Colourful Chickens

This work began with a moment of recognition. When I first saw Hunt Slonem’s butterfly paintings, their simplicity, rhythm, and joyful repetition immediately resonated with me. I realized that I had been living with my own version of that world since childhood — surrounded by hens, bees, and small creatures in the Carpathians that sparked my imagination and shaped my eye for detail.

Hens, in particular, are deeply woven into my memories of rural life. Their gentle chaos, soft warmth, and quiet presence were part of the everyday poetry of home. My connection to them is also tied to the traditions I grew up with: Hutsul folk art, hand-woven textiles, and the tactile beauty of my grandmother’s embroidery. Those influences naturally flow into this piece — a balance of simplicity, repetition, and subtle ornamentation.

I chose ink, watercolour, and salt to allow the process to stay lively and open. The salt creates organic textures, echoing the rustic qualities of handmade folk craft and the natural world.

With Colourful Chickens, I hope to spark recognition and warmth — a reminder of small, harmonious moments and the gentle rhythm of nature. Many viewers share their own memories when they see my birds, and it is in those connections — personal, quiet, and sincere — that this work truly lives.

This artwork was exhibited at the Royal Watercolour Society Open 2026 in London, UK, and is currently located in London. The work is available for sale; please enquire for details. It will be shipped from the UK.