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My name is Hanna and I am Ukrainian. I create 3D animal portraits from natural sheep's wool using the needle felting method.

The portraits are so realistic that some people are even scared when they see them for the first time. When I presented my work at an exhibition in France, many people asked me if I am a taxidermist and if I create my portraits from real cats?! The answer is: no! I can assure you that no animals are harmed during the creative process.

Sometimes I use wild animals as my models. This lynx portrait was created in 2019 in collaboration with the Kyiv Zoo. It was very dear to me and I was not going to sell it. Now this portrait is in my parents' house. In Kyiv. My whole family is there now. And now there is a war...

Russian troops are attacking my country and my hometown. I pray every day that the Lord will protect my family so that the house in which I was born and raised survives. I believe that when peace comes to my beloved Ukraine, I will be able to auction this portrait of a lynx and transfer the money to my wonderful friends from the Kyiv Zoo. Despite the constant shelling and the threat to human lives, the zoo staff does not abandon the animals and organize their evacuation.

More info: Facebook | Instagram | runoart.com

#1

These Realistic Animal Faces Delight Some, Horrify Others. But These Portraits Do Not Leave Anyone Indifferent

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Wynter wolf
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is amazing! i (at first glance) thought it was a dog poking its head through sone fabric lol, amazing talent.

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I have a lot of love for pets and wild animals in my heart. I don't consider myself a classical artist because I never went to art school. I create as my soul tells me.

These portraits often become a reminder of pets that have gone over the rainbow bridge. Pet moms and dads can touch their furry babies again.

If you're interested in my works, please check out my other posts on Bored Panda by clicking here and here.

Friends, clients, and my followers collect the fallen whiskers of their pet cats from the floor and send them to me from all over the world. Sometimes clients ask if it is possible to add curls cut from their dogs to the portrait. Yes, it is possible.

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By selling my works I also try to help an amazing Ukrainian girl, Olesya from Zaporizhzhia. She is a volunteer who did not run away from shelling and bombs but she stayed with her animals in Ukraine and continues to save them. I'm collecting money for her flock. She has over 200 domestic and wild animals in her care.

I have already managed to raise about $1000 for Olesya. This money is enough for now. The problem now is no longer with money, but with the things that Olesya needs to buy - there are problems with the availability of medicines for animals and their delivery to her city, which is under fire from the Russian army.

I did not know Olesya before the start of the war, but now I will not leave her even when peace comes. People keep donating money to her orphanage through me.

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If my art did not frighten you and my words about the war did not seem inappropriate to you, if your hearts are with Ukraine, I ask you to pray for my country and my family. I dream of the world. I dream of a time when my heart will not be filled with pain and hatred for the enemy who kills civilians, women and children of Ukraine. I dream of a time when I will again create portraits of animals with great love.

Glory to Ukraine! Слава Україні!

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#9

These Realistic Animal Faces Delight Some, Horrify Others. But These Portraits Do Not Leave Anyone Indifferent

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Elizabeth Guss
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so beautiful and realistic! 😄 Your country can be proud of expatriates like you who work so hard to offer support during this horrendous time. Your help to Olesya is so generous. The animals in Ukraine are better off for the work that both of you do. I continue to hope for a cessation of the Russian attack/invasion. Outings lies cannot be allowed to justify this horrible war.

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#10

These Realistic Animal Faces Delight Some, Horrify Others. But These Portraits Do Not Leave Anyone Indifferent

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Insono
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'll leave my comment here since this looks very similar to my cat but I am OBSESSED with this!! The realism is insanely good! I'm really really sorry for what your country is going through right now. I hope the amazing people of Ukraine may live in peace again soon ❤️ Unfortunately I am unemployed right now but once I have a steady income I definitely would love to commission you to make some pieces of my cats. My thoughts go out to you and all the people of Ukraine, stay safe ❤️

#11

These Realistic Animal Faces Delight Some, Horrify Others. But These Portraits Do Not Leave Anyone Indifferent

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#13

These Realistic Animal Faces Delight Some, Horrify Others. But These Portraits Do Not Leave Anyone Indifferent

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Elizabeth Guss
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMGosh - The felted dog looks more realistic than the photo! 😁

#15

These Realistic Animal Faces Delight Some, Horrify Others. But These Portraits Do Not Leave Anyone Indifferent

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Insono
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aww we had a Bernie growing up! His name was Bowie and he was the sweetest softest floppiest big dingus :) it's such a shame they don't live very long. We had to put ours down when he was 8 years old, which was certainly a respectable age for a Bernese Mountaindog but you're just never ready to lose a beloved pet. I really hope to have one again in the future. Such gentle giants ❤️

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Hanna Tsukanova. Author's workshop RUNO ART