What's your connection to horses?
My connection to horses has been with me for as long as I can remember. Even before I could speak,anything resembling a horse, a toy, a drawing, a photo, fascinated me. My real journey began through equestrian activities and the Young Biologists Club at the Mykolaiv Zoo. I was never interested in competitions; what truly captivated me was the quiet communication during grooming, walking, or simply being together. For me, the relationship was always about partnership, mutual understanding, and respect. Later, this love became a profession when I studied Animal Husbandry, specialising in horse breeding. Today, both my artistic and scientific backgrounds intertwine, allowing me to portray not only the anatomy and movement but also the individuality and soul of each horse I paint.
Why the horse topic in your art?
The horse theme in my art is born from both necessity and profound knowledge. Growing up during the post-Soviet transition era, I had limited access to equestrian imagery that was common for Western children. That scarcity served to fuel my desire to draw from the few images I could find, just to keep them close. I consider horses to be the most beautiful of all animals, even though I love them all. My education in horse breeding gave me a scientific understanding of their anatomy and nature, which I now merge with artistic expression. My goal is not simply to depict them, but to reveal their inner presence and physical integrity; that quiet dignity that makes each horse unique.
What's your art form?
I’m a self-taught, multi-media artist working with acrylic, pencil, ink, watercolor, gouache, and oil. My process is guided not by academic tradition but by observation and study, particularly of animal anatomy. Each medium serves as a different language: I choose the one that best conveys the rhythm, texture, and light of the subject. What unites my work is an ongoing pursuit of honesty; to depict the living essence of the animal rather than a static image.
How has war changed your work ?
The war has transformed both the meaning and the mission of my art. I go through periods where I feel completely drained, yet creating remains my way to survive, and a way to help others survive. I dedicate a portion of my art sales to supporting domestic and war-affected animals across Ukraine and abroad. This is not just charity; it’s a continuation of my zoological path and a moral duty. Artistically, the war has pushed me toward change. I’ve started exploring new mediums, especially watercolor, and introducing more brightness into my palette. My art no longer aims solely to portray beauty, now, my work seeks healing, resilience, and humanity. It has become both expression, but resistance.
