Vira Yakymchuk (Ukraine), is a primarily self-taught artistpainter, who spends most of her life in dreamworld. Whose creative production revolves around classical figurative
painting, presented in a contemporary manner. I reflect reality like a dream, which is also a reflection of real life.

What is the best thing that I love about my work? Figurative painting which I consider to be a manifestation of the divine. Through my work I manage to detach from anything that might worry me, so to me making figurative art with nature is a form of therapy that brings me physical and spiritual comfort. My works not only express the interconnectedness of the dimensions and experiences that shape a person’s life, but I
also discover the huge strenth that we humans possess in order to change ourselves from within and to transform the surrounding reality. I also love to meet inspiring people and
share experiences with them and painted their feelings, emotions.

What is my idea of perfect happiness? It is very subjective because everyone can interpret Perfection and Happiness in a different way! Happiness is a process for
me. Having the freedom to be able to create my artworks in my studio, and having many ideas that don’t let me sleep peacefully, because of the desire and frenzy to make them
happen. Also is the perfect happiness would be for the whole world to live in peace and harmony.

What is my greatest fear? Perhaps my greatest fear is lose my time and to lose the spirit
to live, the energies to create new things and to keep learning. And the death of my loved ones.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? I am probably very critical of myself even though this may not seem to emerge and perpetual restlessness. I have been
working to fix it. I learned to love myself and accept also the things I don’t like. It’s all I can say thanks to my art.

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? I’m not sure if there is anyone in particular, but I sure do admire anyone who is committed to making the world more beautiful place. I admire good people in general, open-minded people,
sensitive, and that the genuine miracle is in the human nature.

What is my greatest extravagance? I don’t think I’m very extravagant, to be honest. So,
supernatural instinct and a never giving up attitude.

On what occasion would I lie? I try to be honest as I can most of the time. I don’t like lies but… I would be using a lie as a form of protection. I can avoid hurting someone or if somehow I could serve the greater good.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? I never feel comfortable, when I have to work on the art. Because I create my own world. However, what I hate the most
– is money. Let’s face reality – the money. But we are dependent on them… I know that money is what moves the world, and make a good things but most is problems. And
generally the art industry is underpaid next to the value it brings to people’s lives. I think the same thing about education. And money is ruling, it is a big business where art disappears. And the profession of artist becomes a mockery. People are addicted to materialism, and it kills true art and in a man to be human .

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? There are many moments of profound happiness in my work. I am always happy when my days are busy with work in my studio. When I am in the flow creating what I want without thinking too much for reality. When the theme for the new series of works comes in to my mind, the moment when I start a new work, the stages through which the work goes and the one in which I finish it, I sign it and I am satisfied. I am in maximum ecstasy with feelings and emotions when I exhibit my paintings.

If I could, what would I change about myself? Probably nothing. I have my pros and cons. I have always said people are beautiful by nature. After all, each person is a
separate universe.

What is my greatest achievement in work? I am not sure what is my greatest achievement, but I guess it’s to be figurative painter. And being able to reach
everyone with my art, and touch soul of them, no matter the age or gender. I consider this a great success.

Where would I most like to live? It doesn’t matter to me where I can live … if there are loved ones nearby and to creat beautiful art. And the main thing – is peace and freedom in the world, then in every corner there will be a place for happiness and love.

What is my most treasured possession? My most treasured possession is the gift from heaven received in this life – is to see miracle in small things and a dreams and
create my art.

What is my most marked characteristic? Actually I don’t know really, probably who knows me could say it better than myself… But I think, most remarkable characteristic as a painter is expressiveness and as a person intuition. But the most important thing that I have in my life is the people I love.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? The most solitary areas of the countryside in a western province of Ukraine, are the places where I share nature and
fresh air. And of course, my native parental home inspires me.

What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? To be honest I love to eat and drink at home.

What books influenced my life and how? Oh many books have had an importance influence. I like reading. I really like the smell of books. I love the books that open up the world of romance and fantasy, which inspiration for a new art with a lot beautiful emotions. It is as if the world is inside the world. But I cannot single out one book.

Who are my favorite writers? I will say what my favorite genre is romantic novels.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? I love rock music and classics … but last a few years I love to listen silence. On my last day or at list is will be – silence of life.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? People from real life – all of those who have become positive role models for other people through their life story, giving
courage, helping change perspectives. And despite the hard trials of life, those who learned to love and love despite never having been loved, but loved life. Who moved the society in a direction of more humanity, love and respect for what we have.

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? I could never recommend something to watch or a book to read if it is closely related to my personal emotions, to my innermost story. I’ve seen a lot of great films. Some were easily forgettable, some were truly memorable.

What role plays art in my life and work? Creating art is a kind of meditation and a way to explore my inner world. Art plays a very important role in my life and of my soul. I see art in everything, it is the colour of life. Painting is my another way of getting to know this world and talking to it. For a few years that I have found my way, I live to paint and I do not see myself doing anything else. Painting daily almost daily made me rediscover my passion. I find new subjects and experiences and this makes me feel full crazy desire. It is a fulfillment and joy that I cannot describe in words. Painting is part of me living through every work I create.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? Those who believe in my work and have supported it over the years, An sometimes remind you even of things you have
forgotten about yourself. That is truly valuable.

Whom would I like to work with in 2020? I am interested in projects through which I can grow and develop as an international artist. I would like to work with creative, ideological, sincere people and create a number of wonderful projects that will develop the society and promote and celebrate respect for our beloved planet and its astonishing
nature.

Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2020? The best encounters in life are those that are unintended and unplanned. Because we always meet people at the right time for us and for them.

What project, in 2020, am I looking forward to work on? I have a few projects I am developing, but I would prefer not to talk about them at this stage. Also I’m thinking of putting together a personal exhibition in the near future. That’s something I’m really looking forward to.

Where can you see me or my work in 2020? My artwork is accessible anywhere online from my personal website, to my facebook page and instagram. People can also use those to stay updated about every show or exhibit I attend.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? I will not stop doing the things that feel important for me to do, because our passion cannot go away while man lives. Being an artist, growing old doesn’t numb the passion that drives my creative process. This is true of art, friendship, love. My passion is something that I know will always be there with me until the end of times. Even when I go into being, I will continue
to live through the works that will remain.

Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story? Mariko Gelman, Olga Ponomarenko, Aline Pires Lima, Camila Giudice, Paulina Jimenez, Anya Kulikova, Dimelza Broche, Wanda Stang, Pei Yi Chen, Lena Tereshonok, Laura Tan.

How can you contact me?
website: https://www.virayakymchuk.com/
email: artofvirayakymchuk@gmail.com
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViraYakymchuk/
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_virayakymchuk/

Here follows a message of Peter de Kuster, founder of The Heroine’s Journey