Breathing Space was a group exhibition by True Blue & a Little Bit of Yellow, held at The Art House, Wyong, NSW, from 1–25 May 2024. It felt good to return to the Central Coast and exhibit together once again.
The works on display moved between bold painterly gestures and refined detail, with many pieces inspired by the coastal landscapes of the Central Coast and Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The exhibition offered space for colour, reflection, and connection — a moment to pause, breathe, and engage with art grounded in place and experience.
Breathing Space was both a return and a continuation — of shared practice, shared values, and ongoing support through art.
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.
The fast-drying nature of acrylic paints brings an entirely different kind of energy to my practice. They provide immediate results and encourage a spontaneous, expressive approach that keeps the process fresh and dynamic. What I love most about acrylics is their incredible versatility. They can be used on canvas, paper, or wood — opening endless creative possibilities for experimentation. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate many of their qualities: Versatility – suitable for almost any surface. Quick drying – perfect for working in layers or capturing fast-changing ideas. Water-soluble – easy to clean and manipulate. Layering and texture – ideal for building depth and tactile interest.
