ADVERTISEMENT

The story as told by Ukrainian artist Oleksandra Malyshko:

Looking through photos taken with my cell phone, I realize that this time was not wasted on me. It was different; sometimes the fear was overwhelming. This fear was immeasurable. At that time, sleep was impossible, so I began priming canvases for painting, seeking action. I assumed anything could serve as a distraction. It seemed utterly absurd to engage in painting during such times. Explosions were a near-constant auditory backdrop.

It's hard to recall the first time I ventured out with a sketchbook to paint in the open air, but it was truly an act of bravery. Every day thereafter, I would gather my art supplies, paints, and a chair and venture away from the residential buildings, seeking solace in nature, where I could paint in peace.

More info: Instagram

Of course, later I managed to recalibrate my thinking slightly and began painting at home, but this transition took time. A year of war passed before I found it easier to come to terms with my surrounding reality. I strived to detach myself.

In every season, I infused my time and life with creativity. I encouraged my artist friends, shared my leftover art materials, and helped them set up personal exhibitions during these dreadful times.

RELATED:
    ADVERTISEMENT

    I can't imagine how I would have coped if I hadn't been an artist, or how I would have diverted my mind from the chaos. I'm also unsure what course of action others might take in such circumstances. The only strategy I had was to plan each day's activities.

    Sometimes, my colleagues and I would team up and go out plein air painting together. We sought happiness by immersing ourselves in our artistic practices. Perhaps it was a mechanism of self-preservation. Truly, in those fleeting moments and days when you paint on a blank canvas, a mystical transformation into a creator occurs.

    Please share if you've faced any life challenges that you've managed to overcome thanks to your creativity.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    ADVERTISEMENT