As a first generation immigrant to the USA I started creating art at a very young age. My love for art and travel has lead me all over the world. I have lived in Massachusetts, Maryland, Russia, Canada for 5 years, and the Netherlands for 3 years! My wanderlust and free spirited nature is now leading me on a new adventure, where I plan to return to my hometown in Maryland to finally plant my roots, set up a permanent painting studio, and dive into many more new and exciting projects.
Me with my most recent painting project. Please check out "Current Project" to learn more.
Like father like daughter. Except for the math part.
First Generation Immigrant
When I was only 2 ½ years old my parents made the incredible decision to move themselves, their 3 young girls, and our family cat from Post-Soviet Russia to America. My dad miraculously was accepted with a special person’s visa for his contributions to math and science, and my mom, a former cardiologist, left behind her busy hospital life to commit to raising us 3 girls as a full-time mom. I still remember the day she taught me how to draw a stick-figure in our Boston apartment shortly after our move, and I spent the afternoon covering sheets of paper with the little stick-man. That day opened up a door to art and creativity which I have pursued my whole life. |
Happy little family in Boston, circa 1994
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Me in Boston, painting, with my hero Batman. This image basically sums up everything.
While in Boston, I learned how to speak English by watching cartoons on TV. My absolute favorite was Batman, who became my hero. I also grew up on Disney animated classic movies, and soon I’d be watching animated cartoons every evening, with a piece of paper paper and pencil in front of me. This continued into my school years, where I’d often fill up my notebooks and homework assignment with doodles, sketches, and drawings. This sometimes amused, sometimes angered my teachers.
I learned how to oil paint by following along with Bob Ross videos on YouTube and streaming the process.
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Video Games and Streaming My grandma bought me my first video game system, a SNES, when I was only 5 years old, and my first gaming computer in high school. Since then I grew up playing video games, particularly enchanted by the art and game worlds within them. This passion actually brought me to Canada where I received an advanced diploma in Video Game Development, graduating as one of the top in my class. Upon graduating I immediately received an opportunity as a 3D Junior Artist Intern at a local game development company, and afterwards was offered a full-time position as a 3D Artist. Around this time I also began streaming on Twitch.tv as a side-project. On Twitch.tv I created an internet live show where I learned how to oil paint, following along with Joy of Painting episodes with Bob Ross on YouTube. The stream quickly grew and the support was incredible. The viewers on the stream funded all of my painting supplies and all of my computer and streaming equipment. But most importantly I’ve met some incredible people who have changed my life forever. One person in particular stole my heart, and when the time came I packed up my life into a suitcase, and made the leap of faith to move to Europe to go live with him. |
Me with my paintings in Canada
The viewers on my stream funded all my oil paints, canvas, and supplies. Even a new computer. Their support jump started my opportunity to learn rapidly.
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Love of Travel
I grew up in the USA but I’ve also lived in Russia, Canada, and now, in the Netherlands. Since an early age I knew I wanted to be an artist. Thanks to my parents I also found my love for travel at a very young age. Every summer we would visit our family in Russia, and in later years would also explore other countries in Europe on our way to Russia. Art and Travel became two very prevalent and interlinked themes in my life. In Canada I completed my Video Game Development degree with a focus in art, got my first job in the industry as a junior 3D artist, and started my art stream on Twitch.tv, where I also learned how to oil paint. The stream grew and there I met my fiance. My experiences traveling gave me the courage to pack up my life, and move to the Netherlands to be with him. Three beautiful years together, and now we are planning to start the next chapter in our lives to move back to America together. We are both very excited about this move, and I am so happy to return to my hometown to set up a permanent art studio, and continue my art journey there!
I grew up in the USA but I’ve also lived in Russia, Canada, and now, in the Netherlands. Since an early age I knew I wanted to be an artist. Thanks to my parents I also found my love for travel at a very young age. Every summer we would visit our family in Russia, and in later years would also explore other countries in Europe on our way to Russia. Art and Travel became two very prevalent and interlinked themes in my life. In Canada I completed my Video Game Development degree with a focus in art, got my first job in the industry as a junior 3D artist, and started my art stream on Twitch.tv, where I also learned how to oil paint. The stream grew and there I met my fiance. My experiences traveling gave me the courage to pack up my life, and move to the Netherlands to be with him. Three beautiful years together, and now we are planning to start the next chapter in our lives to move back to America together. We are both very excited about this move, and I am so happy to return to my hometown to set up a permanent art studio, and continue my art journey there!
Additional Interests
Along with creating art, I love music, nature, and of course travelling! I play piano and ukulele, sing, and have a huge admiration for flowers, animals, and greenery. My ideal day would be spent hiking in lush green forests, walking by the sea, or gardening. Anything to be surrounded by nature! That is when I feel most alive and connected with myself and my roots. I also love streaming on Twitch.tv and talking with people. Thanks to the internet I have gotten a chance to meet some incredible people and make friendships for a lifetime.
Along with creating art, I love music, nature, and of course travelling! I play piano and ukulele, sing, and have a huge admiration for flowers, animals, and greenery. My ideal day would be spent hiking in lush green forests, walking by the sea, or gardening. Anything to be surrounded by nature! That is when I feel most alive and connected with myself and my roots. I also love streaming on Twitch.tv and talking with people. Thanks to the internet I have gotten a chance to meet some incredible people and make friendships for a lifetime.
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Thanks for checking out my site and reading!!