My Story

I grew up in Togliatti, Russia, spending most of my free time outdoors—either in the garden or immersed in nature. Every summer, I lived in a small village in Ukraine, surrounded by open landscapes and quiet rhythms of life. Those early experiences shaped how I see the world, and they continue to influence my work today. Organic forms and natural movement have always been at the core of my creative language.

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I began painting at the age of five, which led to years of formal training: part-time art school, two years of academic art studies in Moscow, and eventually a BFA in Illustration from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. My education gave me a strong technical foundation, but just as importantly, it taught me how to observe, experiment, and trust my instincts.

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After graduating, I worked professionally as a Packaging Designer and later as a Senior Designer for a media company in New York City, where I focused on editorial, graphic, and visual storytelling across digital platforms. While design sharpened my eye and discipline, my studio practice continued to evolve quietly alongside it.

My path as a painter hasn’t been linear, and I’ve learned to embrace that. I’ve always been curious, moving between mediums, styles, and creative interests. My turn toward abstraction came later, sparked by a desire to tell stories without literal imagery. Abstraction became a way for me to translate emotion, memory, and movement into something intuitive and open-ended. It’s a practice I’m still growing into, allowing space for exploration and discovery.

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The most rewarding part of my work is when a painting finds its home. Knowing that something created in a quiet studio moment becomes part of someone else’s life is deeply meaningful to me. I hope my work brings a sense of peace, balance, and connection.

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Starting over in a new country taught me the importance of community. Support, shared energy, and human connection are what make a place feel like home. If you’re here reading this, please know how grateful I am for your time and support. It truly means more than I can express.

Thank you for being here. 🤍

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Photography by Jennifer and Jane Peterson.