Alina Litvinova

Visual artist and curator

For me personally, a studio is any corner of my home or any other place that I clutter with my materials and works. I can't work in just one sterile space and I can't imagine the creative process without a little chaos. The chair with clothes is literally a permanent part of my "Studio". Like other corners that I present at this exhibition.

I write more about this and my other art projects here

https://www.instagram.com/al.alitarta/

Montaha Idris

MA Architecture Student

State of Studio;

State of Mind

 

as is the artist’s dream, i long for having my own studio space, that isn’t my bedroom. a spacious room with a large desk, a generous window framing a serene view, endless storage space, and creativity decorating every wall and corner. yet over the course of my studies, i began to learn that this dream, although perhaps attainable, will not look as organised and idealistic as i had imagined.

 

my studios – my room, my course-long studio desks, my living room, my dining table, my floor – have all been chaotic. they become a cluster of things that need to remain visible and therefore easy to remember. storing things away feels like closing on a line of thought, a chain of creativity. after a certain point, these lines and chains accumulate to an overwhelming degree, and so i move spaces; a new studio, a new mind space. my future studio will be no exception – it won’t take long for that room to become something visually unintelligible. 

 

through this exhibition, i aim to represent this tendency. despite the frustration and difficulty of working around this as a university student, this year i try to embrace it. different spaces inspire me differently, different ideas immerge, and the scope of my creativity expands. i have displayed a messy collection of my works across the past few years, some works in progress, and a few images of the studio(s). so, i share with you a piece of my studio, and a piece of my mind;

 

Instagram: @montaharchi.ve

Kateryna Tsyvunova 

"My studio is my kitchen"

For me, creativity is not just a form of expression but a vital force that reminds me of my humanity. When I create, I feel truly alive. I work with what inspires me, what excites me, and what allows me to engage in a deeper dialogue with both myself and others. My art is driven by the belief that every person has a unique story to tell through their creativity. Through my art classes for adults and children, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of art—how it connects people, fosters joy, and creates moments of shared happiness. When I see a student finish their painting or craft and their face lights up with pride and contentment, I feel that same joy.

In my practice, I love to experiment, combining various materials in unexpected ways. I draw inspiration from nature, incorporating elements like twigs, flowers, stones, shells, bark, and pinecones into my work. These organic materials come together on the canvas, bound together with epoxy resin, creating textured, immersive pieces that reflect my desire to connect with the natural world. The versatility and flexibility of resin fascinate me, allowing me to experiment with layers, depth, and light in ways that feel limitless.

I also enjoy working with texture paste, acrylic paints, and the rich addition of gold leaf, which adds a sense of warmth and elegance to my pieces. Each work is an exploration of both technique and emotion, a reflection of my ongoing journey to bring beauty into a world that desperately needs it.

Through my art, I hope to offer a small moment of escape, a reminder of the power of creativity, and the enduring spirit of resilience.

Instagram: @kate_art_1985

 

Matthew Morpheus

Digital artist

Born as Serhii Matveichenko, is a celebrated Ukrainian artist. His distinctive artistic vision merges graphic design, collage, and aerosol paints into deeply evocative works that resonate with emotional intensity. Morpheus’s journey in the art world has been adorned with prestigious international accolades in Beijing and New York.

From an early age, his fascination with visual storytelling led him to develop a unique blend of traditional and contemporary techniques, earning him recognition as a pioneer in abstract art. Each piece by Morpheus not only captivates with its visual appeal but also unveils a rich tapestry of narratives and emotions, making his art a profound experience for the viewer.

Morpheus’s creations transcend mere visual art, inviting the audience into a world where every work is a portal to deeper understanding and emotional exploration. His contributions continue to leave an indelible mark on the global art scene, affirming his status as a masterful storyteller through art.

Instagram: @matthew_morpheus

Yuliia Shevchuk

I am an artist passionate about folk art. My style is "Petrykivka painting," a traditional Ukrainian art form with a history spanning over 500 years.

My artistic journey began in my childhood when I first picked up a paintbrush. Since then, I have been refining my technique and striving to convey my worldview through art.

Over the past six months, I have conducted a series of creative workshops. I continuously enhance my skills and knowledge while connecting with fascinating people in the art world. My works reflect my love for nature and the romanticism of everyday life.

I use vibrant colors and traditional motifs to capture the atmosphere and beauty of cultural heritage.

One of the unique aspects of my art is the deep symbolism embedded in the details, which has become an integral part of my creative expression.

I aspire to continue growing as an artist, deepening my understanding of the art world and exploring new techniques.

This exhibition is an important milestone in my career, and I hope my paintings evoke the same warmth in you that I felt while creating them.

Juliashevchuk1621@gmail.com

 

Viktoria Volosnyk 

Art therapist

I am an Ukrainian Mental Health Worker in the organization Feniks based in Edinburgh. I have 15 years experience working as a psychologist and art therapist with children, youth and adults. I am happy to have had the honour to work in different international projects and organisations. I will briefly describe some of them.

