I was born in the Ural Mountains region of Russia, where my connection to nature began during childhood holidays in my parents' forest house. This natural playground, along with my family's passion for the outdoors, fueled my curiosity and creativity from an early age. My deep fascination with the natural world quickly found expression in art, as I was constantly creating with my hands.
After studying classical art in my hometown—focusing on drawing, painting, and metal sculpting—I realized the challenges of pursuing a career as an artist, especially after witnessing my peers struggle to find art-related jobs. This led me to pursue a Master’s in France, where I shifted focus to art management and curation, working in Paris and New York. However, despite the excitement of city life, I missed my connection to nature and felt a strong urge to return to creating.
After marrying my Italian husband, we moved to southern Italy to start a new life. It was there that I rekindled my passion for watercolor, honing my skills and making nature the central theme of my work. My art, which advocates for environmental protection, began gaining recognition, leading to client commissions, book illustrations, and exhibitions across Europe. I’ve had the privilege of showcasing my work in both group and personal shows, connecting with audiences who share my love for nature.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I focused on learning new skills, such as pattern design, which inspired me to start teaching online. Seeing how convenient and effective online learning was, I began offering courses on Skillshare. This led to the creation of my own signature course, Make Art With Confidence, combining my expertise in both art and management.
Today, I’ve fully dedicated myself to my artistic practice and teaching, embracing the freedom to work on my own terms. My husband has always encouraged me to start my own business, and he witnessed my growth as an artist and educator. This journey led us to work together, turning our passion into a family business. We’ve built a small, dedicated team that shares our commitment to celebrating nature and creativity, making art accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level, talent, or location.