Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Alona, I'm 22 years old, I'm from Ukraine, and I'm an artist. :)
What first inspired you to start creating?
I can't answer that because I don't remember that moment-it probably never happened. It's like it's just me and my default settings.
Your work breaks traditional beauty rules while sharing powerful messages. What’s the main story or idea you want to tell through your designs?
My works mostly capture moments from everyday life, current trends, and beliefs.A lot of them are also based on nostalgia, my memories, personal experiences, and the past. I usually don't assign meanings to my works; they start telling a story when viewers interpret them in their own way
Are there any themes you always find yourself drawn to?
Yes! Horror movies. :) This has been my favorite topic for as long as I can remember.
Can you share a little about your creative process? How do your ideas turn into finished pieces?
I think my creative process never stops.Whatever I do, part of my mind is always working in the background, searching for ideas. First, I look, listen, and think. Then, I move my table to the window, work, take pictures, post them, and start all over again.
Do you have a favorite piece you’ve created? What makes it special to you?
I think the work that is most special to me is the "snail nails." It was one of the first photos that caught the public's attention and my first sculptural work. I have warm memories of both the process and the result.
Has working in Paris inspired you in any unexpected ways?
I was inspired by the opportunity to shoot outdoors. In Ukraine, I mostly shoot at home or in remote natural locations to avoid unwanted attention. I was very inspired by the fact that in Paris, a full range of locations opened up to me! And although people still notice me, I don't understand them, so it doesn't affect my mood in any way. :) I'm still impressed and continue to shoot mainly outdoors.
As an artist, constantly creating new work can be exhausting at times. - What keeps you motivated and excited to keep going?
I don't need much motivation to do what I love. But still, there are bad periods when my motivation is not the best. Fear of a wasted life, oblivion, fear of repeating my parents' lives-fear, fear, fear. On bad days, I tell myself: "Fight, flight, or freeze," and I choose to fight.
