Liliya Maksymenko is an artist whose work is a vivid reflection of the indomitable spirit and desire for beauty that lives in the heart of every Ukrainian. Her journey in art, marked by both personal challenges and triumphs, has become a symbol of resilience and the ability to find inspiration even in the most difficult times. From a cosy studio in Mukachevo to international exhibitions in London, her story is a testament to the power of talent, perseverance and belief in one's own work.
How did you decide to move to London in 2022, and what were your first impressions of living and working in the new city?
In April 2022, I decided to go to my parents in London, as my workshop had been closed since 24 February 2022 due to technical reasons. On 19 April 2022, I arrived in London. At first I had difficulties with the language, but there are Ukrainians everywhere, so you can always ask for help. There are also many Ukrainian communities in every neighbourhood.
London, with its rich cultural heritage and international environment, offers fantastic opportunities for artists. The diversity, dynamism and multiculturalism of the city made a strong impression on me, opening up new perspectives for artistic projects and collaborations. I found a new job at the call of my soul and transformed my art into popular trends in London, as well as discovered new opportunities for growth and development.
My knowledge, skills and self-belief, which I gained while teaching in my own studio, helped me to adapt and start my favourite artistic business in London. First and foremost, it is sociability, willingness to cooperate, hard work on oneself and a desire to share one’s knowledge with other people who need it.
How has the war in Ukraine affected your work and creativity and how do you keep in touch with your homeland?
24 February 2022 changed the course of history in Ukraine and the world. Everyone has learned where Ukraine is on the map and how important it is for us, Ukrainians, and the world. I feel that as an artist, I have to move forward, share my talents with people and the world and inspire others to love and rebuild our country and the world even better.
I taught online classes for students from Ukraine, and my students’ work was exhibited in London in 2022 at venues organised by Karmabank, such as Tabernacle, Notting Hill, Portobello Road. In 2023, the Ukrainian Centre on Holland Park Avenue hosted an exhibition to mark the King’s coronation day. My students in Ukraine also participated in creating a collage crown from their favourite photos. The collage crown was then sold and the proceeds went to charity for children from Ukraine. In 2024, Clarendon Hall, York House and Twickenham hosted me and my students, along with other artists from Ukraine, at a Cultural Day event organised by the Richmond Ukrainian Community. I also run classes and workshops for Ukrainian children and adults at various Ukrainian centres in London, as well as organising events and exhibitions. In particular, I have conducted workshops at the Portobello Fair and the Kensington Palace Christmas Fair organised by Karmabank, and at the Ukrainian Club of the Richmond Ukrainian Community.
You studied fine and decorative arts at Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University. How did this education shape your artistic style?
My university education gave me a strong technical foundation and understanding of artistic traditions, as well as an appreciation of the emotional aspect of creativity. My style is shaped by a combination of personal experiments with modern and traditional crafts. I work with various materials and techniques, both modern and traditional.
You have been running a private art studio for over ten years. What skills and experience have you gained teaching art?
Teaching has become my favourite thing, an integral part of my creative process in the studio. For more than ten years, I have been running a private free art studio in Mukachevo, where I have learned to pass on knowledge and inspiration using unique teaching techniques adapted to each student of any age group – from 2 to 70+ years. My goal is to unleash the creative potential of each individual and help them to implement their own ideas and projects, to believe in themselves. I encourage students to boldly demonstrate their creativity and talent at university entrance exams (my students study at colleges and universities in Ukraine and Europe, many of them have already graduated and are working in top positions or running their own art business), exhibitions and competitions, master classes, art retreats through various types and directions of modern and traditional art and decoration. I point out new perspectives, because each person is a designer of his or her life and a unique work of art in his or her creativity. I am proud of each of my students and their achievements. I am grateful to everyone who came to my classes and became a unique designer of their lives. All my students are successful.
I am fond of my own creative self-development and versatility in various areas of design, painting, wall painting, decorating, art relaxation therapy, art rehabilitation, sewing and modelling, gardening and much more.
How do you organise art courses for children and adults at KK Conservation, and what topics do you cover?
