Blue sky and sunflowers against missiles and war-mongering, with artist Alena Kuznetsova
This week’s guest is Alena Kuznetsova, one of Ukraine’s leading contemporary artists, who had to flee Kyiv when Russia invaded her country, leaving behind all her paintings and sculptures. We spoke when she managed to get to Lviv, where she was able to stay with a friend to regroup and decided what she was going to do next. We spoke via her phone. Having escaped to Lviv, Alena was able to talk about how in the first few days of the Russian invasion she thought she might be able to stay in Kyiv. But soon with incoming missiles detonating near her studio, it became clear she and her family couldn't stay. Born in Russia with a Russian father, she had come to Ukraine at the age of 5 years old and obtained her passport at 16. When Russia invaded, it was as a Ukrainian that she united with her people is standing up against their oppressor.As an artist Alena had developed a distinctive abstract style and a distinguished reputation, but now in the midst of war it is her citizenship that matters more; politics and saving her country over the loss of her studio and her paintings.But she needs to survive, and fortunately she has the digital versions of her work which she can sell through Saatchi Art who represent her. This is a way that the rest of us can help her and other artists like her; by buying fine art prints through the online website, drop-shipped straight to us, no matter where Alena finds herself in the coming months.She is determined to stay in Ukraine, if she can, to help make Ukraine's art and culture not only survive this war but rise up even stronger from the ashes.Thanks so much Alena for sharing your personal story, and perspective of what is happening within your country on the ground. I pray that the world unites in giving Ukraine and its people the support they need to secure their freedom and the future of their sovereignty. Thanks also for showing us how to be resilient in the face of a force that doesn’t have our best interests in its heart.You can buy fine art prints of Alena’s work on www.saatchiart.com/alenakuznetsova and follow her on Instagram @Kuznetsova_artistJoin Lou on Linkedin, or sign up to her mailing list for her newsletter and a free podcast guesting guide. Her online course READY, STEADY, PITCH to PODCASTS is now available www.silk-studios.co.uk/pitch-to-podcastsFollow her @brave_newgirl on Instagram and get her books Brave New Girl- How to be Fearless, FEAR LESS and her Internationally Bestselling book DARE TO SHARE on Amazon or Waterstones or Barnes & Noble. UK & US versions available.Lou is the founder of Silk Studios - the Podcast Guest Agency a podcast guest booking service Support the showLou is the founder of Brave New Girl Media, helping put your expertise, vision & mission in the spotlight by helping you launch and grow your podcast. https://bravenewgirlmedia.comPODCASTING SERVICES:Podcast production serviceCOURSES:Podcast planning workbookPodcast Guesting courseBOOK A CALL:Get in contact to book a 30 minute discovery call with Lou.Books by Lou Hamilton: Dare to Share- International bestselling guide to podcast guesting FEAR LESS- coaching guide to living more bravely Brave New Girl- How to be Fearless Co-author: Women Excelling Everywhere #1 International Best-seller Paintings by Lou @LouHamiltonart