The Hidden Beauty in Simplicity – Lidia Mikhaylova
I enjoy expressing the world around me through my paintings, and I love putting the reality of everyday life on the canvas using colors and shapes. The purpose of my art is to inspire people to see the hidden beauty in the simplicity of their surroundings. Too often we are waiting for miracles, but forgetting to look right in front of us. There is a lot of beauty in everyday life! In order to notice it, we simply need to pause, look around…and maybe ask yourself a question: what brings richness to my life? As a child, I wanted to become an artist, but didn’t go for my dreams. This is not an uncommon story. Born and raised in Russia, Siberia, I’ve spent most of my life working in the corporate world as a lawyer. After more than 15 years of a successful career in Moscow, I made the decision to move to Riga, Latvia in the search of new ways to fulfill my dreams.
“If not now, then when?”- I thought. “Life is full of challenges anyway.”
Latvia is the place where I became inspired by the colorful imagery of my surroundings and completely fell in love with painting.
The fall of 2019 was one of the happiest and most fulfilling periods in my life. I had an opportunity to travel across the ocean and witness the incredible beauty of the east coast of America, and my art was seen by the eyes of distinguished American viewers. Three years in America taught me how to enjoy the change, as well as anticipating the transformation. I continue to transfer the beauty of the surrounding reality onto the canvas / silk, and get incredible pleasure from it.
I used to paint mostly in oil, but a couple of years ago I tried painting with special inks on silk, and I really liked it. Silk is, in my opinion, the most refined and lively material, and paintings on it are very special.
I passionately believe that love and beauty will make our world a better place.
Yours, Lidia
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Display case: Baluka Shop Nesting Dolls
Founded in 2022, Baluka Shop’s mission is to preserve the traditional folk art of Ukraine and to support the local population during times of great economic hardship and war.
The project is named after our grandfather Stepan Ivanovych Baluka (Степан Іванович Балука), who was the mayor of Chernihiv, a northern city in Ukraine, from 1979 to 1984. Stepan Ivanovych was an avid supporter of local folk art and worked closely with artists. He passed down his admiration of the art form to his children and grandchildren. Today, we want to share these beautiful collectibles with you!
Where are Our Dolls Made:
Located in the north of Ukraine, and known as the spiritual capital of the country, Chernihiv was founded more than 1300 years ago, in the 7th century. Home to ancient churches, the city was considered one of the most important centers of the Kyivan Rus’, being the center of princedom. In 2022, Chernihiv was named a Hero City for defense and outstanding heroism during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The city remains unconquered, but war continues to disrupt normal life in the region.
Two of our founders, Vladyslav and Tetyana, now residents of Andover, Massachusetts, were born and raised in Chernihiv. Over the years they kept in good contact with the workshop, where nesting dolls, amongst other wood-crafted items, are brought to life.