Using my own unique methodology, I run a variety of courses at KK Conservation for all ages and levels of experience: training, transformational, retreats and bespoke workshops. I work in London, across the UK and Europe, as well as with organisations and corporates. I also provide preparation for Golden Time Talent competitions and for the Global Talent Visa. In addition, you can book retreat courses with a fitness trainer and excursions to Spain – to the beautiful city of Torrevieja, located on the Costa Blanca in the province of Alicante, where the famous pink lake and fantastic flamingos live.
Individual lessons and workshops are available for children.
Each of my courses and workshops has an element of design and unlocking the potential of students of all ages, even those over 70. I offer courses in gilding, fine and decorative arts, artistic work, decoupage, handmade, decorating, wine gilding and gilding, unleashing your creative abilities as an artist, and many other areas. Anyone can find their own vocation in my courses, become a gilder, painter, wall, furniture and household decorator, designer and transform their art into a business and get recognition or a talent visa in any country.
KK Conservation courses are unique because the audience in London and Europe is very diverse. I strive to combine traditional techniques with modern methods, taking into account the historical context and the participants’ desire to learn new practical skills.
Upon completion of the course, students receive a certificate. The best students receive letters of recommendation and the opportunity to collaborate and participate in joint projects and design exhibitions in London.
Lilia, please tell us about the process of creating frames for high-end galleries, the Palace of Westminster and the National Portrait Gallery.
Creating frames using traditional gilding and composition techniques for important collections requires incredible attention to detail to ensure the highest level of craftsmanship and adherence to gallery standards. Each frame is a work of art, just like a painting. Many specialists work on the frames: carpenters, carvers, restorers, designers, painters, gilders, and decorators.
The process of creating frames using ancient technologies takes more time: preparing wood according to a special recipe, staining with natural pigments, aging and applying patina and wax. The result always impresses with its grace and beauty.
How do you combine your work at KK Conservation with the organisation of art retreats, meetings, tours and themed events?
I am a multifaceted, disciplined and goal-oriented person. I always like to do different things at the same time and work in different directions for the best results. I determine my own path and follow my own route to the goal.
I easily organise art retreats, courses and meetings, because there is a time for everything. The main thing is to allocate and use time wisely and at the call of the soul.
I really appreciate the opportunity to organise art events with KK Conservation, as it allows me not only to create a space for creativity, but also to promote interaction between people. The combination of my creativity and my work at KK Conservation creates unique masterpieces that the world admires.
How do you choose exhibitions and competitions to participate in, and what do you hope to gain from this experience?
I choose exhibitions and contests that meet my artistic interests and give me the opportunity to present my works to a wide audience. Participation in exhibitions and contests opens up new perspectives, acquaintances and opportunities for cooperation. In addition, it is an important part of self-esteem and a kind of ‘exhibition therapy’ that improves mood, inspires, and enriches both financially and spiritually. I recommend all artists to showcase their works at exhibitions and competitions.
Your paintings, chinoiserie wallpapers and works of art are in public and private collections in Ukraine, the UK and other European countries. Can you tell us about some of them?
My works are in private and public collections in Ukraine, the UK and Europe.
In particular, the Mukachevo Central Library exhibits the painting ‘Forgotten Traditions’, the Cornucopia in London Church, the painting “Poppies” adorns the Embassy of Ukraine in the UK, and the painting ‘Happy Golden Ears’ is kept in the Northampton Museum, UK. There are also many other works of mine in various collections.
At H&H, I have worked on such iconic properties as the National Gallery of London, Buckingham Palace and the Dorchester Hotel.
How do you see your work developing in the future, and what are your professional goals?
I see and build my goals aimed at developing the cultural values of the world and life, bringing together creative and kind people to collaborate on new projects that make the world a peaceful, interesting and better place. Together, we can overcome the difficulties the world is facing and find the right solutions to make it better.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists and craftspeople? How to not give up and believe in yourself and where to get motivation?
I would give advice not only to aspiring artists and masters of art, but to all people. Discipline yourself. Believe in yourself and your abilities. Listen to your heart to understand what you really want. Discover your own potential and act, act, act, follow your dreams. Determine what you want to achieve and take the routes to your goals step by step. Be versatile and curious. Read books, develop yourself, take courses, workshops, and retreats on topics that interest you. Communicate with people who inspire you, feel free to experiment in art and life, and it will definitely reward you with the success you deserve.
