Rooted in a deep connection to Ukrainian heritage and shaped by global travels, the work of Tetiana Shendryk invites viewers into a dialogue that balances clarity and ambiguity. Each painting becomes an emotional and intellectual space where interpretations are shaped by personal experiences, creating a unique resonance with every viewer.
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How important is it for viewers to understand the intended message of your work? Does ambiguity add value, or do you seek clarity in your expression
I don’t aim to create art with a specific, clearly defined message. For me, painting is a way of sharing my emotions, thoughts, and personal experiences. Each artwork I create holds a part of me, reflecting what I feel in that particular moment. It’s not about delivering one “correct” interpretation, but rather about sharing something genuine and emotional with the viewer.What matters most to me is creating a dialogue through my art. I want viewers to feel something when they look at my paintings — to connect on an emotional level. It’s about expressing emotions with openness and sincerity. When people see that honesty, I hope they recognize it and find something within my work that resonates with their own experiences. At the same time, I understand that everyone will see my work differently. Some might understand it as I intended, while others will have their own unique interpretations. And I’m completely fine with that. In fact, I find it beautiful when viewers connect with my artwork in a way that reflects their own experiences and emotions. It brings the art to life, making it personal and meaningful to each individual. Ambiguity isn’t something I intentionally add to my work, but I don’t try to avoid it either. I believe art becomes more powerful when it leaves room for different interpretations. When someone recognizes something familiar in my painting — something that reflects their own life or feelings — it means the artwork has connected with them on a deeper level. That personal connection matters to me more than ensuring everyone understands exactly what I had in mind. In the end, my goal is to stay true to myself in my creative process and to express my feelings through my work. If that honesty resonates with someone, even if they interpret it differently than I do, it means my art has fulfilled its purpose. For me, it’s less about delivering a specific message and more about creating a space where emotions, thoughts, and stories can come together. That’s the kind of dialogue I seek with my viewers.
Can you take us through the evolution of an artwork, from that first spark of inspiration to the finished piece?
The process of creating an artwork is always different for me. It begins with inspiration, which can come from various sources—travels, people, emotions, or even small everyday details. However, what inspires me most deeply are the people around me. Sometimes, inspiration strikes suddenly, from an unexpected encounter or moment, while at other times it develops gradually through a more thoughtful process. When an idea strikes, I try to act on it immediately. Capturing emotions in the moment is crucial because inspiration can be fleeting. If I don’t start working on the idea right away, I risk losing the emotional connection that first inspired me. However, not every idea comes to life instantly. Some artworks take time to evolve. I might sketch a concept, step away from it, and return later with fresh eyes. In this way, the process becomes layered, like a dialogue between me and the painting, where the image shifts and transforms as I work on it. It’s a journey that can last days, weeks, or even months. There are also moments when the idea is clear from the very beginning, and the painting flows naturally from start to finish. In such cases, the process feels almost effortless, as though the artwork is creating itself. Recognizing when an artwork is finished is always a challenge for me. I often return to a piece multiple times, stepping away and coming back with fresh eyes, trying to feel when it’s truly complete. This moment of finality is difficult to catch, but I strive to stop at the right time to preserve the artwork’s essence. Each painting, whether created quickly or over time, carries its own emotional journey.
How do you reignite creativity during those inevitable periods of self-doubt or stagnation?
Of course, moments of self-doubt or creative stagnation are inevitable, and I believe it’s important to see them as a natural part of the creative process. Instead of getting frustrated, I try to approach these periods with patience and understanding. For me, a change in focus often helps. I might take a walk, spend time in nature, or simply shift my attention to something completely unrelated to art.Being in my studio still plays a big role during these times. Even if I don’t feel like painting, I’ll spend time there doing simple tasks like preparing canvases or organizing materials. It keeps me connected to the creative energy without putting pressure on myself to produce something right away. Traveling or exploring new places has also been a huge source of inspiration for me. Meeting new people, experiencing different cultures, or even listening to music can shift my perspective and spark fresh ideas. The most important thing is to stay kind to myself and not force creativity—it always comes back when the time is right.
How has your artistic style transformed over the years? Are there specific Influences or moments that marked a turning point?
One significant turning point in my artistic journey was the war in my home country, Ukraine. Before this tragic event, my art was mostly inspired by travel and nature. I focused more on landscapes and still life, with portraits appearing less often in my work. However, the war changed my perspective on many things, including how I approach art.With the start of the war, I felt a deep need to turn to portrait painting. It became a way of self-reflection and expressing emotions that are hard to put into words. Portraits allow me to capture the inner world of a person — their strength, vulnerability, fears, and resilience. I believe portrait painting is unique because it connects both the artist and the viewer with human emotions on a deep level. It’s not just about creating a realistic image; it’s about conveying feelings, thoughts, and experiences.Portraits reflect the subject, but they also carry something from the artist — my own thoughts, feelings, and experiences become part of the artwork. This shift toward portraiture has allowed me to explore emotions in a way I never did before. It’s a journey of discovery — both of the people I paint and of myself as an artist. The process is emotional, intuitive, and deeply personal.
