Art is a language that needs no translation. For Ukrainian artist Helena Vyshnevska, painting became more than just a vocation—it became a vital lifeline, a "global voice," and a powerful tool for resilience after the full-scale invasion forced her and her son to seek refuge in the United Kingdom. Moving abroad transformed her work, channeling personal sorrow and the tragedy of her people into emotionally charged canvases. In this interview, Helena Vyshnevska opens up about her journey, the core themes of her painting—from the influence of Petrykivka motifs to the universal power of love—and how her art classes and charity exhibitions are working to build bridges, raise awareness, and provide tangible help to Ukraine. Discover how creativity, even far from home, remains an anchor for identity and a source of strength.
Helena, нow did you begin your artistic journey, and what inspired your earliest works?
I have been painting since childhood, and it has always been the one thing I felt absolutely certain about. Art came to me as naturally as breathing. Even as a little girl, I instinctively knew: this is mine, this is the language through which I understand the world. My earliest works were simple explorations of color, form, and feeling, but even then I was trying to express what words could not capture — joy, curiosity, and the wonder of life itself. Painting has always been my way of connecting with the world and with myself.
How has moving to the United Kingdom influenced your creativity and approach to art?
After moving to the UK, my art became more powerful and emotionally charged. I began painting the stories of my country and my people. Creating these works became my way of remaining connected to Ukraine and being useful to it, no matter the distance.
How has this “voice” helped you cope with the challenges of relocation and finding a new home?
Art became the voice I needed when spoken words were not enough. The UK opened many exhibition opportunities, allowing me to speak to people through my paintings and touch their hearts. I’ve witnessed viewers moved to tears just by standing in front of a canvas — these moments remind me why I paint. Relocation was difficult. My son and I never planned to leave Ukraine; we escaped to save our lives. Yet God led us to extraordinary people. Our sponsor Liz Alderson was the first, she welcomed us into her home with the warmth and generosity of a mother.
What themes and emotions do you aim to convey through your art?
My themes vary, but at the heart of my work is always my inner world — my own emotions, thoughts, and perceptions of what is happening in the world. There are feelings that live deep inside me, demanding to be heard, screaming to be released, and painting becomes the voice through which they finally break free. I channel not only the suffering of my people and the realities of war but also my personal joys, sorrows, love, and hope. Every brushstroke is an intimate dialogue between my soul and the canvas — a way to let out what cannot be contained and to invite the viewer to feel, reflect, and empathize, to truly sense the emotions behind each story I share.
How do you preserve Ukrainian culture in your work? Which symbols are most meaningful to share with the world?
I consciously incorporate Ukrainian motifs, symbols, and elements of Petrykivka painting into my works. They weave seamlessly into the narrative of each piece, carrying fragments of our culture to the international viewer. Through these elements, I aim not only to showcase beauty but also to tell stories of identity, heritage, and resilience. Each painting becomes a bridge, connecting people from different countries to the rich and enduring spirit of Ukraine.
What inspires you most in the UK, and how do you balance English motifs with your Ukrainian roots?
My greatest source of inspiration is love – its presence, its absence, its transformative power. I truly believe that if people looked at the world through the eyes of love, through the eyes of God, there would be far fewer wars – both in the world and within themselves. This belief guides me, whether I paint British landscapes or Ukrainian stories.
Tell us about your teaching experience. How do you work with students of different ages?
My teaching journey began nearly 15 years ago in Kyiv… From there, everything grew naturally — I taught in IT companies, advertising agencies, cafés, at private lessons, charity events, festivals, and more. I don’t have a secret method. I simply share what I know and what I feel. I believe anyone can learn to paint. My role is to support, to inspire, and to give people wings.
How do your art classes help people cope with stress and find harmony?
I often use elements of right-brain drawing, which allows the analytical left hemisphere to rest. When people paint, they switch off from stress, routine, and anxiety. Their minds reset, and their souls breathe. But the most important lesson I aim to teach is self-belief. Many of my students eventually create deeply emotional works, because what lives within us must find a way out. A canvas is a safe and honest place for that..
What inspired you to organize charity exhibitions?
In the UK, I felt a strong need to become a voice for Ukraine’s tragedy through art. And by nature, I am a “rescuer,” even though it can be psychologically difficult. I simply cannot stay silent when someone needs help, especially when I hold such a powerful tool as art.
What does winning 1st place at the Golden Time Talent Festival mean for you?
This recognition gives me the opportunity to share Ukrainian art and a piece of my soul with the world. It motivates me to keep moving forward and to continue telling Ukraine’s story through my paintings. Winning this award also reinforces my belief that art can transcend borders and language, connecting hearts and creating empathy in ways that words often cannot. It’s a reminder that through creativity, my voice can reach far beyond my own home, my place.
What role does art play in raising awareness about social issues and tragedies?
Art is a powerful amplifier — a global voice. It communicates what cannot be said in words, awakens empathy, and brings attention to issues the world might otherwise ignore. Art allows people to feel tragedy and injustice on a personal level, often more deeply than news reports or statistics could. It creates a space for dialogue, reflection, and understanding, turning spectators into participants in a shared human experience.
What was the idea behind your latest exhibition?
My most recent exhibition took place in a local church that also provides space for my art classes. Alongside my own works, I showcased paintings by my English students. Through the sale of both their works and mine, we were able to purchase tourniquets and haemostatic supplies for Ukrainian soldiers. It also brought new wonderful students into my classes.
What projects are you planning next, and what is your five-year artistic goal?
On 14 December, I will hold an exhibition in London dedicated to fundraising for a vehicle for the frontline. As for long-term goals — after 24 February 2022, it became frightening to dream too far ahead. But in my heart, I hope to establish myself internationally as a Ukrainian artist whose works touch people across borders. I dream of having my own art studio, teaching, creating performances, organising events, and standing firmly in the art world here in the UK.
