Going to salsa and riding her bicycle near the sea, in Odessa, were the two favourite things of Dina Stoianova, ukrainian illustrator, before the war started. Now, she’s a refugee in Constanta, Romania. She still takes walks on the Black Sea shore, just to remind herself of home.
She paints with love because she believes in the power of Love. How else could she design items for clothing customizations, on the subject of peace in Ukraine. Her printable art can be ordered online from here and here.
“My art is giving me hope, because I understand that I can help somebody who really needs it. I will send a part of the money from my art, to help families from occupied regions in Ukraine. I believe in a victory of my country.”
We spoke with Dina about her first reaction to war, her style of drawing, designers and artists she follows and her thanksgiving for the support Ukrainians get, in general.
Short bio
I am from Odessa, Ukraine. I am an artist and an illustrator. I am creating canvas paintings, digital illustrations, wall murals and clothing customizations. As a job, I am a teacher.
I was working as an artist in a media company for the last three years. I was living a fully and happy life. I was going to salsa and rode my bicycle near the sea.
I know Ukrainian language, but all my life I was speaking in Russian language. For all my life, nobody pressed me about language, I was free before this war.
Your story as an illustrator
I studied in an art school until I turned eighteen. Afterwards, I went to university. I painted wall murals at school and for different art lovers. Then, I worked in a construction company, as an artist.
I painted, alongside other artists, wall murals on the 10th floor of apartment buildings. I started clothing customizations 4 years ago. Approximately on that period, I took my first steps in digital illustration.
Your style of drawing
I create bright digital illustrations and impressionism flowers on canvas. I like stylizing, lettering and coloring. I hope my art makes people a little bit happier. I am painting with love because I believe in the power of Love. Love is the only thing that gets bigger when you share it.
I think that if everybody will concentrate on love, it will be peace all over the world. I'm in love with the history of arts, especially the period of impressionism. I like the works of Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Edgar Degas, Alfons Mucha and Salvador Dali.
As for designers, I am inspired by Roberto Cavalli, Sione Rocha, Carolina Herrera, Dior, Pantone.
Trends
I think the main trend is the conscious consumption, upcycling. As for me, I use reusable bags for fruits and vegetables, shopper bags, my own mug for coffee and so on. That is why I decided to customize clothes - this is new life for old clothes. I create some limited editions lines. I have collection of Ukrainian illustrations for printable art now.
Your work
I can sell only digital things now. I keep contact with my clients in social media, messenger and in shops (redbubble, etsy).
How did you react to war
I woke up at 5 am from the explosion, on 24th of February. The first reaction after that was "I don't believe that in 21st century, in Europe, it can be war." I couldn't eat normally for a few days. I was only drinking water. My life divided into before and after the war. I tried to paint during this time, to calm down.
Coming to Romania
After one week I had to leave my home. I couldn't stand the constant fear and nerves, so I fled. I had to leave behind my home, my relatives, friends and my happy life.
The road to Romania wasn’t that hard. I was impressed by the Romanian people, their kindness, support and care. Everybody was helping. I want to say THANK YOU to everyone.
Life in Constanta
I choose Constanta because I have relatives here. Constanta is smaller than Odessa, but so cozy city. It is situated on a Black Sea, like Odessa. I am often walking to the sea, because I feel like home.
What surprised you the most
I was really surprised by the support for Ukraine from European countries. I really appreciate the help.
What gives you hope
My art is giving me hope, because I understand that I can help somebody who really needs it. I will send a part of the money from my art, to help families from occupied regions in Ukraine. I believe in a victory of my country.
Professional plans
I am planning to create much more illustrations, canvas and clothes. I want to bring people good moods and more smiles with my works.
I have printable art in my shop here and here.
