Welcome to My Artistic World!
I’m Natalka Barvinok, an artist with over four decades of experience, exploring the realms of surrealism and impressionism to craft captivating visual narratives. Through my paintings, drawings, crafts, and murals, I aim to transport viewers to worlds where reality and imagination intertwine. Every stroke of my brush or pencil captures the essence of a moment or an idea, weaving a visual tapestry that tells a unique story.
My artistic nickname- Natalka Barvinok, is inspired by the periwinkle flower—barvinok in Ukrainian. Though small, this flower possesses immense vitality and strength, symbolizing resilience. It holds deep cultural significance as one of the protective emblems and symbols of Ukraine. This connection to my heritage infuses my work with a sense of rootedness and strength.
Originally from Eastern Ukraine, I moved to Kyiv in 2014 due to the outbreak of conflict in my home region. A year later, in 2015, I relocated to New York, where I lived for seven years, continuing to evolve my artistic practice in the vibrant cultural scene of the city. In 2021, I participated in the Coney Island Mural Project, an unforgettable experience that allowed me to contribute to New York’s lively public art scene. In 2023, after moving to Pennsylvania, I began creating sculptures. In 2024, I received my First sculpture award for my piece “Thought’s Architecture”. The move provided me with the space for a workshop, which opened up new possibilities for exploring three-dimensional art. This exciting new chapter has allowed me to delve into sculptural forms and further expand my creative horizons.
I received my art education at an art college and later pursued higher pedagogical education at a university, which laid the foundation for my teaching career. After graduation, I found myself teaching at the very art school I once attended, sharing my knowledge and vision with young, budding artists. In both Ukraine and the USA, I taught children and adults through my own unique art program in my studio. I also spent two years as an art teacher at a kindergarten in Brooklyn, where I introduced children to the wonders of artistic expression.
I also collaborate with various artistic and educational organizations to provide art educational services, helping to foster creativity and art appreciation across different communities.
In my artistic practice, I navigate the realms of surrealism and impressionism, weaving together two distinct yet complementary styles to create a tapestry of visual storytelling. Drawing inspiration from the surrealist movement’s exploration of the subconscious and the impressionist emphasis on capturing fleeting moments, my work serves as a bridge between the tangible and the intangible, the conscious and the unconscious.
Through the lens of surrealism, I delve into the depths of the human psyche, tapping into dreams, memories, and emotions that defy logic and rationality. My paintings are windows into alternate realities, where the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary, and the mundane takes on new meaning. By juxtaposing disparate elements and distorting familiar forms, I invite viewers to question their perceptions and embrace the inherent ambiguity of existence.
At the same time, my adoption of impressionist techniques allows me to capture the essence of fleeting moments, infusing my work with a sense of spontaneity and movement. Through the use of vibrant colors, dynamic brushstrokes, and the play of light and shadow, I seek to evoke the sensations and emotions experienced in a particular moment in time. Whether it’s the dappled sunlight filtering through foliage or the gentle sway of flowers in the breeze, each painting is a testament to the ephemeral beauty of the world around us.
I am also deeply immersed in the study of philosophy and psychology, drawing from these fields to enrich my understanding of the human condition. A proponent of the Stoic worldview, I believe in cultivating inner strength, resilience, and wisdom in the face of life’s challenges. These principles inform both my personal life and my artistic practice, guiding me in my pursuit of meaning and self-awareness.
Additionally, I have several YouTube channels Natalka Barvinok, Чарівний Олівець, Magic Pencil, where I showcase my artwork and offer free drawing lessons. Through these platforms, I aim to inspire creativity and provide accessible art education to viewers from all walks of life.
In essence, my art is a celebration of the imagination and a reflection of the human experience. It is a journey into the unknown, where reality merges with fantasy, and the boundaries between the conscious and the subconscious blur. Through my work, I hope to inspire curiosity, provoke introspection, and spark a sense of wonder in the hearts and minds of viewers.
Today, I immerse myself in creating paintings, drawings, sculptures, and objets d’art that serve as windows into an alternate reality. My choice of subjects stems from my fascination with beauty and emotional connections. Not only do I create my own art, but I also engage in various art events such as face painting and art classes for individuals and families.
Recent Engagements:
-August 2-23, 2024 -Sculpture award Summer Art Show, Allied Artists, Community Art Center of Cambria County, Johnstown, PA
– July 4 ,2024-50 Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival, PA
-May 18, 2024 -June 5 Westmoreland Art National Juried Art & Photography Exhibition, PA–April, 2024- 26th Annual Art in Bloom Spring Art Show, Ebensburg, PA
– April, 2024 – Spring Art Show. Allied Artists in the Bottle Works, Johnstown, PA
– December, 2023 – Best of Show winner, Small Works Juried Exhibition 2023, Johnstown, PA
– October 2023 – Fall Art Show, Allied Artists in the Bottle Works, Johnstown, PA
– September 2023 – Art exhibit, Community Art Center of Cambria County, Johnstown, PA
– August 18th, 2021 – The Alliance for Coney Island mural project, “Coney Island for Everyone”
– June 8th August 4th, 2017 – Group exhibition “Immigrant Art Show Journeys”, ARNIC, NYC
– April 1st – May 27th, 2016 – Solo exhibition “Reflections”, International Center of СCCS, NYC
– November 2015 – exhibition in Greenpoint Gallery, Brooklyn, NY
My passion lies in transforming blank canvases into mesmerizing visual narratives, enriching spaces with my unique artistic vision. Let’s collaborate and bring art to life!
I’m taking orders for oil paintings such as portraits landscapes, murals, etc. Please feel free to contact me on the Contact page
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