Inspiring art to support Ukraine

A Torquay local is hoping to spread positivity and creativity throughout the local community by launching her own art masterclass series with a special philanthropic arm.

43-year-old Natalia Skiba is a fashion designer and part time artist from Kyiv, Ukraine and is trying to start a new life in Australia after having to flee her home country during the war in 2022.

Her project Natalka Art was founded more than five years ago in Kyiv and focuses on creating a festive mood through oil and acrylic drawings, dot drawing on glass and ceramics, building author dolls and by creating 3D paintings with dried flowers.

 

With the assistance of the Surf Coast community, she hopes to get the classes up and running at a series of different locations locally.

She also plans on donating most of the money from her classes and paintings towards charities that support Ukrainian children who lost their parents during the war.

Skiba has previously conducted over 150 master classes and individual lessons in various parts of the world including Ukraine, France, Italy and Greece.

 

“Art has always been a passion of mine and a great way to relax, unwind and just express myself,” she said.

“I’m a fashion designer by trade, and then on the side begun running the classes to connect with local women.

“My classes are all about giving people wonderful memories and the opportunity to spend an unforgettable time in a beautiful, light atmosphere with friends and like-minded people.

“It’s not about being the best artist, it’s just about each person trying themself as an artist and creating their own unique masterpiece.

“Our meetings are always an event – therefore, for my master classes, I prefer atmospheric places and choose cozy restaurants and cafes – where people can come to relax and enjoy the beautiful environment, pleasant music, delicious drinks and food while drawing.

“Because I am Ukrainian, it is my moral and inner need and duty to my family, my children, my lovely country and my people – to talk about what is happening in Ukraine and to discover and realise myself, my talents and potentials.

“I want to do everything that can be useful for my country and our common future.”

 

Skiba said in the direst situations, art had a connective nature unlike anything else.

“After my daughter, my parents and I fled Ukraine with only our backpacks, we arrived in Greece four days later absolutely exhausted.

“With only one driver, minus 20 degree temperatures outside and four days of non stop driving with guards with guns at regular stops, it wasn’t an easy journey, but we made it.

“When we arrived, we set up a refugee centre with my sister to try to give to the other Ukrainian people, who like us had fled their country.

“We got plenty of donations, but the demand started to outrun the amount we had.

“This led to me starting local art classes in the community as a way of raising money to go and buy the centre food and drinks, so we could have some more safety.

“The classes were really successful in Athens and I was able to meet some fantastic people.

“I also got the chance to meet the president of Greece and make artworks and dolls for her, which was an amazing opportunity.”

 

A chance meeting at the airport in June 2022 provided the opportunity for Skiba to move to Australia.

She said she “fell in love at her first sight” with an Australian man at Athens Airport and the rest was history.

“My partner visited Greece twice a month to see me and helped my family and daughter and I with accommodation.

“A few months passed and he floated the idea of coming to Australia.

“It seemed like so far away, however I jumped at the opportunity and luckily was able to get a tourist visa and then a bridging visa.

“I’m now on the Surf Coast, my daughter is at St Therese Primary School, and we are trying to start a new life.”

 

Skiba said she was eagerly on the lookout for opportunities to create her art in the local community.

“I’m all about creating this festive and fantastic mood, and it’s what I believe my art classes can bring to this town.

“If I can hopefully meet some kind people, they can point me in the right direction, and I can start the classes to help those who need it back home.

“Refugees are still surviving abroad and I really want to help those who are currently in Ukraine and need our support.”

For more information, head to Skiba’s Instagram art channel at @tashaartdolls