Artist statement

As an artist, I am constantly in search of the beauty and poetry that exist within our everyday lives. Inspired by nature and the human creative mind, I strive to capture the essence of these overlooked moments and their meaning for a person’s self-development.

Watercolor is my preferred medium because it brings a sense of unpredictability and transience to my work, much like the ever-changing nature of life. Each stroke of the brush adds another layer to my artistic vision, creating an ongoing narrative that is part of a larger work.

Ultimately, through my art, I invite others to see the world in a new way, encouraging a dialogue about the importance of slowing down and being present while embracing humanity’s never-ending desire to dream.

ARTIST BIO

   Irina is a Sammamish, WA based watercolor artist who was born and raised in Siberia. From a young age, she had a passion for painting, but she started to formally learn art only at the age of 28. She earned a Master's degree in Natural Resources and Environment in 2001, and later graduated from a private art school. Right after that Irina started to teach art and watercolor to kids and adults.

In 2015, Irina moved to the United States with her family and continued to develop her artistic skills as a self-taught artist, learning figure drawing, portraiture, oil painting, and calligraphy. 

Starting 2024 Irina has been collaborating with Karin Kirkland School of Dance, Kirkland,WA making a dancer portrait commission, and presentation of artworks during performances at Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue, WA. Since 2025 Irina has also been volunteering atVALA Art Center, Redmond,WA.

    Exhibition experience since 2017. Milestones are:

Solo Exhibitions

2024 — Solo Exhibition, Cheryl Sallee Gallery, Auburn, WA (January–March)

Group Exhibitions

2026 — Winter Show of Small Works and Miniatures, Parklane Gallery, Kirkland,WA

2025 — Winter Show of Small Works and Miniatures, Parklane Gallery, Kirkland,WA

2025 — Plein Air Views of Washington, Magnuson Park Gallery, Seattle, WA (May)

2025 — Art Is Me, Art Is Us, VALA Art Center, Redmond, WA (April–May)

2025 — Environmental Ties II, Magnuson Park Gallery, Seattle, WA (March–April)

2025 — Miniature Show, Parklane Gallery, Kirkland, WA (Summer)

2024 — Winter Show of Small Works and Miniatures, Parklane Gallery, Kirkland, WA

2024 — Environmental Ties, Magnuson Park Gallery, Seattle, WA

2024 — Miniature Show, Parklane Gallery, Kirkland, WA (Summer)

2024 — Crow and Raven, Third Annual Exhibition, Red Sky Gallery, Bothell, WA (Autumn)

2023 — Crow and Raven, Third Annual Exhibition, Red Sky Gallery, Bothell, WA (Autumn)

2022 — Elemental (Exhibition-Competition), Speedball Art & Iredell Arts Council, NC (August)

2022 — ART from HEART CIC, Artist of the Month Exhibition, London, UK (July). (One of the winning artists. Post is here)

2021 — Every Leaf Speaks Bliss To Me, SCVWS Member Fall Show, USA

2021 — SCVWS 53rd Annual Member Show, California

2018 — Online Exhibition, Bauhaus Prairie Art Gallery, USA ( honorable mention and two noteworthy)

2017 — Online Exhibition-Competition, Bauhaus Prairie Art Gallery, USA (4th place and two noteworthy)