Growing up in Belarus, I was surrounded by linear shapes and different shades of gray. I recall long and cold winters where the only escape I had were my colored pencils and paper. My grandfather gave me my first set of colored pencils when I was three years old and encouraged me to explore my creativity. Those early experiences opened up my world and gifted me a place for expression in color, a permission to dream big and bright.
Everywhere I go, I gather ideas and inspiration for the future work. I take time to be quiet, listen and observe the world around, practicing silence and meditation. Finding inspiration has become an active practice that is best achieved in nature when the mind can find some time and space to observe.
Those who see my paintings are often transported into a calm presence being reminded of a time or a memory in their heart that brings them peace and joy.
I invite you to spend more time outside, practicing stillness and listening to the sounds of nature. Set an intention to relax the mind and seek inspiration from the silent spaces.
Recently, I had a chance to observe solar eclipse. For a moment, the day grew dark and the shadows got longer. In that liminal space I was able to catch "the time in between time" when the day touches the night.
On my first night in South Lake Tahoe, I only needed to walk a few steps into the dark forest to find my inspiration -- a bright, golden-green star, mysteriously flickering in the atmosphere. The "Star" painting was born shortly after, as a depiction of cosmic loneliness punctured by pulsating star code I am to decipher.
I love trees. There is something comforting in their earthy scent, in their calm and nurturing presence. A special place to connect to the trees is Muir Woods. On the recent trip there, I took a day long hike to the Stinson Beach. Along the way, tall ancient trees appeared to me as connecting lines from earth to the sky. Through the painting "Muir Woods" I became an integral part of this deep connection.
No matter where I travel, ocean remains a constant: breathing, moving, mysterious force. It speaks to my soul through sound, color and salty taste. We share a strong connection. During my trip to Maui, I've spent hours walking along the beach, listening to the waves. Out of the deep, came these two paintings "Wave" and "Wave II" as an attempt to condense the essence of ocean and time.
