Dance of colors: Anastasiia Ilienko – art that comes to life

In the world of art, where every brushstroke can become part of a great story, Anastasia stands out for her unique approach to creativity. Her works are not just paintings, but living canvases created with the help of the body, conveying emotions and energy. She opens up new horizons in art by combining painting and movement, and invites us into a world where everyone can become part of the creative process.

Anastasiia, you have a very interesting and original style of creating works. How did you come up with the idea of creating paintings using your body, and how does this method affect your perception of art?

The idea of using my body as a tool for painting came naturally to me when I realized that I wanted to create something more than just paintings. The body allows me to convey real emotions, the power of the moment, to combine painting and movement. It's not just painting, but a complete immersion in the process, where I can feel myself a part of the picture. This method helps me to look at art as a way of self-expression, where I become not only an artist but also a part of the work itself.

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Which painters or art world movements have had the greatest influence on your work and why?

I was greatly influenced by impressionists, surrealists and illustrators. Impressionists taught me to appreciate the moment and see the beauty in transience, surrealists taught me to allow myself to go beyond reality, and illustration helps me to dive into details and tell stories through art. I've always been fascinated by the depth and sincerity conveyed by these movements, and it resonates in my style.

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How do you find inspiration for new works, and do you have any rituals or practices that help you in this process?

Inspiration often comes from nature, from the energy of the space around me. To prepare for my work, I practice meditation, aromatherapy, and dance, which allows me to tune into the creative process. Every detail - from smells to movements - helps me to enter a state where I fully open up to my creativity.

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What emotions and ideas do you put into your work and how do people perceive it? What kind of feedback do you get on your work?

Each of my works is a combination of feelings of freedom, peace and harmony. I want my paintings to help people find balance and remind them of the importance of the moment. Feedback shows that my works really touch people, inspire them and bring a sense of inner peace. It is a great happiness to see how art can influence others.

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How has participation in competitions influenced your career and development as an artist?

Competitions have become an important stage for me because they gave me the opportunity to see my work in a different context, to find out what others think about my work. It helped me realize that I was moving in the right direction and had my own unique style that was different and memorable.

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How do you see your career in art developing further? Do you have any specific projects or goals that you would like to realize in the coming years?

I see my art as an opportunity not only to create but also to share my inspiration with others. I plan to develop art therapy programs, organize interactive exhibitions where people can not only see but also feel art. I want to create projects that will help people find inner harmony and discover themselves, overcome fears, get inspired and reveal their abilities.

Do you think there are any limitations or challenges in using the body as a tool for creating art, and how do you overcome them?

Yes, there are challenges, but they are the beauty of the process. Painting with my body is a physical activity, because I am fully involved in the work: I move, dance, feel the canvas. Sometimes I get tired or uncomfortable, but that's when the fun begins - you find new solutions that turn the challenge into a piece of art. Another difficulty is the conditions. For example, in nature, paints can behave differently than in the studio. But I believe that every nuance adds uniqueness to the work. The main thing is to listen to the body, space and moment. This is not a struggle, but harmony.

How do you interact with the audience and supporters of your talent? What channels do you use to popularize your work?

It is important for me to share my art with people who appreciate the depth of creativity. On social media, I talk about the moments of creating works and my thoughts about art. Although I don't post content often, I plan to make it more active in the future by engaging a team to help me better interact with my audience.

However, the best way for me to communicate now is through exhibitions. I actively participate in them and sincerely enjoy the opportunity to present my work. For example, my painting, which won the competition, is now presented at the XI International Art Festival PRAY.UA as part of the exhibition “Generation of War. The Third Year”. In December, I will participate in another exhibition at the “Mody” gallery. For me, exhibitions are a place where the viewer can see and feel the energy of the work, and I can get inspired by their reactions. It is a live dialog between the artist and people.

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What art therapy programs do you plan to develop and how can they help people in their personal development? Also, it would be very interesting to understand the idea of interactive exhibitions involving people.

For me, art therapy is more than a technique or a creative process. It is a way to help people find themselves, to feel calm and fulfilled even in the most difficult moments. Today, when life is filled with stress and anxiety, especially because of the war, we must learn to stop and listen to ourselves. Creativity is the way that helps us release heavy emotions, clear our inner space and find the strength to move on. I plan to develop programs that combine body painting, movement and work with natural materials. For example, Draw Your Feelings is about freedom of emotions, where participants can express everything that worries them through movements and colors. Or the Energy of Nature program, which helps people feel connected to themselves and the world around them using flowers, leaves, and earth textures.

As for interactive exhibitions, I dream of involving the audience in the very process of creating art. Imagine that visitors can leave their mark on a large canvas or even create a part of a common picture. This will help them to feel part of the creativity and better understand how art is born.

What do you think are the most important skills or qualities for an artist who wants to create unique and influential works?

I believe that the main quality for an artist is the courage to be yourself. In a world where it is easy to get lost among trends and expectations, it is very important to hear your inner voice and not be afraid to follow it. Uniqueness is born from honesty with yourself. The ability to feel is also important - space, emotions, people. When you work, you seem to enter into a dialog with the canvas, material, or even the environment. It's this subtle feeling that helps you create works that really touch. And, of course, discipline. It's not about rigid frameworks, but about a constant willingness to learn and work, even when there is no inspiration. Inspiration is great, but behind it is daily work that helps an artist grow.

How do you feel when your work finds its owner, and what emotions do you put into the process of transferring your creations to new hands?

This is a special moment full of deep emotions. When a painting finds its owner, I feel as if a part of me is going on a new journey. Each of my works has its own story, and it is important for me that the person who receives it feels this connection. I often observe how people react to a painting. Their eyes light up, as if they recognize something of their own, deeply personal in the work. This is very touching, because it is then that I realize that my work speaks to hearts. By passing on a painting, I share its story, the emotions I put into it when creating it. For me, this is not just an exchange of art, but a moment of trust and sincerity. This process always fills me with joy, because I know that the painting has found its “home”.

You have a unique technique of painting. What advice would you give to aspiring artists?

First and foremost, listen to yourself. Don't try to imitate someone or fit into standards. There are no rules in art, only your feeling and what you want to say through your work. Don't be afraid to experiment. I found my own technique through experimentation when I put away traditional brushes and started using my body. Every mistake or unsuccessful stroke is a part of your journey that can lead to something unique. And most importantly, don't stop. Creativity takes time, patience, and constant work. Even if there is no inspiration, just start acting - and it will come to you in the process. I am telling you and reminding myself.

In the world of art, where every brushstroke can become part of a great story, Anastasia stands out for her unique approach to creativity. Her works are not just paintings, but living canvases created with the help of the body, conveying emotions and energy. She opens up new horizons in art by combining painting and movement, and invites us into a world where everyone can become part of the creative process.