Natalia Kalinchenko

Education, career, businesses – none of it has ever been related to creativity, but I always wanted  to draw.

I am not yet familiar with  Sri Lankan artists. But I have seen so many paintings, on the sides of the road and they add so much to the atmosphere. 

Today I speak to an interesting and talented lady who holds a PhD in Physics and Microelectronics. I’m here to speak to her about her passion which is art. I had the pleasure of interacting with her, and also owning a few pieces of her creative work - she even drew me.
Natalia began her career at Tel Aviv University, engaging in scientific research. Since 2007, her creative outlook to life made it easy to own and lead her own advertising company called “Raygler,” which specialises in indoor and outdoor advertising. 

In 2018, she opened “Nk _boutique,” which focused on exclusive prints, but unfortunately, in 2022, she was forced to close all her businesses due to the geopolitical situation. Since April, she has been residing in Sri Lanka and enjoying our paradise home. 

How are you enjoying Sri Lanka? 

I really like Sri Lanka. It is a beautiful island with wonderful people. After the hectic pace of life in Israel and Russia, on this paradise island, I feel calm. The vibrant surroundings, my good mood, all of it I want to transfer to the canvas.

tell me about your profession and how have you  worked it out in lanka?

I am a Physicist by profession, but I have loved drawing since childhood. Education, career, businesses – none of it has ever been related to creativity, but I always wanted to draw. 

your passion for painting is remarkable, what made you start? 

Painting has always been my passion; I drew at home, for friends, I even participated in several exhibitions and auctions.

what inspires you to draw / paint?

Inspiration comes naturally; I enjoy drawing female faces and expressing emotions on paper – passion, love, beauty.

where can one see your work? 

I don't have social media pages; my works have gone into private hands.

You were telling me how  sri lanka has made you draw and paint more, why?

In Sri Lanka, I found time for creativity; here, I want to paint more and more.

are you planning an exhibition?

An exhibition would probably be very interesting. I’m hoping to make this work, but art for me has always been an expression. 

how long does one of your works take?

It depends, just like any creative person, it’s where the painting takes me, but I’ll say  around 1-2 days.

a Sri Lankan artist who you would love to work with?

I am not yet familiar with Sri Lankan artists. But I have seen so many paintings, especialy on the sides of the road and they add so much to the atmosphere.