A conversation with Anastasiya Kostyuk

We had the pleasure of sitting down with artist Anastasiya Kostyuk to learn more about her journey as an artist, the experiences that have shaped her work, and the philosophy behind her art.

She also reflects on why she believes true art should inspire us, evoke deep, meaningful emotions, and even have the power to heal.

by Cecilia Spendler
published 2026-08-13

How did you get started in art, and what sparked your interest in it?

– I grew up in a family where there was always an artistic atmosphere. My dad painted beautiful murals on the walls of children’s rooms. He used to be a literature teacher, and now he writes novels, which he is really good at. Creativity was always around me while I was growing up.

I attended a school with specialised art classes, and we had a very talented but demanding teacher. He taught us at a very high level, almost like a university program, and we spent a lot of time working in the classroom. By the time I finished school, I already understood how challenging an art career could be, so I decided not to study art at university. Instead, I chose to study economics and gradually stopped painting for a long time.

About six years ago, I started painting again and realised how much I truly enjoyed it. At that time, I had a well-paid job and couldn’t afford to leave it, so painting became something I did on weekends. It was a quiet and very personal part of my life.

Everything changed a year ago when I moved to Sweden after marrying my husband. I left my previous job and decided to finally start my own art business. The beginning was difficult, and I made a lot of mistakes during my first year, but it was also a period of learning and growth. Eventually, I found my way and discovered Konst.se, which became an important step in my journey.

How would you describe your artistic style, and has it evolved over time?

– I’m really drawn to realism in painting. I think it comes from my art school experience, where we worked a lot with drawing from life, and the goal was often to create something that looked as close to reality as possible. That approach influenced me a lot.

I get really excited when my work looks realistic, but not in a purely photographic way. I want it to have my own spark, emotion, and personal style. Over time, I realised that portrait painting could be an exciting challenge because it requires an even higher level of artistic skill and attention to detail.

About three years ago, I started focusing more on portraits, and I discovered that I’m actually good at them. I enjoy challenges because they make the work more exciting, and I believe they are always an opportunity to grow and improve as an artist.

What usually inspires your work? Are there any particular themes, emotions, or experiences that influence your creative process?

– I am inspired by art in all its forms - music, theatre, literature, and film. I believe that true art should inspire us and evoke deep, meaningful emotions.

One example comes from a painting I made of a woman drowning in water. Later, I attended Royal Swedish Opera to see the opera “Rusalka”. In Slavic folklore, “Rusalka” is the spirit of a young woman who died because of unhappy love. As I watched the opera, I realized that my painting was, in a way, about Rusalka. That experience inspired me to create an entire series of paintings exploring this theme.

Another deeply meaningful experience came after watching the movie “Hamnet”. It touched me profoundly and inspired me to create my painting “Praying Mother”. The story is about love, grief, and learning to let go of someone you have lost. Creating that painting became a therapeutic process for me. It reminded me that art has the power not only to express emotions but also to heal.

I love symbolism in art because it invites people to reflect, interpret, and connect with a work on a deeper, more personal level.

What is your creative process like? Do you use any specific techniques or prefer working with certain materials?

– I work primarily with oil paint because I love its richness, depth, and the freedom it gives me to build layers and create atmosphere. My creative process usually begins with inspiration. Once an idea takes hold, I go to my studio with a fresh canvas and begin painting.

For me, painting is a dialogue between the artwork and myself. Each layer reveals something new, and I enjoy discovering the final image as I work. This openness is an important part of my creative process and allows each painting to develop its own story.

Do you have any specific goals or projects you're working toward in the future? How do you see your personal growth and development as an artist?

– My goal is not simply to sell paintings. I want to build a name for myself, not to become famous, but to be recognised within the art world.

I hope to receive recognition through international competitions and exhibitions. This year, I submitted my work to the Almenara Art Prize, and I was recently selected to exhibit at the Florence Biennale 2027. In the future, I hope to be selected for more prestigious exhibitions and biennales and to continue sharing my work with a wider audience.

For me, however, it is not only about achieving goals. It is about the journey. Every new challenge, exhibition, and opportunity helps me grow, not only as an artist, but also as a person. I believe that learning and evolving are lifelong processes, and I hope my work continues to reflect that growth.