A conversation with the Ukrainian artist Veronika, or what is behind the gorgeous paintings we see on the puzzles

Many of you have not only noticed but also loved Brain Games' new brand Purple Witty Fox puzzles. A separate line of puzzles is dedicated to the paintings of Ukrainian artist Veronika Blizniuchenko. On the shelves we see fantastically gorgeous pictures full of cheerful colors, but did you know that behind them lies a very poignant story?

The beginning of the story

We had the opportunity to speak with this talented artist and bring this story to you.

" I want to share my story with you. This is my first interview where you will learn more about my path in art and some of the crucial aspects of my life that have led me to where I am now. My name is Veronika Blizniuchenko , I am a Ukrainian artist, but currently I live and create my art in Portugal, in the city of Cascais. " 

The beginnings of painting

With these words, she began her story, but let's go back a moment before... Veronika received her education as a painter at the Kharkiv Academy of Design and Art - both bachelor's and master's degrees. Even before that, she had graduated from the art lyceum academy, where studies became a decisive factor in her further choice of the profession of an artist, thanks to her teacher and authority Natalia Poberezhnaya, who, unfortunately, is no longer among us.

„ In this short interview, we will not be able to discuss all the turning points. But I'm sure you'll agree: our life's path consists of some decisive moments that stay with us like bright flashes for the rest of our lives and give a clear future direction. It is fateful – the people, events and places that shape today's reality and lay the foundation for our future. This is how fate brought me to Portugal. "

The progress of the war

After the start of a full-scale war in Ukraine, Veronika was forced to leave her city of Kharkiv and later the country.

During this interview , we are in the house of João Giimaraes , who accepted us (me and my younger brother), who opened the door of his house to us and where we were received as full members of the family. I have been creating my paintings here for more than a year, which have a great connection with both this house and the garden. This environment and events will forever remain in my memory and will be an important imprint in my art. Our reception here is a great example of kindness, humanity, a big heart that you want to follow and that makes you want to remember every moment spent here. " 

Art in Portugal - nature and garden

It was art that brought Veronica together with this Portuguese family in the early days of the war through social media. After spending many days on the road and measuring thousands of kilometers, they finally arrived here - in their new home.

" From the first day here, despite the big shock, I felt great strength and energy to create art. I had a huge motivation because of the family that remained in Ukraine. I continued to work on my jobs and get to know my new life here. I felt overwhelmed by the inspiration that came from this environment. Nature has always been a source of inspiration for my art. And being here, I could not only observe, but also reflect the beauty and harmony here. "

Many of Veronika's paintings are directly related to the garden where she spends most of her time. You can see it in her works. Many of the paintings are also called " Joao's Garden " .

Portuguese architecture and ceramics

Speaking about Portugal, Veronika, of course, notes that there is a huge cultural heritage with which every corner of this land is saturated.

" The beauty of architecture has a special place in my life. And ceramics have always attracted my attention as an art form - its decorativeness, color harmony and special symbolism. Interestingly, I was previously inspired by motifs from my art book collection. But now I'm in an environment where everything that attracted and inspired me in books now surrounds me in real life every day. An important aspect of my art is also the daily contact with the elements of nature - the ocean, its variability and diversity. This has a very strong visual and psychological impact on me as an artist. "

A new artistic period

Veronika admits that she cannot very strictly divide her artistic activity into periods. But definitely a new period has been the one year and seven months since she has been in Portugal.

„ The process of creating art is a continuous flow of inspiration and a continuous process of creation where I find new meanings, new objects and symbols of inspiration. Visual language and techniques evolve, acquire something new and improve absolutely organically through daily work. "

Technique and abstraction

When it comes to materials and techniques, the artist prefers canvas and oil paints, but also paints with watercolors and acrylic materials, then also uses gold, silver and copper leaves.

" Also, one of the important directions in my work is abstraction as an expression of freedom of thought and movement - a complete emotional outburst, which is necessary from time to time after a long work on the details of nature. I feel constant inspiration and harmony in the process of creation and observation, looking for new motifs and stories. "

Check out the Purple Witty Fox puzzles

If you are looking for new puzzles to make autumn and winter evenings more exciting, take a look at the " Purple Witty Fox " series of puzzles with paintings by Veronika Blyzniuchenko™. Such beautiful puzzles will definitely be great gifts for your loved ones during the holidays! In addition, 50% of each purchase is donated to the rehabilitation of Ukrainian victims of the war.