Today, we invite you into the creative world of Svitlana Vashchenko — an artist who transforms every moment of her life into a canvas, and every brushstroke into a story. She doesn’t just create paintings; she captures moments, turning the ordinary into the beautiful. In this interview, Svitlana will share her unique journey into art: from her first timid drawings in childhood to recognition at international exhibitions in Paris. We will learn how environmental design and fine arts merge in her works, why miniatures became her special love, and how she embodies the principle of "living like an artist" every day.
Svitlana, please tell us about your journey into art. How did it all begin?
My name is Svitlana, and I am an artist. I paint not just pictures, but stories. For me, art is the ability to notice beauty in the ordinary, to stop a moment. My path began in childhood: I drew in the margins of notebooks and copied cartoon characters. Later, I designed all the school newspapers and already had my first experience in art competitions. Over the years, this hobby grew into a need to create with brushes, paints, and pencils. To do this more professionally, I decided to enter an art technical college and later an institute.
You are a certified specialist in the field of environmental design, interiors, and fine arts. How do you combine these directions in your work?
Yes, I am a certified specialist in the field of environmental design, interiors, and fine arts. When I entered the faculty, I initially wanted to be a fashion designer. Since the seventh grade of school, as I remember now, I drew clothing sketches in notebooks. And when they asked me where exactly I wanted to apply, I replied that I wanted to be a fashion designer. But my mother leaned toward my ear and whispered: “Sveta, but that’s a seamstress.” For me, the word “seamstress” crossed out all my dreams in a second, and I entered environmental design, which I haven’t regretted for a single second.
I paint pictures in various directions and styles — from abstraction to portraits, from delicate minimalism to emotional color. I don’t limit myself to one format because every person and every home is unique. My experience as a designer taught me to feel the balance of color and texture not only on canvas but also in space. Therefore, my works are not just paintings, but part of the atmosphere. They complement interiors and bring walls to life, creating a mood.
Your talent was recognized even during your student years when your works were exhibited at the Cherkasy Art Gallery. What memories do you have of those first exhibitions, and how did they influence your development as an artist?
Being a first-year student in the second semester, my works received an incredible opportunity to be exhibited at the Cherkasy Art Gallery. It was an unforgettable moment that evoked a whole palette of emotions in me: from trepidation and excitement to sincere pride.
I remember watching the gallery visitors. It was extremely pleasant for me to see how people stopped by my works, discussing them, noting their interest and boldness. This first interaction with the public was a powerful source of inspiration that pushed me toward further creative searches and the creation of new works. It was a clear signal that my choice of the artist’s path was correct and that my creativity finds a resonance in the hearts of the audience.
You participated in various championships with miniature realistic works, specifically representing Ukraine at the OMC International Championship in Paris since 2018. What experience did you gain from participating in these competitions? What attracts you to this genre, and what unique challenges does it pose for an artist?
Since 2018, my works have made it to Paris. I adore this city. Every time I arrive, I feel at home. Paris inspires and charges me so much — it is my separate love.
Achievements: diplomas, medals, prizes — yes, it’s all incredible, but the most valuable thing is the priceless experience. Everything that seemed so nerve-wracking then now warms my soul. Because it was there that I realized: my art is my path.
Similarly, miniatures are my special love. They have everything I adore: details only for those who look closely, the ability to fit a mood into a few centimeters — the perfect format for those who love to paint while sitting with coffee, rather than on ladders. This is art that speaks in a whisper. If you have already heard it, you will never forget it.
For you, being an artist means approaching every moment of life creatively. Could you tell us more about this idea? How does this principle manifest in your daily life?
It’s when you prepare breakfast and the omelet is in the shape of a heart, or you arrange berries on pancakes in the shape of a flower. When the rain outside doesn’t ruin your plans, and you get dressed and go for a walk through puddles with the little ones. When you pack a gift with soul, even if there are socks inside. When you write a to-do list and instead of 1, 2, 3, 4, you draw hearts or flowers. You might not paint, but you can live like an artist — then every day becomes a canvas.
How does your professional activity in creating and passing on knowledge about art affect your personal creativity?
It is an interaction where one feeds the other. This process is two-way. Seeing how my students or listeners find their own paths in art, how their eyes light up with new ideas, is an extremely powerful source of inspiration for me personally. In fact, every time I inspire someone, I become even more inspired myself.
This creates a continuous cycle where teaching fuels creativity, and creativity, in turn, enriches my experience, which I can then share.
You are constantly searching for the new and the beautiful. What sources of inspiration do you consider the most important for yourself?
Inspiration is in everything real: people, moments, nature. But there is a special attitude toward water — it is the sea. It’s not just water. It is space, light, silence, depth. It is my source of rebooting.
You believe in the importance of creativity in any field. How do you think people who do not engage in art professionally can add more creativity to their lives?
Art is not necessarily an academic education. Create a creative mood for yourself from small things. Morning coffee in a beautiful cup is already aesthetics. Allow yourself to “play.” Not for the result, but for pleasure, like children. Children don’t have “it didn’t work out”; for children, it’s just a cool process. Relax and engage.
How do you approach the process of creating your works? Do you have certain rituals or methods? Which materials and techniques do you enjoy working with the most and why?
First comes the feeling, then the idea, which I nurture — sometimes for a long time, sometimes quickly. Then coffee, music, light, brushes. I love to experiment, but the miniature genre holds a special place. Gel paints, brushes like needles — on such a small format, you can fit an entire mood, plot, or world. Miniatures teach patience, attention to detail, and a deep inner silence.
Are there any new directions or projects in art that you are currently exploring or planning to develop in the near future?
Currently, I am actively developing two interesting projects: “Realism in Miniature” and the masterclass “Realism on the Tip of a Brush.” These creative meetings are not just lessons, but a deep immersion into the world of miniature painting, where I strive to share my findings and techniques.
During these masterclasses, I don’t just demonstrate the features of working in miniature, but also focus on important aspects that will help everyone find their own unique rhythm and style. We explore how, working with the smallest details, one can not lose, but rather preserve and strengthen emotions in a small form. My goal is to inspire participants to their own experiments and show that great art can fit even on the tip of a brush.
What advice would you give to beginner artists who are just starting their creative journey?
Do not wait for “permission” to create. It is not necessary to have a diploma or the “idea of the year” to paint. Do not compare yourself to anyone. Everyone has their own rhythm, their own path. You don’t need to be complex; even the simplest is the most sincere. Allow yourself to do things “imperfectly.” Create for yourself, not to “be liked.” Criticism is great: you were noticed, you were noted. Inspiration is not a marathon. Breathe, rest. Trust yourself.
