Anastasia Khomutova

Q: Can you share the first time an opportunity—like a residency, pop-up, or an exhibition, made you feel like a real artist? What was that moment like for you?

A: If we don’t count children’s competitions where I won small prizes and candies, my first exhibition as a mature artist took place in the capital of Ukraine in 2016. I had just moved there and was starting my journey as an independent artist. My work was part of a group show, but it had its own space and my name beneath it.

Seeing my piece on the wall of a large gallery, surrounded by people who came specifically to see the art, was surreal. It was the first time I truly felt like I had a voice of my own. That moment gave me the confidence to keep going – and since then, I’ve continued to participate in exhibitions across Ukraine, the U.S., and internationally.

Q: Can you share a recent project or experience that helped reignite your passion during a creative block? What about it sparked new possibilities for your work?

A: About a year ago, I hit a creative block that felt deeper than usual –I wasn’t just short on ideas, I had no desire to create at all. It was especially unsettling because I’ve been drawing almost my entire life, and suddenly I felt disconnected from something that used to come so naturally. After a few weeks of this, I realized I couldn’t just wait for inspiration to return – I had to actively seek it. I started with small steps: visiting a museum, picking up a new art book, having conversations with artist friends. Slowly, I began to feel reconnected with the creative world.