I was born in Soviet Union, the country without God, ruled by communists. People were not supposed to talk about God or about the government. It was prohibited to visit other countries and we had no idea what kind of life was abroad. Then Perestroika happened and things started to change for the better! Now Russia grows very fast economically and spiritually. Within the past 10 years, hundreds of Orthodox Churches and Cathedrals were built all over the country.

I came from Russia to the United States in 2002 and fell in love with America! I came to God when I was 26 years old, and got baptized in a beautiful Orthodox Cathedral in my native city Kemerovo. Here in the United States God brought me to His great Church of St. Stephen the First Martyr in Lima, Ohio. I have found a new family in Christ which has helped me to start growing closer to God.

My father is an artist, as is my step father. I learned a lot from both of them and always admired art. In 2004 I started taking oil painting classes and "oils" became a part of my life! I loved to paint portraits of my daughter as well as landscapes. I enjoyed taking iconography classes (2007) in Michigan given by a great iconographer - Mother Janet Peters. Also I took the icon workshop from Prosopon iconography school (2009), they teach the ancient way of writing the icon using egg- tempera as a media and liturgical meaning of each step in the process as a guiding. And by the grace of God I had the amazing experience of writing icons for people and for our Church.

I am looking forward to creating more art for the Glory of our God Jesus Christ and His Father and Holy Spirit!