Since the beginning of the war I’ve been working as a Ukrainian Mental Health Project Worker with children and young people at Let’s Talk CIC, Edinburgh, giving mental health support to young people who need it. Then I led groups of psychological support and art therapy for British children and young people in Edinburgh. I absolutely love the motto: YP is at the center of everything we do. Also in 2022 as a volunteer at Feniks I have provided mental health group support via art for children and young people.

I worked also as a crisis psychologist in many projects with Ukrainian refugees and vulnerable people (child and youth groups, families) in Kharkiv Foundation of Psychological Research. I made a training program for developing social skills for teenagers and youth with GOIT organisation.

When I am not working I love travelling and exploring new places and cultures as well as the local area. One of my hobbies since childhood has been drawing and making art. I feel it is a calming and relaxing way to express my feelings and boost my creativity. My favorite materials for now are watercolours and acrylic paints.

Instagram: @victoriavolosnik

Aleksandra Morhun 

Alexandra is a self-taught artist whose passion for creativity was sparked in childhood. As a teenager, she realized that she held countless images and emotions inside her, all seeking expression. This realization marked the beginning of her journey in art, one she has pursued independently, guided by her instincts and inspirations.

Working primarily with acrylics, Alexandra creates pieces that blend impressionism with magical realism. Her paintings are filled with deep, vivid colors, expressive light, and a

mysterious atmosphere that invites viewers not only to see but to feel and imagine. She draws inspiration from her inner world, the beauty of nature, and the forms and colors she observes around her, skillfully merging reality with fantastical elements.

For Alexandra, art is more than simply creating something beautiful; it’s a means of

self-expression and a way to navigate life’s challenges. Each of her works reflects her personal experiences and unique view of the world. “Art is me,” she says, encapsulating the essence of her creative journey: every painting is a personal story, an emotion, and a step toward self-expression.

Instagram: @artmor_art 

akarelina012@gmail.com

Olga Niekrasova

Award-winning screenwriter/director

Olga got an A-Class Master’s degree in English/Spanish Philology and Translation at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (Ukraine) and pursued Filmmaking and Media degrees at Edinburgh College and Queen Margaret University.

In 2023, Olga wrote and directed the experimental short films VALISE and SHADOWS and, in 2024, the experimental short animation BALL OF YARN=TRUST.

Ever since Olga was young, she has been intrigued by the power of art to evoke emotions, challenge perspectives, and inspire change. Throughout Olga’s professional journey, she has honed her artistic abilities through education and hands-on experience, leading to the development of an artistic style that combines conventional techniques with innovative, contemporary concepts.

With knowledge in the arts and a focus on film projects, Olga has perfected her skills to bring ideas to life through visual storytelling. Olga is constantly seeking fresh ways to push her talents and create engaging artwork that resonates with others.

One of Olga’s major achievements as a screenwriter/director is making projects that won awards at international film festivals, and that are being screened at various venues both in and outside the UK.

https://filmfreeway.com/OlgaNiekrasova

Nataliia Yanishevska

Multidisciplinary artist and Doctor of Philosophy

Nataliia got a Master’s degree in Art at Lviv National Academy of Arts, a Master’s degree in Philosophy at Lviv National University and PhD at Modern Art Research Institute in Kyiv. Nataliia’s academic background informs her creative practice, which spans oil painting, art textile, graphics, and the unique art of modern pysanka (Ukrainian Easter egg decoration). Her work is deeply rooted in my explorations of Avant Garde, geometric design, symbolism, and the philosophical aspects of art and creativity. Over the past two decades, her pieces have been exhibited internationally and are held in both private and public collections worldwide. The art of pysanka holds a special place in her practice. Taught by her grandfather as a child, she has elevated this traditional craft into a modern art form, infusing each egg with profound meaning and symbolism. Her designs are inspired by nature, poetry, and human resilience, transcending the Easter tradition to become aesthetic objects in their own right.

Since relocating to Scotland two years ago due to the war in Ukraine, Nataliia has found solace and renewal in her art. Creating pysankas has become a form of art therapy, allowing her to channel experiences into designs. The unpredictable nature of the wax-resist technique she employs adds an element of surprise and challenge to each piece.

With the beginning of the war, Natalia has been creating more and more pysankas without the use of dyes in etching technique. They are with portraits of Ukrainian culture figures, poems, melodies and allegorical images. Subsequently, in Scotland, this series is supplemented by Robert Barnes portraits, his poems, motives of Scottish national symbols and songs.

Nataliia brought only a few essential tools from Ukraine: a kistka for heating wax and beeswax from my uncle's apiary. Initially, Nataliia worked from a tiny cabin on a cruise ship docked in Glasgow, where she struggled to find space for creativity. Now, Nataliia has established a small workshop in the living room, where she creates Easter eggs by candlelight and occasionally explores oil painting. The stunning landscapes of Scotland became an inspiration, prompting her to capture their beauty through art. As an artist, Nataliia strives to create a unique fusion of cultural heritage, personal experience, and artistic innovation. Through art, she offers viewers a window into a world where tradition meets modernity, and beauty flourishes even in challenging times.

https://www.behance.net/natarti

https://natartistudio.etsy.com

https://www.facebook.com/nataliya.yanishevska

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