Yevgeniya Mikhailik, Master of Fine Arts in illustration student, makes whimsical characters and scenery come to life in works that stem from traditional Russian mythology.
Mikhailik’s work, currently displayed in the Matov Max L. Gatov Gallery West at Cal State Long Beach, includes six pieces. Each piece demonstrates her technical abilities with her use of clayboard, ink and watercolor.
Mikhailik was born in Russia and moved to the United States when she was 13-years-old. She takes the characters used in Russian stories and translates them to fit a modern message or a story about herself.
“I use them to convey a message through their facial expressions or body language,” Mikhailik said.
One work from her series, “Resignation,” depicts an owl seamstress exhausted from a long day of work. The detail comes through in the clayboard etchings. This allows the artist to include minute dream-like embellishments, including the owl’s feathers and paisley patterns in the background. It also shows despair in the owl’s face from the never-ending job.
“I put the wing breaking out of the frame, like it is trying to get out,” Mikhailik said.
All of her work is inspired by the Russian folklore. However, there are only two pieces from her series, “House Guest,” that tell a traditional story.
“The house spirit takes care of the home or destroys it depending on how well you treat it,” Mikhailik said.
Her use of a muted color palate brings a natural quality to the work. Cool blues and greys compliment rustic browns and greens, giving the work an overall feeling of being in an enchanted forest.
According to Mikhailik, it takes two to three weeks to complete one piece. She is able to finish four or five illustrations in one semester.
“There is an evolution happening in her work. She is constantly pushing herself,” said Philip Vargas, CSULB alum. Vargas has previously taken illustration classes with Mikhailik, said.
Mikhailik now works two jobs while attending school and can only find two days out of the week to spent time in her studio. She said she will continue to advance in the MFA program and start to work on a thesis.
Her work will be on display at the student art galleries until Friday. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays; noon to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays; and noon to 5 p.m. on Thursdays.
