We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Yvette Grishina. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Yvette below.
Hi Yvette, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I was born in Estonia in 1988 to a Ukrainian mom and a Ukrainian-Russian dad. The year 1991 marked the downfall of the Soviet Union, a time of upheaval and uncertainty. As the nation transitioned, chaos emerged, and the tranquility my parents once knew began to dissipate. One day my mom and I were home while my dad was at work. Two intruders broke into our home and pepper-sprayed my mom. My parents understood that Estonia was no longer the peaceful and quiet country where they had chosen to build a life.
In the midst of adversity, my parents had an unyielding determination to secure a brighter future for our family. When I was four years old, they decided to move to the Netherlands for a more promising life. After a year of hard work and efforts, their application for residency was denied. Undeterred, they turned their sights to Canada, a journey filled with challenges. Faced with immigration complexities, my parents came through the United States, entering the country separately. After a few back and fourths from the United States to Canada, they were finally able to settle in Montreal, Quebec!
From the earliest days of my life, I witnessed my parents’ extraordinary resilience. And even as a young child that didn’t understand the concept, I felt it and understood it. It’s part of who my parents are and how they raised me. They came to Canada with one luggage for the three of us, with 1000$ in their pockets, and not speaking English nor French. Today, the narrative has transformed into one of triumph. They now own a house and a business. They travel. They have two healthy and happy kids. They live in a safe country. They made it!
Their capacity to not only withstand, but to flourish in the face of adversity, is astonishing. I hold deep admiration for my mom, Rozalie, and my dad, Aleksandr. They’ve painted for me a portrait of resilience, illustrating how strength can be drawn from even the most difficult circumstances. Their journey is a testament to the power of the human spirit, leaving a permanent mark on my understanding of what it means to persevere and thrive.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My mission revolves around guiding individuals towards a deeper exploration of their core values and beliefs. I encourage reflection on what truly holds meaning and significance for each one of us. I believe we get lost in societal influences and external expectations. The journey I suggest is one of self-discovery, enabling us to reclaim our authentic selves. When the threads of our thoughts, emotions, and essence are interwoven, we find equilibrium, comfort, and genuine happiness.
My approach involves crafting abstract artworks, each carrying a distinctive title accompanied by a short narrative. Within these creations, I carefully blend textures, shapes, and colors, always making sure symbolism is present. This artistic approach results in pieces that resonate uniquely with every individual, bringing up personal connections. The most exciting for me is the interaction with viewers who interpret and share their understanding of my art. It is a privilege to hear about life experiences and how those intertwine with my artwork.
I am currently working on two projects. The first, is an innovative stylistic evolution. Marked by rich textures and vivid colors, this approach emits both simplicity and elegance. The second, revolves around crafting mini art pieces. They are designed to seamlessly integrate into any living space, becoming unobtrusive yet impactful additions to diverse homes.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Continuous Learning and Adaptability: The ability to learn new things quickly and adapt to changing circumstances is crucial in any journey. In the fast-paced world we live in, staying current with the latest developments in your field and being open to learning from various sources is key. Read books, listen to podcasts, take online courses, attend workshops, watch videos, and engage in discussions to keep your knowledge fresh.
Advice: Embrace a growth mindset. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and explore new topics. Don’t shy away from failure or setbacks, as they are opportunities for learning and growth. Regularly set aside time for learning and reflection.
2. Effective Communication: Clear and effective communication is vital for conveying your ideas, collaborating with others, and building relationships. Whether it’s written, verbal, or non-verbal communication, the ability to articulate your thoughts and ideas in a way that’s understandable and persuasive is a valuable skill.
Advice: Practice both active listening and expressing yourself clearly. Engage in discussions with diverse individuals in various situations, and seek feedback on your communication style.
3. Resilience and Problem-Solving: Challenges and setbacks are inevitable in any journey. Being resilient and having strong problem-solving skills will help you navigate through difficulties and find innovative solutions to complex problems. Resilience involves maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity and bouncing back from setbacks.
Advice: Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Break down larger problems into smaller, manageable steps. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, or friends who can provide advice and encouragement. Practice mindfulness and stress management techniques to help you stay composed during tough times.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Of course and always! I’m actively seeking out dynamic collaborations and partnerships, particularly with individuals who have a good eye for creativity and innovation. If you’re an interior designer with a gift for seamlessly integrating art into spaces, an art exhibition organizer who thrives on creating immersive visual experiences, or an art gallery curator with a talent for presenting narratives through artistic expressions, I’m excited to connect with you.
If you’re interested in collaborating and embarking on a journey of creative exploration, I encourage you to get in touch. Reach out via my website’s “contact” tab or send me an email at [email protected]. Let’s pool our talents, expertise, and passion to craft something extraordinary that leaves a lasting impact on the world of art and design. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate and innovate together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yvetkaart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yvetka.art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yvetka.art/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvette-grishina/
