Meet Ekaterina Sky of Lincoln Heights

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ekaterina Sky

Hi Ekaterina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey as an artist began at the age of six, during a time of great transition for my family. My mother and I had just moved to a new country in search of a better life. Although I didn’t speak the language and adjusting to a new school was difficult, these early challenges helped shape me into who I am today. I’m deeply grateful for those experiences because not only did I learn four languages, but I also discovered my most important one: art. One memory that stands out is when I brought my first drawing to school—a vibrant scene of the ocean with an octopus and fish. My teacher hung it up in front of the class, and in that moment, I realized that art was my true way of communicating.
As I grew, my art evolved alongside me. I became deeply passionate about the profound connection between wildlife, humanity, and nature, and I saw how art could be a powerful tool to inspire action and raise awareness. My Animalize series, launched in 2016, has allowed me to explore these themes on a global scale. Through murals and paintings, I’ve brought my vision to life in places like Auroville, India, Los Angeles, Borneo, and Burning Man. I’ve also had the privilege of collaborating with organizations like Animals Asia and Health in Harmony, where I’ve highlighted the importance of protecting endangered species and the environment. These projects reinforced my belief that art can spark action and shine a light on the most pressing issues our planet faces.
Today, my purpose as an artist is to create art as a visual prayer for the Earth. My work serves as a reminder of the beauty and fragility of the natural world and the urgent need to protect it. Whether I’m painting murals, creating installations, or performing live, my goal is to inspire reflection and action—to encourage people to reconnect with nature and take responsibility for its care.
As I prepare for my upcoming solo exhibitions, including Prayer For The Earth focused on fostering restoration and preservation of our ecosystems, I feel an even greater sense of urgency and drive. My mission is to use my art to spark positive change, remind people of our deep interconnectedness, and show that through collective action, we can protect and preserve the planet for future generations.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Throughout my journey, I’ve faced many challenges that have shaped both my art and my perspective on the world. Moving to a new country as a child, not knowing the language, and being bullied by my peers created a sense of isolation that I had to overcome. I lived through two wars, which brought an additional layer of hardship and uncertainty to my early years. Yet, those experiences taught me resilience. Growing up in a household of strong women—my mother, aunt, and grandmother—who were working hard to make ends meet without the presence of my father or grandfather, I learned the importance of perseverance. Art became my way of processing these struggles and communicating when words weren’t enough. As my art evolved, I became deeply passionate about advocating for the environment, raising awareness about endangered species, and fostering a connection between humanity and nature. Balancing this personal passion with a global presence and the responsibility of advocacy has not always been easy, but it has driven me to use my art to inspire action. Each challenge has only deepened my commitment to creating meaningful work that speaks for our planet.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As an artist, I specialize in creating works that explore the profound connections between wildlife, humanity, and nature. My art spans various mediums, including acrylics, murals, watercolor, and performance art, but what sets me apart is how deeply rooted my work is in spiritual practices. I’ve dedicated myself to practices like more than 100 days of silence, which I undertook to bring one of my latest collections to life. This silence allowed me to connect more deeply with the essence of my creations and the world around me, giving my work a meditative and transformative quality.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice for those just starting out especially if one is creating Impact Art is to create with purpose. Art is most powerful when it comes from a place of deep connection and meaning. Find what moves you and let that be the foundation of your work. Having a clear sense of purpose behind your art will not only keep you grounded but will also resonate more deeply with others.

Persistence and patience are just as important as talent. The journey of an artist isn’t always straightforward, and there will be moments of doubt. But it’s in those moments that you need to stay true to your purpose. Keep showing up for your art, even when progress seems slow. Your vision will evolve over time, and that’s part of the beauty of the process.

I also encourage young artists to cultivate practices that help them stay connected to their purpose. For me, spending over 100 days in silence was a transformative experience, allowing me to access a deeper layer of creativity. Whether through meditation, time in nature, or quiet reflection, find ways to ground yourself and connect with what inspires you most.

Lastly, surround yourself with people who believe in your vision and support your journey. It’s important to have a community that understands the highs and lows of being an artist. Be open to learning and growing, but always let your purpose guide you it’s what will make your work truly unique and impactful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ekaterina-sky.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ekaterina.sky.art/

Image Credits
StillVika