Oh hi there!...

 

I am a descendant of Ukrainian, German, and French settlers living on Treaty 6 territory in Amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada).

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I have been making art since I could hold a pencil and I knew early on that creating artwork would always be integral to my life. In 2008, I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design from the University of Alberta. After graduation, I was commissioned by the University to create a $40,000 public artwork for the Physical Education and Recreation department in the Van Vliet Centre. At this time, I was also hired as an illustrator for the Canadian Centre for Research on Literacy. This partnership led to the creation and publication of my first children’s book, Alphabet Stage.

In 2014, I earned my Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Heritage Resources Management from Athabasca University. Throughout my career, I have been an educator for several arts and cultural institutions including Royal Alberta Museum, Fort Edmonton Park, John Walter Museum, Edmonton City Hall, and Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village.

In 2019, I began expanding my art practice, creating new artworks and illustrated items. I grew my online shop and launched a large collection of new work at the Royal Bison Art & Craft Fair in December 2021. In 2022, my illustrated guide, How to Perogy received national acclaim (with features by the Edmonton Journal and CBC) as I raised funds for humanitarian aid in Ukraine.

As both an artist and museum professional, I truly appreciate the materiality of making artwork that is imbued with a sense of history. I am always learning new historical skills, from making clothes on a 1927 pedal-powered sewing machine and spinning wool on an antique wheel, to cheese-making and basket-weaving. These intentional choices to explore the world around me through skill-building greatly informs my art practice, infusing it with authenticity.

I honour the past by sharing my skills and making things by hand; respecting the time it takes to hone a craft. As I continue on my artistic journey, I am teeming with ideas and excitement to revive and reinvent old traditions; creating historic relevance in today's modern world.