Art has always been a vital part of the human experience, capable of inspiring and healing. Olya Voloshka, a talented Ukrainian artist, has transformed her creativity into a tool for self-healing and personal transformation. Her work is not just a collection of paintings; it's a reflection of her deep inner world, full of emotions and authentic vision. In this interview, Olya shares her insights on how art helps overcome crises, unlock potential, and find inner harmony. She discusses the role of "imperfection" in her creative process, how her diverse professional experience influenced her artistic perspective, and what future collaborations she envisions. Join us in this conversation to discover what it means to be a modern artist and how art can become your personal source of strength and inspiration.
Olya, you mentioned that your art is an extension of your inner world. What emotions or experiences are most often reflected in your works?
Yes, my works are an extension of my inner world and myself. Feelings of sadness or joy, pain or freedom, satisfaction or being lost—often unexpressed emotions or experiences can be read in my art. It’s safe to say that some of my works are energetically charged, and what I put into them later resonates in the states and feelings of the people who receive them. They find a response in those who interact with them.
A testament to this is the incredible story that recently happened with my work “fluor”. A client bought it as a gift for her friend, who had been in a severe depressive state for a long time, with the intention that she would “blossom” like the flowers in the painting. The emotions I felt while creating the piece aligned wonderfully with the client’s intention. From the day the painting arrived in her home, amazing metamorphoses began to happen to the woman: her personal life changed dramatically for the better, and she truly “blossomed” both literally and figuratively.
Additionally, a client from Germany, to whom I sent the painting “Angel”, sent a review saying that the painting “speaks to him.” By looking at it, he feels the support of higher powers and his guardian angel. These stories prove that where we invest our energy, it always finds a response in the hearts of others.
You use imperfection and abstraction in your works. What does "imperfection" in art mean to you, and how does it help express your authenticity and unique worldview?
For me, “imperfection” in art is freedom. I like not to be tied to a specific style but, on the contrary, to experiment, creatively combine and mix different styles, giving myself more freedom in my work. Sometimes I step outside the conventional “boundaries,” which is a manifestation of my authenticity and my own artistic vision of the world. It often happens that a painting seems finished, but I feel it lacks a final accent. That’s when I leave it for an indefinite period, return to it later, and give it new life, sometimes fundamentally changing its mood.
You use forms, reliefs, accents, and abstraction to express your vision. How do you find inspiration for these unique compositions?
I draw inspiration from everything that surrounds me—the beauty of nature, people, unsaid words, and unexpressed thoughts. By nature, I am an empath and an aesthete, so I easily read the energy of a space and people’s hidden emotions. I am especially inspired by travel and new places, as well as the culture and history of other nations.
Creativity has always been a part of your life in different fields. How has your experience in fashion, design, floristry, and decor influenced your painting?
I believe that my extensive experience in various fields has enhanced and developed my visual thinking and observation skills. My knowledge of floristry, fashion, and decor helps me more accurately envision how paintings are positioned in interiors and present them stylistically.
You mentioned that since 2022, painting has become your "passion, salvation, and inner healing during difficult times of deep personal transformation." Could you describe the moment you realized painting had become this for you?
That was the hardest, longest, and most terrifying winter for me, one that seemed like it would never end… It was the peak of the war, multiple moves, losing my job, changing careers, and being separated from my family and loved ones. I had to make quick and important decisions in all areas of my life. It was then that I started painting more and more, delving deeper into the process itself and trying new techniques.
How did art help you through your personal transformations?
During difficult moments in my life, art has always been my salvation, giving me hope for the better and the belief that not all is lost.
I visited exhibitions, museums, and various art events; I met new creative people whose stories inspired and captivated me; I read biographies of artists from past eras; and I painted and tried new techniques. All of this had a profound impact on me and my work.
One such moment was when I was walking through the wet, snowy streets of the city, through the icy conditions and cold winter wind, feeling completely exhausted and empty. Then I stepped into an art club, and it was as if I entered another dimension—a world of warmth, bright colors, and dreams. Here, I received supportive communication from like-minded creative people who were also seeking peace, fulfillment, and inner harmony. When I painted, I let go of all my worries and anxieties, and it was as if I entered another world where I lost track of time. This brought relaxation, a new burst of positivity, and a different flow of thoughts. After such moments, I always felt more fulfilled and energetic. After creating paintings, I was left with a sense of satisfaction and joy, as new ideas and plans would emerge, and it was wonderful.
You believe that art is a form of art therapy. How do you think creativity can help people cope with crises?
When we are in a state of crisis, we feel fear, anxiety, despair, and confusion. We see everything around us as gray and colorless. But when we shift our focus to something else, try to concentrate on ourselves, listen more to our feelings, thoughts, and desires, and allow ourselves to dream, we redirect our energy from negative to positive. This, in turn, improves our psycho-emotional and physical state. That is what art therapy is for—to help ourselves restore our inner state, because that is the only thing we have control over.
Is there one particular work that holds special personal significance for you, and why?
Yes, there is such a work, and it’s not just one, but two.
The first is “Lonely Gul”, which took third place in the Gold Time Talent competition. A lot of time was spent on its creation, and it holds many pleasant and romantic emotions. It was created for a specific person, crossed the border twice, and survived three moves with me, but ironically, it never reached its recipient. This painting hides a complex but quite interesting story of two adults—a man and a woman from different countries.
The second work is called “Angel”. This was the first time a painting was sold on the very same day it was created, within just a few hours. The day before, I was on the island of Tenerife and was in a very serious car accident, where I miraculously survived. This story inspired me to create a new work. By painting an angel’s wing, I expressed my gratitude to my Guardian Angel and also made a plea to people that we are not alone; an invisible angelic force is always with us.
What does it mean for you to be an artist in the modern world?
It means being Yourself, expressing your authenticity, and not trying to be like anyone else. We live in a world where we can create something much more creative than a traditional academic drawing—it doesn’t have to be perfect or even understandable to others. What’s important is that it’s a manifestation of creative self-identification. For me, a modern artist means freedom and no rules!
At your workshops and art meetings, you share a philosophy of self-healing through art. What techniques or approaches do you use to help participants unlock their inner potential?
At art meetings, I first lead a light meditation. This helps people relax, clear their minds, and properly attune themselves to feel whole and hear their inner voice. Then we use various art practices that develop our neuroplasticity and give a sense of ease and self-confidence.
You lead women's circles where art becomes a tool for self-discovery. What changes do you notice in the participants after these meetings?
I notice that the women who do art practices with me begin to believe more in their inner strength. They discover new desires that were previously hidden and forgotten, remember what they truly want, and start allowing themselves to dream more. Some practices even lead to many of their wishes coming true.
