Svitlana is an artist with a diverse background, having worked in various professions before pursuing a career in art. Before starting her artistic journey, she worked as an animator, illustrator, graphic designer, interior designer, and bookseller. These experiences have undoubtedly influenced her artistic style and allowed her to develop a unique perspective on the world.
Since early childhood, Svitlana has been making paintings that illustrated her favorite fairy tales—a passion that has remained a consistent thread in her work. Growing up in Kyiv, Ukraine, during a time of societal change, she spent her summers in her grandmother's village in the south of the country, where she developed a deep appreciation for nature and magical stories. These formative experiences continue to shape the themes and atmosphere of her art.
As an urban sketcher, Svitlana uses drawing as a way to observe the world with heightened attention. After moving to Vancouver in 2016, she developed a new hobby—birdwatching—which also influences her artistic process. Like spotting a bird, creating art often requires the ability to see, sense, hear, and notice the smallest things. Birds and animals—especially cats—now frequently appear in her visual narratives.
Svitlana’s love for oil painting remains unwavering, but she also enjoys working with gouache and the unpredictable nature of watercolour.
One of her biggest artistic inspirations is filmmaker David Lynch. His dreamlike imagery and fascination with the surreal resonate deeply with her creative vision, adding a layer of mystery and introspection to her work. Through her art, Svitlana aims to evoke a sense of connection and inspire others to look at the world through the lens of wonder.
Svitlana’s works are held in private collections in Canada, the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, and Ukraine.
https://www.saatchiart.com/redsquirrrrrel
https://www.artmajeur.com/svitlana-tetokina
Available for commercial illustration and private commissions
Artist Statement
In my artistic exploration, I delve into the intricate space of myth and archetypes, where the fabric of everyday life is interwoven with timeless narratives. Mythology isn't confined to ancient tales but permeates the very essence of our existence, waiting to be uncovered amidst the mundane and ordinary.
Through my work, I extend an invitation to the audience to look at the seemingly commonplace and see the mythological essence hidden within. Whether it's the play of shadows or the fleeting moments of everyday life, there lies a rich tapestry of myth waiting to be discovered.
A mere bird in the water can transform into a guide to another realm through the lens of mythological perception, leaving the viewer with the power to choose their perspective. Each piece hints at eternal plots, drawing parallels between the timeless and the transient.
I take delight in capturing the nuances of existence, from the unnoticed yet intriguing moments to the whimsical and humorous occurrences. Through oil paintings, gouache, and watercolours, I aim to reveal the inherent beauty in a world even if it may initially appear daunting.
My art celebrates the beauty that exists even amidst the shadows of uncertainty, encouraging viewers to embrace the enchantment of everyday life and perceive the world through the lens of wonder.
Curriculum Vitae
Exhibitions
Personal:
2023
• Parthenon Cafe, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Group:
2025
▪ Art 4 Life, PoMo Arts, Port Moody, BC, Canada
▪ New Art! New Artists! Slice Art Gallery, Vancouver, BC, Canada
▪ Temporarily here, Meta Senses virtual gallery
2024
• Collective Chaos - March Mini, Slice Art Gallery, Vancouver, BC, Canada
2023
• Serenity Works, Aedra Fine Arts online gallery
• Illuminant, Meta Senses virtual gallery
2020
• Mad Fishers art group street exhibition, Kyiv, Ukraine
2014
• Clockface Cafe, Urban Sketchers exhibition, Kyiv, Ukraine
2012
• InterCharm Expo exhibition, Kyiv, Ukraine
Education
• 2022 Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Courses: Commercial Illustration (CEIL-203)
Professional Practices for Artists (CEPD-200)
• 2010 British Higher School of Art and Design
Illustration Intensive
Publications
▪ "Temporarily here", catalog of exhibition, 2025
▪ MVIBE ART Magazine, Issue 4.2, April 2024
▪ "Illuminant", catalog of exhibition, 2023
▪ Artwork Gallery Magazine, Issue 6 "New Horizons", 2023
▪ "101 Contemporary Artists and More...", 5th edition, 2023
Private Collections
Canada, USA, Germany, Ukraine, Netherlands.