Old Friend

Mariia Bliudik, Russia

I was born on March 18 of 1982 in Russia in a family of artists. • I spent my childhood in Siberia where I visited my father’s studio daily and was painting by his side. When I grew up and faced an uneasy choice of a future profession, I refused to be an artist just to be rebellious, thinking of finding my own way rather than following my parents’ steps. But it always was within me and after 12 years I returned to my roots. Today I live and work in St. Petersburg. I started my artistic career in 2010 by becoming an airbrushing artist. Having no professional education in arts, I had to sharpen my skills by practice, self-learning, and hard work. In 2016 I took interest in oil painting. It inspired me incredibly, giving an opportunity for sharing it with others by teaching small classes. • I am grateful and proud to know that my paintings are owned by people in different parts of Russia and other countries. • I haven’t considered to participate in exhibitions in the past, being so involved in process of creation and admiring the world of brush and canvas.