How Yulia Lisle Uses Floral Art to Tell Her Life Stories

Yulia Lisle is a passionate artist originally from Odesa, Ukraine, whose work is deeply influenced by both her personal experiences and the natural world around her. Now living in the UK, Yulia shares how her love for art started at a young age, growing up by the sea, and how it led her to become an art teacher before pursuing painting full-time. Through her vibrant floral artworks, she captures not just the beauty of nature, but also the emotions and stories that have shaped her life.

In this interview, Yulia talks about her creative process, revealing how she starts with instinct and intuition, letting each painting evolve organically. She also shares where she finds inspiration from the simple moments of everyday life, the strength and resilience she sees in flowers, to the powerful journey of motherhood.

Artist Yulia has been featured in the Arts to Hearts Project’s book Art and Woman and is recognized by the Women in Arts Network as a portfolio partner. Women in Arts Network is a proud portfolio partner of the Arts to Hearts Project’s books and magazines.

Yulia Lisle was born in Odesa, Ukraine, where she developed a passion for art at a young age. Surrounded by the vibrant colours and textures of the seaside city, she found inspiration in the everyday beauty around her. This passion led her to become an art teacher, where she spent many years nurturing the creativity of young children.

Now residing in the UK, Yulia continues to explore her artistic voice through floral paintings, capturing both the delicate beauty and strength of nature. Her work is deeply influenced by her personal experiences, her connection to her Ukrainian heritage, and her love for the natural world. She finds joy in experimenting with different techniques and mediums, always seeking new ways to express the emotions and stories that inspire her.

In addition to her artistic practice, Yulia has been deeply engaged with art therapy for the past five years. She believes in the power of art to facilitate healing and self-discovery and is passionate about helping women find their inner voice and blossom into their full potential. Through personal practice and individual sessions, she guides women on a creative journey to explore their emotions, connect with their inner strength, and embrace their authentic selves.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m an artist with a deep-rooted passion for creativity, a passion that has been with me since my earliest days growing up in the vibrant city of Odessa, Ukraine. I cherish the memories of my childhood there, the familiar streets, the beautiful seaside, and the warmth of family and friends. It’s a place I love to return to, to reconnect with my roots and recharge my spirit. Back in Ukraine, I had the joy of sharing my love for art as an art teacher, nurturing the creativity of children from ages 3 to 12. It was an incredibly rewarding experience, and it solidified my belief in the power of art to inspire and transform lives. Now, living in the UK, I continue to embrace creativity in all its forms. I find joy in keeping Ukrainian traditions alive, in the simple pleasures of cooking, gardening, and walking, and in exploring various crafts like knitting and ceramics. For me, life is an endless source of inspiration, and I find fulfillment in expressing that inspiration through my art and my everyday life.

I hope my work provokes thought and the appreciation of colors. Like food and clothes, a favorite thing.

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2. What inspired you to become an artist?

My journey to becoming an artist has been deeply intertwined with my journey of self-discovery. Through the act of creation, I found a way to connect with my inner self, to give voice to my emotions and experiences in a way that words could never capture. Each brushstroke became a step towards understanding who I am, each colour a reflection of my inner world. I believe in the power of art to facilitate a personal dialogue, a conversation between the artist and the canvas, and ultimately, a conversation with oneself. It’s through this process of exploration and expression that I’ve come to understand myself more deeply, to heal, to grow, and to truly blossom as an individual. Art, for me, is a path towards self-realization, a journey of continuous learning and discovery.

3. What is your creative process like from start to finish?

My creative process is a journey of intuition and exploration. It begins with an initial burst of energy, a spontaneous outpouring of color and movement onto the canvas, almost like working with watercolors. This first layer sets the stage, creating an atmosphere and foundation for what’s to come. From there, I begin to visualize the main elements, allowing my intuition to guide the composition. I focus on the interplay of textures and dimensions, building layers and depth as the painting evolves. This is where the real dialogue with the canvas begins, a back-and-forth of adding, subtracting, and refining until the piece starts to speak for itself. The final stages are a slower, more deliberate process. I lose myself in the details, adding intricate touches and nuances that bring the painting to life. This is where I truly connect with the artwork, engaging in a final conversation with the canvas until a sense of harmony and completion emerges. It’s a dance between spontaneity and intention, a journey of discovery that culminates in a finished piece that feels both vibrant and resolved.

4. Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?

Inspiration finds me in the everyday moments that make life so rich and beautiful. Nature, in all its vibrant forms, is my endless muse. The delicate dance of a flower petal in the breeze, the way sunlight filters through leaves, the intricate patterns of a seashell – these all spark my creativity. I’m also deeply inspired by the simple joys of daily life – a heartfelt conversation with a loved one, the quiet contemplation of a morning walk, the satisfaction of tending to my garden. My emotions, both the highs and lows, find their way onto the canvas, as do the experiences that have shaped me, particularly those moments when I’ve overcome fear and emerged stronger. Essentially, life itself, in all its messy, beautiful glory, is my greatest source of inspiration.

5. Can you tell us about a particular piece of art that holds special meaning for you?

One piece that holds immense meaning for me is “Original of Existence.” I began this painting during my pregnancy and completed it over the years following my daughter’s birth. It became a visual journal of my journey into motherhood, infused with the powerful emotions and transformations I experienced during that time. The painting depicts a vibrant floral family, each bloom nurtured and supported within a shared space. It represents the profound love, connection, and sense of belonging that blossomed within me as I became a mother. “Original of Existence” is a testament to the enduring strength and beauty of the maternal bond, a tribute to the creation of life and the powerful forces of nature that bind us together.

Yulia Lisle’s art is a reminder that creativity can be a powerful tool for healing and self-expression. Whether she’s painting vibrant flowers or guiding others through art therapy, her work encourages us to connect with our own emotions and the beauty around us. To learn more about Yulia, visit the links below.

You can explore Yulia Lisle’s journey and the stories of other artists by purchasing our Art And Woman Book here: