Ukrainian artists happily share their skills and talents with Ukrainian veterans and their family members.
Anastasiia Butler - artist from Crimea, who had to leave her home due to the invaders’ occupation and start everything over again in the new place. Her fate brought her to Dubai. But she returns back to Ukraine from time to time. And the time after the full scale invasion is not an exception. During this visit, she wrote to various public communities and associations with a suggestion to organize a watercolor work-shop. Organizers of the Creative Studio of the “Pislya Sluzhby” Foundation happily accepted this offer and on the first day back in Ukraine Anastasiia led a flower work-shop.
Artist’s direct speech:
“I am Anastasiia - artist from Crimea. Due to the occupation by the russian federation I was forced to leave my home, and now I live in the United Arab Emirates. From the beginning of the full scale invasion, I, like all sane Ukrainians, am doing everything I can for the victory: I donate 100% of revenue from the painting sales to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as leading charity workshops within our community in UAE. During sessions I constantly hear phrases from students such as “our sessions are like therapy for me”, this is why when planning my trip to Ukraine I couldn’t miss the opportunity to organize a workshop with local associations who help those who need it. Huge thank you to the “Pislya Sluzby” team for responding to my idea.”
During a meeting with Anastasiia in the Creative Studio of the “Pislya Sluzhby” Foundation we had talks about Crimea, as well as about Ukraine and about our fighting. Some of the participants came to the workshop -specifically because they felt a kinship with an artist - they are united by the common problem - native Crimeans who were forced to leave their homes and start everything all over again.
During the work-shop itself, Anastasiia familiarized participants with the drawing materials and explained how to work with the watercolor, how to apply strokes. After a short training, participants depicted roses, poppies, wild field flowers, and everything that was coming to their mind on their sheets.
Next week they moved on to drawing cotton - symbol and character of many jokes of the war time in Ukraine. Anastasiia explained the technique of drawing this symbolic plant for Ukraine step by step. We worked out individual elements, got acquainted with the intricacies of the composite image, and finally white fluffy balls began to “grow” from under the brushes of the participants.
Such workshops help participants to develop their creative skills and abilities, create special atmosphere of communication and mutual support - kind of therapy in a circle of people close in spirit. Participants had the opportunity not only to learn the new art, but share an experience, communicate with people who went through similar trials and understand each other.
“Pislya Sluzhby” Foundation is proud to be able to provide such creative workshops for veterans, where they can release their creative potential, discover new passions and new friendships. This is another way the Foundation is willing to support veterans in their personal growth and integration in civil life.
More information about the workshop in our creative telegram Channel.
