Youlia Tkatchouk - My statement as an artist...
While contemporary life is full of contrasts, in my work I seek harmony. I strive to create beautiful organic compositions that exude peace and happiness. The fluidity of forms recalls earth, water, and sky; soul, body, and mind.
I think in terms of the interior self and create imaginary spaces. It is important not to rush, but rather to retain the initial feeling, that anxious emotion that inspires the birth of a particular idea, so that the feeling is manifested in the work itself.
I seek to balance contrasting elements. Large empty monochrome planes to be viewed from afar complement smaller areas composed of minute details and complicated color patterns that demand closer inspection. This modulation conveys a sense of scale and infinity.
In my mosaics I prefer marble, granite, and other natural stones. Their color and structure is unpredictable and unrepeatable. Each piece is totally unique and therefore fascinating.
In the early 1990's, as a student of monumental art, I participated in the restoration of 11th century mosaics in Kiev, Ukraine under the guidance of world renowned art historian Professor Loving. I executed a life-sized copy of St. Gabriel from tiny pieces of marble mosaic.
That experience fostered a deep love of the mosaic art process. I pursued independent studies of mosaic in Ravenna, Venice, Vienna, Kiev, and Moscow. Having recently completed several large-scale public mosaic projects in DeKalb, Quincy, and Normal Illinois, I am ever more inspired to create contemporary works using this ancient medium.