oksanazhelisko's Profile

From: Canada
Joined: February 21, 2011

About oksanazhelisko:

I was born and raised in the city of L’viv in western Ukraine. It is a city with deep historical roots and a natural melting pot of various cultures that have all left their marks on its architecture. It is a stimulating epicentre for any and all artists. A year ago I even created a series entitled “Urbanites” inspired by the beauty of my hometown. When doing this series, I looked at it with new eyes. There is so much beauty that has surrounded me for most of my life and I was too blind or ignorant to notice it. This time I captured and inhaled all the details of the buildings, churches, fountains and squares. I combined it with the everlasting beauty of Ukrainian women and voila – new perspectives on landscape and portrait were brought together. L’viv is to me one the most exciting places in the world. It continues to evoke in me creativity and drive.
I have been drawing and painting since I can remember. My first masterpiece was created on the walls with my Mom’s lipstick. My Mom always had skills in drawing and painting. Art is her passion but only theoretically. It is my Mom, whom I have to thank for noticing my inclinations and giving me the opportunity to learn and develop these skills.
As for my education and training, I first graduated from the Independent School of Fine Arts in L’viv. After finishing high school, there was so doubt in my mind as for choosing my profession. In 1996 I entered the L’viv State College of Decorative & Applied Arts named after Ivan Trush and graduated in 2001 with a B.FA. That same year, I held my first solo exhibition in the Ivan Franko University Gallery. Earlier, I had met my husband -to-be in a bar , we got married and nine years ago, I moved from Ukraine to Edmonton and have been living here ever since.