Hello, I'm Olya Shevchenko, a 39-year-old artist, illustrator, decorator, and designer currently residing in Kyiv, Ukraine. But I was born and raised in Kherson, where I spent a significant part of my life before relocating to the capital. Despite initially considering a path in philology after high school, my intuition led me towards a more creative journey.
In 2006, I earned my first degree in Graphic Design. However, I never worked in that field, as I immediately joined a puppet theater in Kherson as a set designer.
Over the next 13 years, I immersed myself in the intricacies of my role, creating characters, sketching costumes and scenery, and getting hands-on with crafting puppets and props. The dynamic and multifaceted nature of my work in the theater, which included sculpting, sewing, cutting, and painting, was both challenging and fulfilling.
Aside from my full-time engagement in Kherson I colaborated with other leading puppet theaters in Ukraine taking part in creating plays in Mykolayiv and Zhytomyr.
My evolution continued in Kyiv, where I pursued a second degree in Puppet Theater Scenography at the Kyiv National University of Theatre, Cinema, and Television. The knowledge gained during this period broadened my professional horizons.
In 2020, I sought change and moved to work at the Kyiv Puppet Theater, the most beautiful and prominent one. Working there was a boost to my professional growth.
However, recently I've come to realize that I want to shift my focus from theater and delve deeper into solo work in digital illustration and design. I'm currently studying graphic software and digital illustration techniques to enhance my skills with an inspiring startup in my mind.
Throughout my career, I actively participated in various events. They include:The all-Ukrainian exhibition "Puppet Theater Scenography" in Kyiv (2011), where I showcased my creativity.
In 2014, my work received recognition at the international theater festival "Melpomene of Tavria" for the scenography and puppets in the play "Sparrowhawk."
I've been part of the "Premieres of the Season" Ukrainian festival with plays such as "Sparrowhawk," "Giraffe, Rhino and the Sorcerer Marabou," and "Snow Queen".
In 2019, I joined the First Ukrainian National Exhibition at the Prague Quadrennial, representing female puppet theater scenographers.
Engaging in charitable initiatives, I participated in painting a fence at the Oleshky orphanage in 2016. Additionally, I contributed to the "Wonder Garden" project, creating a winter garden at the Kherson Oncology Dispensary in 2017.
As I embark on a new chapter, transitioning from the theatrical realm to the captivating world of digital illustration and design, my artistic journey takes on fresh hues. With a foundation built on 15 years of puppet theater scenography, I carry the essence of each crafted character, painted set, and enchanting story into this exciting evolution. Looking forward to exploring the boundless possibilities that lie ahead, my passion for art remains an ever-flowing source of inspiration.