Today we’d like to introduce you to Olha Aleksandrova
Hi Olha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Two years ago, I left Ukraine, having spent an additional six months there after the war began. Enduring those months of horror led me to make the difficult decision to relocate. I began my artistic career in a home studio in Jacksonville, Florida. With an academic background in art and a lifelong career as an architect, I wasn’t a newcomer to the creative field.
Emigration can be terrifying, but it also offers a unique advantage: the chance to start from scratch. I believe this is a positive aspect, as it opens up new opportunities for personal growth. I began painting because I felt compelled to share my vision with the world; the need to create has always been part of me.
After gaining recognition and support, I decided to move to a city where I could grow more rapidly in my artistic endeavors. So, with a few belongings, my materials, my husband, and our dog, we embarked on a road trip across America in search of our new home.
Two months later, we arrived in Los Angeles and immediately knew it was the city we had dreamed of. This past year that I spend here, in LA, has been incredible, bringing me more exciting projects than I had experienced in my entire life before. I am truly grateful to be part of this vibrant city, to live here, and to create in such an inspiring environment!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course, this journey has been challenging. I can’t say that I feel completely at ease now—no. But after two years, I definitely feel more confident. I faced difficulties with the language since I arrived with minimal basic English, and it took me time to start communicating. I’m still attending Santa Monica College to continue learning the language. When you don’t know the language of the country you’re living in, it’s quite hard to talk to clients and present yourself. What has helped me is that the language of art is understood everywhere, and my paintings speak for themselves more than I can express about them.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work in many areas. I create a lot of private commissions, draw for corporations, am starting to collaborate with brands, work on murals, and serve as an illustrator while simultaneously painting and developing my collection. Yes, it can be a bit challenging to balance everything, but I can’t sit still, and my mind is constantly filled with ideas. I’m happy to switch between projects and express myself fully. The more work I have, the more alive I feel, and it motivates me to keep moving forward.
Of course, I have the most tender feelings for the paintings in my collection because they are like my children. They are the mix of my emotions, experiences, and subconscious. I paint my world—bright and kind. There is no war or tragedy, and all my deep thoughts are wrapped in a beautiful package that I present to the viewer. Everyone finds something personal in my paintings, and I’m glad that people enjoy doing so.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I take risks easily. Compared to my experience as an architect, the work of an artist is fundamentally devoid of risk. Nevertheless, I approach all kinds of risks with ease because, for me, risk is a tool that allows a person to do something they would never dare to do in comfortable conditions. For me, risk is synonymous with progress.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Aleksroom.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olechka__boss
Image Credits:
Olha Aleksandrova
