
I am delighted to share that I have been accepted as a member of the Royal Art Society of New South Wales (RAS NSW).


Founded in 1880, the Royal Art Society of New South Wales has supported Australian artists for more than 145 years through exhibitions, education and the promotion of visual arts. Becoming part of this long-standing artistic community is an important milestone in my professional journey.
As an artist, I am continually seeking opportunities to grow, connect with fellow artists, and contribute to Australia's vibrant arts community. Membership in the Society provides the opportunity to engage with a network of talented artists, participate in exhibitions, and continue developing my artistic practice.
Over the past few years, my work has increasingly focused on celebrating the unique beauty of the Australian landscape through my Tree Portraits series. By combining sculptural relief surfaces with carefully observed colour and light, I aim to encourage viewers to slow down, notice the individuality of native trees, and deepen their connection with the Australian bush.
Joining the Royal Art Society marks another step in this journey. I look forward to exhibiting with the Society, meeting fellow members, and continuing to develop my work while contributing to this respected artistic community.
I would like to thank the Royal Art Society of New South Wales for welcoming me as a member, and I look forward to the opportunities and friendships that lie ahead.

A Living Language of Colour. Petrykivka is a vibrant Ukrainian folk art style that originated in the village of Petrykivka. It is known for its intricate floral, natural, and animal motifs, traditionally painted on white backgrounds. These compositions symbolise harmony, life, and protection, and for generations have been used to decorate homes, everyday objects, and communal spaces. Today, Petrykivka is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, acknowledging its role in preserving cultural identity through decorative painting. This tradition has always been close to my heart. What distinguishes Petrykivka from other painting styles is the way it is created — everything is built from expressive brushstrokes that feel like footprints left by different brushes and tools, sometimes even fingertip marks. Each stroke is visible, intentional, and alive, forming complex patterns through simple gestures. Petrykivka is also unapologetically colourful, ornate, and joyful. Its energy comes from abundance rather than restraint, from movement rather than symmetry. These qualities resonate deeply with me. They speak of celebration, optimism, and a connection to nature that feels both playful and profound. For me, Petrykivka is more than a decorative style. It is a visual language that carries memory, emotion, and identity — one that continues to inspire my work and reminds me of the power of colour, rhythm, and hand-made marks to tell stories across time and place.

My journey with oil painting began in year 7, when I was studying at the State Secondary Art School in Kyiv, Ukraine — a highly selective school that required passing three entrance exams in painting, drawing, and composition. It was there that we transitioned from watercolours and gouache to the timeless medium of oils. I’ve always loved this classical medium. Oils have a long and rich tradition in fine art, and I’ve admired their depth, luminosity, and the way colours blend so seamlessly on the canvas. Working with oils teaches patience and reflection — they dry slowly, giving time to build layers with care and intention. I feel incredibly fortunate to have received proper academic training in the classical use of oils, alongside in-depth knowledge of anatomy, linear perspective, perception principles, and art history. That foundation continues to shape how I see and create today, allowing me to appreciate not only the technique but also the discipline and history behind every brushstroke.