my journey through the 57th seasonGolden Time Talent
When I arrived in the UK, I didn’t yet dare to call myself an artist. My life had just gone through a full reset: a new country, a new language, and no clear path forward. But somewhere inside, a quiet voice whispered that maybe it was time to finally invest in the person I had always been deep down – a creator. Back in Ukraine, I spent years helping other businesses grow through marketing. I poured my energy into clients and companies, helping them thrive. But after the war began, after loss and displacement, I started asking myself a different question: What if I applied all that knowledge to myself? What if I could nurture not just a brand, but my own creative soul? What if my art could become not just a way to cope, but a profession?
That seed of thought brought me to the 57th season of Golden Time Talent. By then, I was already physically in the UK, adjusting to British life while trying to reconnect with myself. I still had connections to the Golden Time Talent team and appreciated their support, so participating in another season felt like a natural step. This time, however, I didn’t represent Ukraine. I applied as a UK – based artist – as someone embracing a new life, new culture, and new voice.
Creating art rooted in place
My submissions for the 57th season were deeply tied to my new home. Each piece became a quiet homage to the places that helped me heal, observe, and begin anew.
This painting marked a turning point. At the time, it was created intuitively, based on my impressions of central London. I wandered its streets as a newcomer, captivated by how the modern pulse of life intertwined with timeless architecture. Only later did I realise this work embodied the very heart of my artistic statement: the fragile rhythm of today mirrored against the backdrop of enduring legacy.
The painting went on to win first place in its category. But more importantly, it became the foundation of my future path.
🎨 Maidstone’s Gem: Saints Church
This piece is my quiet thank-you to Maidstone – the town that first welcomed me in the UK. At a time when everything was uncertain, Maidstone offered me beauty, calm, and space to breathe. In this painting, I focused on capturing both the strength and stillness of the historic Saints Church. Its presence is humble but dignified, much like the town itself. Through delicate layers of colour, I explored the way light moves across its stones and how its silhouette holds the stories of those who came before us.
The painting earned first place, and its emotional significance remains deeply personal.
🎨 Magnolia: A Harbinger of Spring Through Winter
This was a different kind of painting – one born from a longing for brightness. In my native Chernivtsi, Ukraine, magnolias bloomed only in a few secret spots. My son and I would go on joyful “magnolia hunts,” just to catch a glimpse of their fragile blossoms. In Maidstone, however, magnolias seem to greet you from every second garden. They offered me comfort and colour during my first British winter.
This piece, which received second place, became a gesture of gratitude – a way to honour the simple things that helped me stay hopeful.
Taking the stage (almost)
Once again, I prepared my artwork presentations – this time with more confidence. My YouTube video shows the process behind these entries and how carefully I approached each detail. Winning two first places and one second was a proud moment, but the deeper value was something else entirely: the act of claiming space. Of saying: I am here. I am building something new.
The competition offered the possibility of exhibiting work in London – a dream for many artists. For me, it was a symbolic milestone. I didn’t just want to hang a painting in a gallery. I wanted to step into the creative world as a professional, not just a participant.
Final thoughts
What began as an online contest became much more: a catalyst for personal transformation. The 57th season was not about accolades. It was about choosing to act, to be seen, and to believe in my future as an artist. Each brushstroke during this time felt like a whisper from within, reminding me that I was no longer hiding. I was creating.
And this time, I was doing it for myself.
