Interview

May 3

Maria Umanets

Maria Umanets is a multi-talented artist, art director, architect, and painter who has made a name for herself in Ukraine, and is now conquering Europe.

With a unique worldview and a keen eye for detail, Maria has created a collection she calls Ukraine. She has a passion for mountains, both drawing and conquering.

As an art director, Maria has a keen sense of composition and vibrant colors which she uses to create unforgettable paintings. As an art director, she brings a fresh vision to her projects.

Maria offers a master class for children where she shares her experiences and good vibes.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“In our family, the arts have been, and still are an essential part of our worldview and interest in life. From an early age, I admired my father’s paintings. It was through growing up them that I came to appreciate true beauty.
We are a large family, and the love of painting has been instilled in everyone from childhood. But I was the lucky one to have art remain in my heart for the rest of my life. Later, on the advice of my father I decided to get a degree in architecture. Those six long years weren’t in vain. It was the deep knowledge of architecture that opened up my worldview, and I fell in love with painting even more.”

What inspires you?

“I draw during any free moment, regardless of where I am. Drawing inspires me and relaxes me after a hard day’s work. It fills me with strength to implement big plans and ideas.
My works have appeared in a large mall in Kiev, in my home town. My latest paintings were inspired by Africa, the power of nature and beauty. In them, I reflected on the ‘unity of family’. Such solitude with nature gives you peace of mind after a hard day’s work.”

“Beads are one of the oldest traditional jewelry of Ukrainians. They served not just as accessories, they often had the function of a protective amulet. Not everyone could afford eight threads with coral beads.
Ukrainian women also appreciated jewelry, so everyone sought to have this luxury. The beads were passed on from generation to generation as a special talisman of good luck. ”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

"I created the paintings in the Ukraine series because I didn’t want to be silent. Through my art, I told how Ukraine has been occupied by Russia for so many years. So, I left a trace in history because everyone finds what they would like to see in each picture.”

How would you describe your work?

“My art is a reflection of today’s world: the war, beautiful nature and modern technologies. Life forced us to leave our home after the Russian Federation attacked the territory of Ukraine. We moved to wonderful Switzerland where my family and I were given shelter. At this place, I have more time and opportunities for creativity.”

Which artists influence you most?

“I love the works of Monet, Van Gogh, and Ajvazovskij.”

What is your creative process like?

“I usually wake up early in the morning before sunrise, while my children are still sleeping. In the complete silence, I smell coffee and paints. I love to watch the sunrise as it illuminates my paintings with a special morning light.
Later, when my children wake up, we draw everything together. I dream that they’ll one day add to our family collection. At such moments life teaches us not to stop believing in miracles and the power of good. That’s why I always tell our daughters that a miracle is very close, the main thing is to believe in it.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“The role of the artist is to contemplate what is beautiful, and embody what they see onto the canvas. Embody emotions and the times we live in, leaving a mark in history.”

Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?

“In an exhibition in Milan, Donne in Rinascita, I won first place. I presented 2 artworks from the Ukraine series. In these difficult times, we want to remember about amulets and protect ourselves from trouble and contemplate good luck.
Our ancestors were pagans who worshiped the sun and the forces of nature. They showed gratitude for their fertile lands. Everyone knows that Ukraine is one of the world’s leading grain suppliers. The golden ear of wheat is what saves the Ukrainian people from the terrible famine which is often mentioned in Ukrainian history.”