A personal story of an artist who paints not only with colors, but with heart
For as long as I can remember, animals were never just “someone else’s problem” in my family. My mother, my grandmother — they always stopped to help. So did I, ever since I was a child.
Today, living and working in Turkey for over 13 years, this instinct has only grown stronger. Every day, I see animals — especially cats — sick, injured, abandoned… right under my windows, next to my studio, on the streets I walk.
I don’t go looking for them.
They simply are.
And I cannot walk away.
🐾 A Cat Named Princess
It was in 2019 when I saw her for the first time. A small cat with a neurological issue, barely able to walk straight, and about to be hit by a car.
I picked her up and brought her to my workplace, hoping to keep her temporarily hidden in a corner — animals weren’t allowed.
But very soon, it became clear: something was seriously wrong.
Back then, I had never heard of FIP (feline infectious peritonitis). I started reading everything I could. I found online support groups, local rescuers, and for the first time — I opened an Instagram page to share her story. (instagram of Princess) and others stories about many stray cats
We raised money, it’s not comin no any donate, no any dollar, but i want to do something, i ordered the GS medicine (which was experimental and extremely expensive), and began treatment — even though vets warned me not to expect miracles.
Her name was Princess.
And while we eventually lost her — the treatment came too late — she stayed with me. On canvas.
I painted her. I needed to. I wanted her to leave a trace, if not in this world, then in paint.
i sow her so
🖼️ This original painting of Princess remains in my collection as a tribute to her story. Some of my other cat portraits are available to collectors — each one painted with the same love and memory.
🎨 Art Reborn Through Grief
After Princess, I never really stopped painting again.
That moment — of helplessness, pain, and love — reopened the door to what I’d been avoiding for years: my true artistic path.
Since childhood, I was trained in art: I studied at an art school, then at the well-known ceramic arts college in Myrhorod, where I learned sculpture, composition, drawing, and painting. Later, I earned my degree in Fine Arts, and had the rare privilege to study privately with two contemporary masters — Halyna Ridna and Volodimyr Bernadsky. (About My Teachers)
But life took me in many directions — dance, theatre, travel, tourism. I was always searching.
Until one small cat brought me back.
🎨 Why I Paint Animals — And Why I Help Them
Since that day, I’ve helped dozens of cats — including several diagnosed with FIP.
I’ve gained knowledge, experience, and a deep connection with many animal rescuers, both locally and online.
I’ve painted many of these cats too — not just to remember them, but to share their spirit.
Most of the money I earn through my original paintings goes to help stray or ill animals. Sometimes I sell a piece just in time to pay for treatment or surgery.
It’s exhausting — physically, emotionally, financially.
But it’s my way of giving back. And honestly, it’s the only way I can breathe.
🎨 When you collect one of my paintings, you’re not just supporting an artist. You’re helping save lives — one brushstroke at a time.
etsy ArtStore
💛 This Is My War
Though I live far from my homeland, I carry Ukraine in my heart.
During these years of brutal war, I often feel like I’m betraying my country just by being far away. But I also know: I fight in my own way — quietly, persistently, through love and action.
These animals are my frontline.
Art is my weapon.
And empathy is my shield.
💬 Thank you for reading this story. Feel free to share it or follow my work on Instagram. Your kindness, support, or even just your attention helps more than you know.
art page of Instagram / cat page of instagram
my art in ArtMajeure gallery
