Straw is a material, that by its very nature, is the keystone of our present-day bread. It is the component of a mechanism that often goes unnoticed, although it has the absolute right and opportunity to be honoured. 

The natural properties of straw are its noble luster, tonal and structural variability in combination with a wide range of colour tinting and contrast enhancement created with natural dyes.

Straw, in my opinion, is an absolutely exceptional material; it is somewhat reminiscent of precious metals with various qualities. Working with straw is an art that requires meticulousness, patience, calmness, meditation and your full dedication. During the process of creation, the straw itself dictates the sequence – using its phenomenal ability to transform the composition into something completely different than originally intended.  

Therefore, working with straw encourages a special state of mind, in which a powerful flow of energy seems to simply turn off external distractions, and connects my internal sensors to the infinite energy of the universe. 

As a rule, this art involves many hours without food or water – energized with prayers, tears and faith. The result is images with a magnetic poetry that make you think, forgive and repent. Often viewers perceive them as miraculous. 

I remember one moment at my exhibition at a monastery in Ukraine where a young mother raised her seriously ill child in her arms, visiting each of my works in the hope of healing. Those eyes, full of faith, just had to be seen in person. It is these deep, penetrating moments that provide me with the highest appreciation and are the most powerful source of inspiration.