I live in the beautiful city of Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. It is full of legends—I know a lot of them—and I like to walk around the streets of my beloved city when I take a break from my work. My family, with whom I live, is my daughter and a cat. But there is also a mother, brother, grandmother, cousin and nephews. It is a large family that I love and appreciate.
I started creating when I was 7 years old. In the course of my life, I have always been engaged in different kinds of creativity. I know how to knit, sew, embroider and cut a little on wood. I do a lot of things with my hands. But I never dreamed that creativity and art would become my main work. By education, I am a linguist. I worked for a long time in journalism and then in the economic sphere. When my daughter was born, I finally found a job for my soul.
It is often said that the birth of children awakens a strong creative beginning in a woman. In my case, this is exactly what happened. It is very important to me that the people closest to me have always been supportive. I’ve never heard, “What kind of nonsense are you involved in?” Or, “Find yourself a serious job!” They might not fully understand me, but they always accept me, and for that I’m very grateful.
Four years ago, when my daughter was very young, I wanted to learn how to work with metal. At first, I tried wire weaving, but it did not suit me. I then decided to learn how to solder. I did not have a teacher, and I had never done it. But I really wanted to learn. I watched different lessons on the internet, trying again and again. The first details I soldered at 3 a.m. in my kitchen. I jumped for joy that everything turned out! I do not know how to properly name my style. Probably it’s closest to bohemian, but there are notes of contemporary, Art Deco and even some historical elements. In any case, I’m not the typical minimalist!
I do not find inspiration; it finds me. And it happens everywhere. Interesting images are born when I read books to my daughter, look at the sky and listen to music. Inspiration is in puddles on the asphalt, the plexus of grass and twigs, and in nature’s game of sea waves. But most of all, I am inspired by stones. They tell me their stories—many stories—and I just have to implement them to do them justice.
Unfortunately, I do not have a studio yet, I’m a typical “kitchen master,” working in the kitchen and on my balcony. My favorite tool is a burner. I really love to solder and work with fire. When in the flame of fire my fantasies are embodied, I am happy there. I like my hammers, anchor with puncheons and jig saw—I could go on and on.
“I can go to the tool shops the way other women go to cosmetics or clothing stores.”
I don’t think that I really have great achievements in my work. Doing what you love and affecting others with this love is not an achievement, but a path. I want to learn a lot more about working with metal and stones, and little by little, I’m doing it. So far, it is convenient for me to work at home to spend more time with my daughter. But, of course, I’d like to have my own workshop with a lot of tools—and the ability to make noise when I want!
I am enjoying my life as I pass through it. I dream of traveling and of seeing with my own eyes the places I’ve read about. I want to be strong, bold and energetic in mind, body and soul. It is very important for me to feel the strength of my body as well as my character. I want to develop in my work so that jewelry from Kolyada delights women all over the world. I want to raise my daughter in abundant love. And I also want to learn how to draw. Because while I can draw with metal; pencil and paints are another story. Sometimes, I start to worry that I’m doing something wrong, and “the pretender complex” begins. But I simply push forward doing what I love so much, and the testimonials of my customers convince me that I’m headed in the right direction. My heart is full of gratitude to those people who say, “What you do is necessary.” Because it certainly feels that way to me: It is necessary.
I wish no one would ever be afraid to start anew. I started working with metal when I was 34 years old. Usually at this age, everyone has their careers and a precise understanding of what they want. But many people work in unloved jobs and think that it is normal. I want people to not be afraid. I always wanted to love my job, and finally, I now do. I’m happy with that, and I sincerely wish everyone the same.
“Sometimes beauty is born in flame.”
I live in the beautiful city of Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. It is full of legends—I know a lot of them—and I like to walk around the streets of my beloved city when I take a break from my work. My family, with whom I live, is my daughter and a cat. But there is also a mother, brother, grandmother, cousin and nephews. It is a large family that I love and appreciate.
I started creating when I was 7 years old. In the course of my life, I have always been engaged in different kinds of creativity. I know how to knit, sew, embroider and cut a little on wood. I do a lot of things with my hands. But I never dreamed that creativity and art would become my main work. By education, I am a linguist. I worked for a long time in journalism and then in the economic sphere. When my daughter was born, I finally found a job for my soul.
It is often said that the birth of children awakens a strong creative beginning in a woman. In my case, this is exactly what happened. It is very important to me that the people closest to me have always been supportive. I’ve never heard, “What kind of nonsense are you involved in?” Or, “Find yourself a serious job!” They might not fully understand me, but they always accept me, and for that I’m very grateful.
Four years ago, when my daughter was very young, I wanted to learn how to work with metal. At first, I tried wire weaving, but it did not suit me. I then decided to learn how to solder. I did not have a teacher, and I had never done it. But I really wanted to learn. I watched different lessons on the internet, trying again and again. The first details I soldered at 3 a.m. in my kitchen. I jumped for joy that everything turned out! I do not know how to properly name my style. Probably it’s closest to bohemian, but there are notes of contemporary, Art Deco and even some historical elements. In any case, I’m not the typical minimalist!
I do not find inspiration; it finds me. And it happens everywhere. Interesting images are born when I read books to my daughter, look at the sky and listen to music. Inspiration is in puddles on the asphalt, the plexus of grass and twigs, and in nature’s game of sea waves. But most of all, I am inspired by stones. They tell me their stories—many stories—and I just have to implement them to do them justice.
Unfortunately, I do not have a studio yet, I’m a typical “kitchen master,” working in the kitchen and on my balcony. My favorite tool is a burner. I really love to solder and work with fire. When in the flame of fire my fantasies are embodied, I am happy there. I like my hammers, anchor with puncheons and jig saw—I could go on and on.
“I can go to the tool shops the way other women go to cosmetics or clothing stores.”
I don’t think that I really have great achievements in my work. Doing what you love and affecting others with this love is not an achievement, but a path. I want to learn a lot more about working with metal and stones, and little by little, I’m doing it. So far, it is convenient for me to work at home to spend more time with my daughter. But, of course, I’d like to have my own workshop with a lot of tools—and the ability to make noise when I want!
I am enjoying my life as I pass through it. I dream of traveling and of seeing with my own eyes the places I’ve read about. I want to be strong, bold and energetic in mind, body and soul. It is very important for me to feel the strength of my body as well as my character. I want to develop in my work so that jewelry from Kolyada delights women all over the world. I want to raise my daughter in abundant love. And I also want to learn how to draw. Because while I can draw with metal; pencil and paints are another story. Sometimes, I start to worry that I’m doing something wrong, and “the pretender complex” begins. But I simply push forward doing what I love so much, and the testimonials of my customers convince me that I’m headed in the right direction. My heart is full of gratitude to those people who say, “What you do is necessary.” Because it certainly feels that way to me: It is necessary.
I wish no one would ever be afraid to start anew. I started working with metal when I was 34 years old. Usually at this age, everyone has their careers and a precise understanding of what they want. But many people work in unloved jobs and think that it is normal. I want people to not be afraid. I always wanted to love my job, and finally, I now do. I’m happy with that, and I sincerely wish everyone the same.
“Sometimes beauty is born in flame.”
