Sit down with Romanian illustrator Ennun Ana Iurov as we discuss what the Lower Your Sights project means to her, her contribution to the anthology, and her thoughts on the unifying power of art.

Q: What does this project mean to you?
Ennun: This project means a lot in different ways. It’s good to see people trying to do what they can, in what medium they can, to come together and provide some kind of support for the people of Ukraine. I’m from Romania, we’re neighbors on two borders with Ukraine. I have friends there, friends that have fled and those that are still there. Friends I’ve heard from, I know are safe, and those I’ve had no contact with. It’s hard to be right next to them and yet unable to do anything, so I’m grateful for the opportunity, no matter how big or small, to do something that could hopefully lessen their pain.

Q: What is your contribution to Lower Your Sights? (Short Story, Pinup, Etc.)
Ennun: Short comic (Story and Ink, with colors by Anna Papadopoulou)

Q: In addition to supplying food and essential supplies, Voices of Children also provides art therapy to help kids cope and overcome the stress, anxiety, and trauma of living in war conditions. Do you believe art has the power to heal?
Ennun: I do. Art can help with many struggles, it allows people an out, a way to express themselves when words may fail them, a way to let loose all the pent-up emotions they hold inside. It’s a medium that has helped many people in the past, and one I hope can help many more in the future.