Blue sky and sunflowers against missiles and war-mongering, with artist Alena Kuznetsova

Send us a textThis week’s guest is Alena Kuznetsova, one of Ukraine’s leading contemporary artists, who had to flee Kyiv when Russia invaded her country, leaving behind all her paintings and sculptures. We spoke when she managed to get to Lviv, where she was able to stay with a friend to regroup and decided what she was going to do next. We spoke via her phone. Having escaped to Lviv, Alena was able to talk about how in the first few days of the Russian invasion she thought she might be able to stay in Kyiv. But soon with incoming missiles detonating near her studio, it became clear she and her family couldn't stay. Born in Russia with a Russian father, she had come to Ukraine at the age of 5 years old and obtained her passport at 16. When Russia invaded, it was as a Ukrainian that she united with her people is standing up against their oppressor.As an artist Alena had developed a distinctive abstract style and a distinguished reputation, but now in the midst of war it is her citizenship that matters more; politics and saving her country over the loss of her studio and her paintings.But she needs to  survive, and fortunately she has the digital versions of her work which she can sell through Saatchi Art who represent her. This is a way that the rest of us can help her and other artists like her; by buying fine art prints through the online website, drop-shipped straight to us, no matter where Alena finds herself in the coming months.She is determined to stay in Ukraine, if she can, to help make Ukraine's art and culture not only survive this war but rise up even stronger from the ashes.Thanks so much Alena for sharing your personal story, and perspective of what is happening within your country on the ground. I pray that the world unites in giving Ukraine and its people the support they need to secure their freedom and the future of their sovereignty. Thanks also for showing us how to be resilient in the face of a force that doesn’t have our best interests in its heart.You can buy fine art prints of Alena’s work on www.saatchiart.com/alenakuznetsova and follow her on Instagram @Kuznetsova_artistJoin Lou on Linkedin, or sign up to her Support the showBrave New Girls podcast champions women rebel raisers moving mountains for people & the planet. The podcast ranks in top 2.5% globally, and currently No 12 in the top "45 Best UK Women's Podcasts to Listen to", with Host Lou Hamilton, artist, author & wellbeing coach. https://podcast.feedspot.com/uk_women_podcasts/ Thank you for listening and please subscribe to keep up to date on new episodes as they're released.Lou is the founder of Brave New Girl Media- bringing you inspiration, support and growth.Sign up to our emails for inspiration, support & growth and LOU'S LIFE LAB free downloadable guide https://bravenewgirlmedia.comInsta @brave_newgirlBooks: Dare to Share- bestselling guide to podcast guesting FEAR LESS- coaching guide to living more bravely Brave New Girl- How to be Fearless Paintings & Public Art www.LouHamiltonArt.comInsta @LouHamiltonArt

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