About Yulia Odukalets

Hello, my name is Yulia Odukalețs. I am a Ukrainian artist studying at the Aurum School of Contemporary Art in Odesa. Since 2020, I have been mastering multilayer oil painting and conceptual thinking under the guidance of renowned Ukrainian artists Volodymyr and Olena Ilychov. In my work, I develop the multilayer painting technique founded by my mentors. The primary tools in this process are not only brushes but also socks, blades, natural materials, and everyday objects. This approach creates complex textures and gives each piece a uniqueness that cannot be replicated. My style leans toward a vintage aesthetic, as the worn textures allow both myself and the viewer to deeply feel individuality — both mine and theirs. At the core of my artistic philosophy is the search for harmony, but first and foremost — harmony with myself. I believe that to share harmony with others, you must first find it within yourself. That is why I address personal themes — searching for old gaps, reflecting on thoughts that linger or suddenly emerge from memory. I transform these experiences into artistic insights — and in the place of closed voids, something new and stronger is born. This is the path to self-acceptance — when unprocessed emotions transform through art, internal knots unravel, and even the greatest vulnerability becomes a source of strength. The result is a new artistic narrative — profound, honest, sometimes vulnerable, but sincere. Such stories have the power to unexpectedly resonate with the viewer — precisely where words fail. My main life and creative principle is: “Grow. Act!” As Richard Branson says, “Screw it, just do it.” This idea resonates with me because I believe in the power of action, self-improvement, and constant forward movement, even in uncertainty. Movement is the path to change. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, my sense of responsibility as an artist has deepened. I realized I cannot wait for “better times” or remain silent. Therefore, my art is not an escape from reality but a means of support, hope, inner connection, and strength. I want to share and sell my work on Artfinder because it is a modern, well-organized platform that combines the functions of a gallery and a marketplace. It is optimized for easy use by both artists and buyers, providing analytics and effective presentation of artworks. Importantly, Artfinder shares my philosophical values — the platform has a socially conscious approach (for example, planting a tree with every sale). It matters to me to be part of a community that not only promotes creativity but also cares for the world around us — simple and honest steps with real meaning.