many plein air sessions painting around its beautiful grounds.
The presentation took place a month ago, but I was waiting for the official photos before sharing this moment with you.
Australia’s support of Ukraine and part of my home city Kyiv, now represented in Sydney’s civic collection means more than words can express.
I’m honoured to be featured in the Ukrainian magazine The Woman, where I share my journey as an artist and as a Ukrainian woman living and creating in Australia. The article reflects on my creative path, the experiences that shaped my practice, and the way art has helped me stay connected to both place and identity while building a life on the other side of the world. Living between two countries has taught me that connection to homeland doesn’t disappear with distance — it transforms. Through my work, I carry memories, values, and cultural references from Ukraine into my life in Australia, creating a quiet dialogue between the two. Art becomes a bridge, linking landscapes, histories, and emotional ties across continents, and allowing me to feel grounded in both places at once. It is always meaningful to see this story resonate beyond my immediate community, especially when it reaches readers who may recognise their own experiences of migration, belonging, and cultural memory. I’m grateful to the editorial team for their interest and thoughtful approach to telling my story.
After a long period of planning, preparation and creating new teaching materials, I am delighted to announce that I am finally opening my studio doors to those who would like to learn how to create art with me. Over the years, many people have asked whether I teach. I wanted to wait until I could welcome participants to my newly renovated studio and offer a truly enjoyable creative experience. That time has now arrived. My workshops are designed for adults and young people aged 12 and over, and all skill levels are welcome. You will learn the techniques I use in my own work, including building sculptural surfaces with texture paste, working with layered acrylics, and creating depth, light and atmosphere in your paintings, along with many other practical tips and techniques. Maximum of 7 participants to ensure plenty of individual step by step guidance and personal attention. Suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike. No prior drawing or painting experience required. All art materials are provided.
