Creative Sparks in a Time of War

An interview with Ukraine’s Daria Shestakova aka Lethendralis

CJMT: First: please tell us a bit about yourself.

“I’m a Ukrainian artist from L’viv, a city, rich in history and creativity. As an artist, I’m mostly self-taught, with an architect’s degree that helps me out in many unexpected ways, such as when the need arises to visualize an entire city plan for a Dungeons & Dragons illustration. Currently, I live in Poland and do my small part in to contributing to the cultural exchange between the two countries.”

CJMT: What are your primary influences as an artist?

“19th and early 20th century Western Ukrainian artists are my primary influences. Eclectic and art-nouveau art can be seen all around in our churches, old posters, book illustrations and paintings. I’d like to say that Ivan Trush has influenced my landscape painting, but I’ve yet to achieve the dreamlike, yet tactile quality of his art.”

CMJT: What are you working on now?

“Just finished cover art for a Ukrainian publisher’s upcoming Young Adult novel. June was dedicated in entirety to two fantasy landscape watercolors for private clients. As for personal work, it’s been a while since I had the time to dedicate myself to a complex piece. Last one was a digital illustration of my folklore-based original characters, enjoying the views of Verchovyna region of Carpathian Mountains.”

CMJT: When you look over your body of work, what do you think is your overall “grand vision” or “burning question?”

“The never-ending search for authentic representation of myself and my homeland. Bridging the gap between mundane and mystical, finding beauty in things overlooked and underappreciated.”

CMJT: What have you found most challenging in creating art and balancing a career? family? other commitments?

“Not losing my creative spark in times of war. Being someone who speaks up about the realities of living in a country that fights an existential war of survival, instead of just hiding in a bubble of detached daydreaming. Finding balance between commercial and personal work.”

CMJT: What would you like to share about your individual or collaborative writing/art projects?

“Take a look at charity artbooks and zines that Ukrainian art community constantly puts out! I had the pleasure to take part in Zorevyr – a start constellation-themed artbook by the ‘Lunavis’ Ukrainian online art community, as well as in a charity Mermay-themed zine from ‘Maloviy’ – another amazing collective of artists. Such projects aim to support urgent fundraisers, that help preserve Ukrainian culture and support our defense.”

CMJT: What’s next for you?

“More of the same, if I’m honest! Juggling commercial work, interesting and unique private commissions, while carving out time for personal creativity. My goal for 2027 is to continue painting traditionally, exploring mixed media techniques – combination of watercolors, pencil, ink and digital painting.”

CMJT: Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers about?

“If you have opportunity – consider supporting Ukrainian creatives online by sharing their works, as well as through patronage on platforms like Patreon. I would also like to highlight an urgent need for financial support of Ukrainian publishing houses – many of them have become targets of Russian military strikes, with their warehouses and bookstores destroyed. If you have an opportunity to order their books online – that would be incredibly helpful. Check out major Ukrainian bookstores that deliver orders abroad like sens.in.ua or starylev.com.ua. Or donate a trusted charity, like United24 to directly support Ukraine’s defense.”