Hi! My name is Yana and I create artwork that's inspired by nature and conservation.
 

Early Years

I was born in Shumsk, Ukraine in 1990 and moved to Ontario, Canada in 1997. From a young age, I have been fascinated by other species, spent time outdoors, and enjoyed drawing, painting, and other art forms.


Post-Secondary Education

 
I briefly studied Visual Studies and Communications at the University of Toronto before completing my bachelor's and master's degree in Environmental Studies at York University. My graduate studies focused on conservation, ecology, human-animal relations, and human impacts, and my main research was on human impacts on tropical ecosystems (with a coral restoration study).


Inspiration and Work

I aim to use my art to convey the beauty of nature, communicate environmental topics and issues, inspire others to appreciate the ecosystems around them, and support conservation.

After wrestling to find a path that fit me, I realized I needed to try and forge my own path—I wanted to find a way to support conservation while also maintaining balance in life. I began painting more often to help re-ground myself, and I realized that merging my art with my environmental background may just be the perfect combination. I created Earth & Easel in 2023 to reflect this focus and connection.

I create landscape paintings, flora and fauna illustrations, and the occasional fantasy whimsy piece. These pieces represent the beauty and biodiversity that exists around us, and our connection to nature and other species.


Continued Environmental Work

I continue to be involved with environmental projects such as coral restoration at the Caribbean Coral Restoration Center, and turtle conservation with Oak Ridges Turtles (a chapter of Turtle Guardians).

Contact

If you have any questions or want to get in touch, please use the contact form (under the "contact" option in the main menu) or email me at earthandeasel@gmail.com