Oksana Zhelisko

What is your favourite medium as an artist?   

My primary and preferred medium for painting is oil. Although I am versatile in painting with acrylics and urban watercolour sketches.  

Why does that medium inspire you?  

I find this medium one of the most archival ones. Every time I am inspired by its boldness, lusciousness and vibrancy. It allows me to work in allá prima technique (wet on wet), which I use often in my En Plein air studies (working outdoors from the direct observation) It also allows me to work in layers, over a few sessions using a combination of impasto and glazing techniques.  

How does the medium help tell stories about Ukrainian history and culture?  

Oils are one of the ancient mediums on earth and over the centuries has been proven to be one of the most archival ones. Great Ukrainian artists like Ivan Seleznyov, Maria Raevskaua-Ivanova, Taras Shevchenko, to name a few, were working in oils and we can admire their works in museums to this day. This was part of the reason, as a student back in 1996, I picked oils to be my primary medium of choice.  

What does ACUA mean to you?  

I have become a member more than 10 years ago. ACUA (all the wonderful people who represent this organization) helped me so much to connect with likeminded people:artists, musicians and new clients that quickly became friends and supporters of my art. ACUA helped me to dig dipper and appreciate my own culture and traditions that now echoes in my paintings.  

Why is ACUA important in our community? 

ACUA is an amazing group of enthusiastic, caring and supportive people that help artists like me to be able to showcase their works, support Ukrainian community and educate people about Ukrainian traditions and cultures. I truly cherish our relationship.  

How can people who support ACUA artists help us tell our stories?  

The best support is a word of mouth. Tell more people about ACUA, current shows, markets and fundraisers. Visit these events and celebrate together our beautiful rich culture.