1 April 2026 — Art Space Gallery - The Concourse, 409 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, 2067
My solo exhibition Echoes of the Bush was held at Art Space Gallery, The Concourse in Chatswood. It grew from a deep admiration for Australian nature and a close, ongoing observation of my surroundings. The result was a series of tree portraits and studies of bush textures — works that sit somewhere between painting and sculpture, and are truly meant to be experienced in person.
Over 12 days, the exhibition unfolded into something far richer than I could have anticipated. The opening night set the tone — with a thoughtful address by Alan Davies and a moving performance by soprano and bandura player Larissa Kovalchuk. It was a beautiful beginning, and one that stayed with me throughout the exhibition.
Across the two weeks, the gallery became a place of connection. We held two fully booked workshops, shared hundreds of conversations, and welcomed a steady flow of visitors — 1,146 people in total. Each interaction, each question, each moment of curiosity added something meaningful to the experience.
It was also a great honour to welcome the Mayor of Willoughby, Tanya Taylor, and to feel the genuine support of the Willoughby Council team throughout the entire process. Their encouragement made a real difference.
The exhibition has now come to a close — 12 intense and incredibly rewarding days. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who visited, who spent time with the work, and who shared their thoughts and impressions. It truly takes just one kind word to shape someone’s experience, and I felt that kindness every day.
A special thank you to those who chose to take a piece of this exhibition home. It means a great deal to know that the works will continue their life in your spaces.
Thank you to everyone who dropped in and brought such warmth and encouragement.
I would be delighted to see you again at future workshops and exhibitions.
In this video, I share my artistic journey
For me, as for many of my collectors, moving to Australia has been a blessed and life-changing experience. At the same time, it doesn’t erase the feeling of missing home. Memory travels with us — through seasons, colours, familiar landscapes, and small visual details that stay deeply rooted inside. Quite often, Ukrainian collectors commission artworks that reconnect them with home. These might be flowers remembered from a childhood garden, the softness of snow, the glow of golden autumn, or the unmistakable outlines of traditional Ukrainian architecture. These subjects carry emotional weight — they speak of belonging, memory, and personal history. I find great meaning in creating these works, because I share the same feelings. Painting nostalgic themes allows me to revisit places and atmospheres that shaped me, while offering others a visual connection to what they hold dear. The artwork becomes more than an image; it becomes a bridge between past and present, between where we come from and where we are now. Through these commissions, nostalgia turns into something tangible — a way to honour memory, identity, and the enduring connection to home, even when life unfolds far from it.
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.
