It was one of the most difficult tests in my life.
I was looking for strength and support in loved ones and in creativity when the war began. I was in shock and didn’t know what to do.
The war showed me that life is here and now, and every day is important. Leaving my city, Kharkiv, was dangerous, so I stayed at home, and I tried to do what I could. I have long dreamed of making a tutorial — an online course — on colors; I have been preparing for this process for years to make it perfect. I had bought a camera for shooting, additional lights, and worked on my technique of creating a flower. But in the new reality, I had to shoot lessons on a children’s table. When I had the last piece of clay in my hands, I heard shots outside the window. I was scared. I’m afraid for our lives and for my little daughter and for the dream that lives in my heart.
For the course, I chose terry lilac and created 35 short and detailed lessons on creating lilacs. Lesson after lesson, I tried to write down one hour every day. I did not know if I could write the course to the end. But I did what I love so much and was in a hurry to share my knowledge with others. The flowers I make remind me of the past peaceful life that was taken away from us one day. Even in such circumstances, I tried to make the lessons beautiful and understandable, even for a beginner.
So, 50 days passed. And now, my 35 lessons on terry lilac are ready. Offering these lessons will help my family financially in the next difficult months.
My family and I were able to get out of our dangerous city.
I placed my tools and clay in a small box. We left our house with thoughts that we might not return. We need to live on, and even in such a cruel reality, I push myself every day.
Working with flowers has always inspired me. I continue to create flowers far from home, and it gives me mental strength. Sharing your work with the world and getting so much support is very valuable. Now I know for sure that you can’t wait for ideal conditions for your dreams; you need to act.
When the soul hurts and it is difficult, the main thing is not to stand still. To create flowers that do not die is so symbolic in our circumstances. I hope my story will inspire beautiful women to realize their ideas and know that there will definitely be people who will appreciate it. Each path is not only about success but also about the trials that one has to go through in life.
But always remember that creativity has no limits.
“Luck is preparation for being worthy of your chance in life at the right time. No luck will be useful to you if you cannot respond at the right moment.”
— Oprah Winfrey (adapted)
Process for Creating
The creation of each flower is a laborious process, especially lilacs.
I make each stamen from clay, painting it with yellow oil paint. I create a flower completely by hand from a small drop of clay, cutting it into four parts with scissors. It is this terry lilac that has a trifoliate flower, which makes it special among other lilac varieties. I add volume to each flower using a tool with a ball.
After drying, I tint the lilacs and leaves with oil paints.
I collect flowers and buds in inflorescences and proceed to the next step. I combine inflorescences into a single branch. This is how a lilac is born in stages and does not fade. All stages of creation are shown in detail in my course.
To sign up for Julia’s class, subscribe to Instagram account Lilac_Clay_Class
It was one of the most difficult tests in my life.
I was looking for strength and support in loved ones and in creativity when the war began. I was in shock and didn’t know what to do.
The war showed me that life is here and now, and every day is important. Leaving my city, Kharkiv, was dangerous, so I stayed at home, and I tried to do what I could. I have long dreamed of making a tutorial — an online course — on colors; I have been preparing for this process for years to make it perfect. I had bought a camera for shooting, additional lights, and worked on my technique of creating a flower. But in the new reality, I had to shoot lessons on a children’s table. When I had the last piece of clay in my hands, I heard shots outside the window. I was scared. I’m afraid for our lives and for my little daughter and for the dream that lives in my heart.
For the course, I chose terry lilac and created 35 short and detailed lessons on creating lilacs. Lesson after lesson, I tried to write down one hour every day. I did not know if I could write the course to the end. But I did what I love so much and was in a hurry to share my knowledge with others. The flowers I make remind me of the past peaceful life that was taken away from us one day. Even in such circumstances, I tried to make the lessons beautiful and understandable, even for a beginner.
So, 50 days passed. And now, my 35 lessons on terry lilac are ready. Offering these lessons will help my family financially in the next difficult months.
My family and I were able to get out of our dangerous city.
I placed my tools and clay in a small box. We left our house with thoughts that we might not return. We need to live on, and even in such a cruel reality, I push myself every day.
Working with flowers has always inspired me. I continue to create flowers far from home, and it gives me mental strength. Sharing your work with the world and getting so much support is very valuable. Now I know for sure that you can’t wait for ideal conditions for your dreams; you need to act.
When the soul hurts and it is difficult, the main thing is not to stand still. To create flowers that do not die is so symbolic in our circumstances. I hope my story will inspire beautiful women to realize their ideas and know that there will definitely be people who will appreciate it. Each path is not only about success but also about the trials that one has to go through in life.
But always remember that creativity has no limits.
“Luck is preparation for being worthy of your chance in life at the right time. No luck will be useful to you if you cannot respond at the right moment.”
— Oprah Winfrey (adapted)
Process for Creating
The creation of each flower is a laborious process, especially lilacs.
I make each stamen from clay, painting it with yellow oil paint. I create a flower completely by hand from a small drop of clay, cutting it into four parts with scissors. It is this terry lilac that has a trifoliate flower, which makes it special among other lilac varieties. I add volume to each flower using a tool with a ball.
After drying, I tint the lilacs and leaves with oil paints.
I collect flowers and buds in inflorescences and proceed to the next step. I combine inflorescences into a single branch. This is how a lilac is born in stages and does not fade. All stages of creation are shown in detail in my course.
To sign up for Julia’s class, subscribe to Instagram account Lilac_Clay_Class