How do you reconcile the tension between raw, innate creativity and the discipline required to master your craft?
In my opinion, finding a balance between raw creativity and discipline is essential for success in any artistic endeavor. Creativity alone is not enough to achieve meaningful results. Discipline plays a much larger role in mastering any craft. Talent can only take you so far — it is persistence, hard work, and regular practice that truly shape an artist. Creativity is often romanticized as something spontaneous and effortless, but in reality, it is more like a job: you must show up and work, whether or not inspiration strikes. In my creative process, there is no strict formula for balancing inspiration and discipline. Our world is dualistic, and many processes exist in constant tension and harmony, much like the yin-yang symbol. Inspiration often comes as a spark, igniting an inner fire that gives me the energy to create sketches or small studies. But when it comes to working on larger pieces, this spark alone is not enough. It’s unrealistic to always have a blank canvas and easel ready at the exact moment inspiration strikes. That’s when planning and discipline become necessary. In short, I don’t have a rigid schedule like a traditional job, but I also don’t wait passively for a “muse” to arrive before I start painting. It’s a balance between structure and spontaneity. Every artist has their own “recipe” for managing this balance. I would compare it to a pendulum that swings between inspiration and discipline. After the muse leaves, the craftwork begins: re-evaluating the painting, preparing materials, and planning the next steps to finish the piece. The pendulum also swings the other way — when I lack new impressions or ideas, I revisit past works, old sketches, photos, memories, and even engage in self-reflection. It’s psychological work, too. After all, a part of the artist’s soul is always present in any artwork.
Do academic institutions still play a vital role in shaping artists today, or has self-taught creativity disrupted this tradition?
In today’s world, self-taught creativity has seriously changed the traditional role of academic institutions in shaping artists. Thanks to a huge number of online resources, virtual museums, and communities, anyone with a passion for art can now access knowledge that used to be available only through formal education. Still, I believe that art schools continue to play an important role in an artist’s development. Academic education provides a strong technical foundation that helps artists bring their ideas to life with more confidence. Knowledge of drawing basics, composition, and materials makes the creative process more thoughtful and precise. These skills also work as a helpful bonus — an extra tool that makes it easier to express what you’ve envisioned. At the same time, not having a formal education doesn’t stop someone from becoming a great artist. In fact, self-taught artists are often freer in their experiments. They can break rules and look for unconventional ways of doing things, which sometimes leads to truly unique work. This is especially true when the focus is on ideas and emotions rather than technique. However, when it comes to creating complex forms or mastering specific techniques, academic training can make the process much easier. In the end, both paths can lead to amazing results.
Artificial Intelligence is increasingly infiltrating creative fields. Do you see artificial intelligence as a threat, a tool, or a collaborator in the art world?
I see artificial intelligence as a tool that can support the creative process. It opens new possibilities — from generating ideas to solving technical tasks. While I don’t use AI in my own practice, I recognize its potential to achieve certain effects or explore new directions in art. However, I believe AI cannot fully replace an artist. The personal, physical creation of art, the tactile interaction with materials, and the deep emotional connection an artist has with their work are things AI cannot replicate. Art is not just about producing a visual result — it’s about experience, expression, and intention. In the future, there may be concerns about AI becoming a threat, especially as its capabilities evolve. For now, though, I see it more as a tool to enhance artistic work rather than a serious risk. Many artists share this view, using AI to push creative boundaries without replacing the human touch.
How do you feel social media is shaping the way art is created, consumed, and valued today?
Social media, especially platforms like Instagram and TikTok, has undeniably changed how art is created, consumed, and valued today. On the one hand, it provides artists with unprecedented access to a global audience, making it easier to showcase their work and reach people who may never have encountered it otherwise. However, this also means that there are new pressures and expectations to conform to the fast-paced, algorithm-driven nature of these platforms. Many artists feel compelled to follow trends or post frequently to maintain visibility, which can sometimes impact the authenticity of their work. From my perspective, social media can be a valuable tool when used consciously. It allows me to share my art and connect with a broader audience, but I try not to let the algorithms dictate my creative process. The key is to stay true to myself, creating from a place of inner conviction and relying on my feelings to guide my work. I see social media as a means of promoting my art, not shaping it. As long as I don’t lose sight of my own values and emotional connection to my creations, I believe social media can complement my art rather than control it. It’s important to find that balance between using it as a tool for visibility and maintaining artistic integrity.
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Tetiana Shendryk’s art reveals the power of emotion, authenticity, and connection. By blending layered narratives with thoughtful craftsmanship, the work becomes a space for reflection and discovery. The creative process embodies a balance between inspiration and discipline, resulting in pieces that transcend the personal and invite universal engagement. Through each creation, Tetiana fosters a deeper understanding of art’s ability to connect, inspire, and transform.