Sit down with Ukrainian illustrator Inna Vjuzhanina, 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?

A: This project is a chance for an honest artistic expression of how it really feels like. No sugarcoating or dreaming through the pink shades, but raw and real emotion…

Q: What is your contribution to Lower Your Sights?

A: I’ve contributed an illustration.

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 under the conditions of war. Do you believe art has the power to heal?

A: Art has many powers. Leading the soul to healing through many stages is certainly one of them.

A note from Inna:

My name is Inna and I’m an independent artist and creator based in beautiful Ukraine.

Having grown up watching Xena the Warrior Princess, thrilling adventure movies, and running around the forests of my homeland, I fostered a deep love for nature, strong female characters, and mythology. All of which found its way into my work. I enjoy exploring cultures, myths, legends, and pondering over the bits of real history behind them. I love telling the stories that my mind conjures through the viewpoint of my own characters, or the ones that inspire me the most.

Art making is my playground and chaotically beautiful ritual – I love getting submerged in the Creation and letting the Muse take over and lead the way. Often the piece ends up taking new turns from what I originally intended; and to me, it’s one of the most thrilling parts of art making. It’s also the reason why I love working independently. I prefer implying symbols and giving hints, instead of telling definite stories, allowing people to make up their own minds and come up with their own tales.

You can find my work and all my links (socials, Patreon, print store) over at my main website.